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Ranking the top 5 Dolphins off-season moves

By Brian Miller

Jan 1, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) throws a pass under pressure from Los Angeles Rams defensive end William Hayes (95) during a NFL football game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The Cardinals defeated the Rams 44-6. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) throws a pass under pressure from Los Angeles Rams defensive end William Hayes (95) during a NFL football game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The Cardinals defeated the Rams 44-6. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 13, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Miami Dolphins defensive end Andre Branch (50) reacts after a sack during the second half against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Miami won 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Miami Dolphins defensive end Andre Branch (50) reacts after a sack during the second half against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Miami won 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /

It seems as though everything the Dolphins have done this off-season have come in a minimum of pairs. Two new safeties and an extension, two offensive lineman, is it any surprise that defensive end would be different? Or how about tight-ends? More later.

The Dolphins knew they needed to address the defensive end position and frankly they still do. The draft should provide a rotational end to work with Andre Branch. The Dolphins saw enough in Branch last season to bring him back for another go around.

Branch was allowed to test the market but ultimately it was Miami who was able to get the right deal to keep Branch in Miami. While Branch is not necessarily a top 10 defensive end in the league he is consistent and stays healthy. Last season Branch was able to improve as the season progressed.

Originally Branch was supposed to rotate with Mario Williams but that disaster left Miami with no choice but to leave Branch in the game more and more often until finally it was his and his alone. Ideally the Dolphins will add another DE as stated and they still need to address depth behind both Branch and Cameron Wake.

Wake on the other hand opted to restructure his contract and extend his final year to another two seasons. Miami now has time to develop a replacement outside and Wake was able to stay healthy all last season.

Miami would still like to see more relegation to pass rushing situations but Wake had a very good season in 2016 against the run and pass coverage.

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