Miami Dolphins biggest holes needing to be filled during the rebuild

The Miami Dolphins are rebuiling and they have created a lot of holes that need to be filled on both sides of the ball as they try to create a winning franchise.

The Miami Dolphins have let many players go in this offseason wether they were traded, cut, or just walked away in free agency. From trading away Robert Quinn, cutting Andre Branch, and letting Cameron Wake walk away and sign with the Tennessee Titans. The Dolphins without a doubt got weaker on their defensive line with these key losses in the offseason so far.

1: Defensive Line

Having three defensive ends leave your team is not the best way to start off the offseason. As stated earlier those are some key losses for the Dolphins making one of their biggest holes to fill is the defensive line. Why? you may ask. It is the first thing that makes contact on every play. Having a strong defensive line will help the Dolphins shut down the running game and pressuring the quarterback. The Dolphins do have returning players like DT Vincent Taylor, DE Charles Harris, and DT Davon Godchaux. Suh was a big splash signing by the Dolphins in 2015 that didn’t pan out as expected so Miami should try to avoid signings like these in the future. Expect the Dolphins to go about this through the draft this year and address it in the following draft and free agency.

2. Offensive Line

Miami has yet to find the right combination of offensive linemen who can with hold rushers from getting to the quarterback and blow up running plays. With the loss of right tackle Ja’Wuan James in free agency to the Denver Broncos. The Dolphins also released center/guard Ted Larsen and guard Josh Sitton. With Daniel Kilgore still on the roster to compete for the starting center job against possibly Chris Reed who can play center or guard. The Dolphins have a guard who has yet to see any NFL playing time in the regular season. yet, that may change this season as offensive guard Issac Asiata is entering his 3rd year with the Dolphins and has the chance to prove his pass blocking has improved since he was a freak of nature in the run game in Utah. Expect Miami to address the offensive line this in this draft and years to come.

3. Quarterback

The Dolphins finally moved on from quarterback Ryan Tannehill this off season with a trade to the Tennessee Titans. Then shortly following that they signed Ryan Fitzpatrick. Though this is not an upgrade from Tannehill to most it isn’t the worst position to be in. Fitzpatrick has served 11 years in the NFL (2005,2008-2018) and can serve as the bridge quarterback to the Dolphins future quarterback. They also have Luke Faulk and Jake Rudock also at the quarterback position. Miami has been speculated to like the 2020 draft class of quarterbacks better than the 2019 draft class. Nonetheless it would be in Miamis best interest to draft a quarterback or two in the next couple of drafts. Recent history has shown that selecting a quarterback in the first round is not always in the teams best interest for success, yes they may be talented but so can the guy later in the draft as well.

More from Phin Phanatic

• Tua Tagovailoa practicing with teammates is everything a leader does
• 4 offensive tackles Miami Dolphins could draft at 51
• Miami Dolphins don’t need CB help but these 5 could be available at 51
• 4 players that could replace Wilkins if Miami Dolphins don’t re-sign him
• Miami Dolphins have a starting point with Wilkins after Simmons deal

4. Linebackers

The Dolphins had 2 young players alongside with Kiko Alonso in the linebacker position for a majority of the season. Raekwon McMillan on a technical rookie season since he tore his ACL in the first kick off of the preseason of the 2017 season. One of his former Ohio State teammates was drafted by Miami in the second round was Jerome Baker. Both would be starting with Kiko but having proper back ups besides Mike Hull should be a priority over the next couple of off seasons for the Dolphins.

5. Secondary

There has been speculation of the Dolphins moving on from safety Reshad Jones soon is one that raises an eye brow but makes sense in the part of the rebuild and his hefty contract. With the emergence of Xavien Howard in the last two seasons makes the Dolphins want to focus on surrounding him with ample talent to compliment his game with the possibility of a big pay day coming his way soon. They addressed the cornerback position by signing former New England Patriot Eric Rowe. His familiarity with Brian Flores and some of the Defensive staff will be a big help to the Dolphins. They have all of their secondary returning from last season which is a good sign for the Dolphins. The secondary was one of the highlights of the Dolphins defense last year producing many turnovers in their favor.

6. Skill position Players (TE,WR,RB)

Miamis first signing this offseason was TE Dwayne Allen, then followed by resigning WR Devante Parker and lastly singing TE Clive Walford to add the skills positions. Miami did not resign running backs Frank Gore and Brandon Bolden. Yet, the tight ends and wide receivers core is the same don’t be surprised if the Dolphins do draft a running back in this draft.

With the Defensive line not producing a great amount of pressure of the opposing teams offensive lines, Miami desperately needs to Draft defensive and offensive line heavy these next two years and fill any spots that need be in the future.