Phin Phanatic
FanSided

Grading the Miami Dolphins off-season moves ahead of the draft

By Pablo Rosero

Nov 26, 2020; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Will Fuller (15) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2020; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Will Fuller (15) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 3, 2021; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) is sacked by New England Patriots defensive tackle Adam Butler (70) during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2021; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) is sacked by New England Patriots defensive tackle Adam Butler (70) during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /

The defense continues to trend up after solid additions

The Dolphins defense was trending up last season thanks to major additions in the offseason and the progression of carryovers from the 2019 season. With the team moving on from both Van Noy and Shaq Lawson, who is next on the talking points, there were holes to address.

First, the team brought back Vince Bigel to resume his rotation as a rushing linebacker and then added former Houston Texan Brennan Scarlett to play in the rotation as well. Both Lawson and Van Noy were important to pass rushers and their production must be replaced, bringing back Biegel and adding Scarlett is a start, but not the best solution.

Then the team added competition for the nickel corner spot. The expectation is for former Detriot Lion Justin Coleman to compete with Nik Needham and former first-round pick Noah Igbinoghene for the role. Coleman, who played in a similar system with the Lions, should be a great rotational corner even if he does not win the role.

Butler, a former Patriot, will bring in much-needed reinforcement to the Dolphin’s interior defensive position. Alongside Christian Wilkins, Raekwon Davis, and Zach Sieler the team should have a solid interior defensive lineman group that can both stop the run and gets to the quarterback.

Justin Coleman Grade: B+

Adam Butler Grade: A

Brennan Scarlett re-signing Vince Biegel Grade: C+

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