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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 6
Next
Jan 12, 2020; Kansas City, MO, USA; Houston Texans linebacker Benardrick McKinney (55) celebrates during the second quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs in a AFC Divisional Round playoff football game at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 12, 2020; Kansas City, MO, USA; Houston Texans linebacker Benardrick McKinney (55) celebrates during the second quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs in a AFC Divisional Round playoff football game at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports /

The Dolphins trade for McKinney improves the interior linebackers but weakens the outside

A move made even more interesting following the release of Van Noy, the team let go of two of their leading pass rushers and leaders. However, Lawson was underwhelming in his first and only season with the Miami Dolphins accounting for only 4.0 sacks on the season.

Benardirck Mckinney, a 2018 Pro-Bowler, was one of the top defenders on the Houston Texans defense over the past few seasons. Prior to only playing four games in 2020, Mckinney had over 95 tackles in every season except his rookie season. However, he has only had at most 5 sacks in a single season.

While Mckinney won’t make up for the sacks lost by moving on from Van Noy and Lawson, he should slot in nicely next to Jerome Baker. If he can stay healthy, this could improve the Dolphin’s defense, if they are able to add the proper EDGE rushers.

Related Story. Miami Dolphins top remaining defensive edge options. light

Some EDGE rushers remaining in free agency are Jadeveon Clowney, Melvin Ingram, and Ryan Kerrigan. If the Dolphins want to focus on the position in the draft, the team could add Gregory Rousseau, Jaelan Phillips, or Kwity Paye in the first round.

Grade: B+ (Becomes an A once the team addresses EDGE needs)

Home/Dolphins News