Robert Hunt likely to shift to guard: Opens Miami Dolphins OT competition

Robert Hunt lined up at tackle last year and got better as the Miami Dolphins season rolled on but this year, he will likely start at guard.

Miami’s offensive line hasn’t seen much improvement over the last decade. A player here or there but nothing that put the unit in the top portion of the NFL. That could change this year or next and Robert Hunt could be the reason why.

Miami’s focus at guard over the years has been nothing short of oversight. They have found pieces to fit into the position but never someone that could keep it and hold it. The last truly great guard the Dolphins had was Richie Incognito but this year Hunt could change that.

Hunt is a big football player and he plays well at tackle and the Dolphins believe he will make an even better guard. Miami is going to try to make that move and Hunt told media that he is fine with that switch.

With Hunt moving to guard and Solomon Kindley returning to hold the other guard position, the focus of Miami’s offensive line now shifts to the tackles. Miami traded up for Notre Dame tackle Liam Eichenberg and he will compete for the right tackle spot opposite Austin Jackson on the left.

Eichenberg was good for the Fighting Irish but some believe his arms are too short to man the outside. If that holds true through the camp, we could see Hunt and Eichenberg swap spots.

Miami is hoping to build a physically attacking offensive line and they want a mauler mentality. The coaches will need to bring that out in them and if they do, this could develop into one of Miami’s best in 20 years. A key part of that will be how well Robert Hunt transitions to guard and who takes his place at tackle.

With no off-season to speak of last year and no pre-season at all, this year will be the first full season that the coaching staff will get to work with these guys.