How the Miami Dolphins will win the Super Bowl Next Year
The best part of the Miami Dolphins these past two seasons is their defense. No one can take that away from this team, and the fact that McDaniel’s retained a large part of that staff will help with continuity. The Dolphins primary objective this offseason should be to resign Emmanuel Ogbah. This will show to the younger players that if you ball out, you will be rewarded from the team. Although McDaniel inherited Ogbah, you can’t replicate his presence on the field and within the locker room.
The secondary is the strength of the defense. Every single player will be returning and a case can be made that this could be the best secondary in the NFL. Xavian Howard is a Pro Baller, Bryon Jones was awesome this past year, and Jevon Holland and Brandon Jones were the top two blitzing safeties in the league. But it all starts upfront. The best secondary is the one the plays for the shortest amount of time.
In the trenches, the Dolphins have Christian Wilkins and Raekwon Davis, two pillar tackles, pairing them with Ogbah and former first rounder Jalen Phillips that is enough to create some pressure on opposing quarterbacks. An area for upgrade has to the linebacker spot, as Jerome Baker and Andrew Van Ginkel are the only returning starters. The Dolphins would be wise to invest in the draft, as the free agency doesn’t offer much upside. Hasson Reddick could be a player to monitor as he signed a one year prove it deal, that did not bode well for him. Given the opportunity in Miami blitz heavy scheme, this could be a pairing that makes a lot of sense. Another name to keep on the radar is Anthony Barr from Minnesota. Barr was exceptional in his first few years, but injuries have started catching up to him. If Barr were to take an incentive ridden contract, Miami has the flexibility to offer that.
In the draft, if Miami didn’t trade their own pick, they could have easily selected Devin Lloyd and then this conversation would never have happened. Unfortunately, Lloyd most likely will not make it to the end of the 1st round. Nonetheless, the Dolphins might look at one of my favorite linebacker in this draft class, Channing Tindall. This kid can fly and most likely is the best coverage linebacker in this draft class. That element of speed is crazy and you pair him with Baker and you have the ability to crash and expose.
All teams across the league know the Dolphins defense is legit. The Dolphins would just need to add a little more speed and resign their impact players. With all the coming together this defense is ready to once again carry the team.