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So much talk about Tua and the tank. But his injury throws a big monkey wrench on Miami's offseason plans. It may be too big of a risk to take him in the top 10, although many teams will be watching to see how his rehab goes. Another team to watch now in the quarterback search are the soon to be Las Vegas Raiders. To be honest, I think Burrow and a healthy Tua are the only two worth a top 10 pick. That said, I know teams are going to roll the dice. Miami may be one of those with Herbert a stronger possibility now.
The Dolphins could follow a similar path that San Francisco or New Orleans took, though. Neither drafted the quarterback of the future and both are among the best teams in the NFL, the Saints for quite some time now. Miami fans know all too well that the Saints got Brees, while the Dolphins ended up with Culpepper.
One thing is certain, I just don't think a team can win without a top quarterback. The coaching staff here, though, is a positive. Perhaps they can develop one. Think about this. Since Marino retired, Miami hasn't had a top-notch coach. There were a few that did okay, but player development has been a huge reason why the Dolphins have been mediocre for so long. That and, for some reason, never being able to field a solid offensive line. We talk a lot about how Miami could have drafted Rodgers, Brees, Wilson, Ryan, Jackson etc. That's well and good, but how would they have done in Miami with the bumbling coaches the team has had here? And with no offensive line?
Anyway, for the fun of it, let's talk about a different building ideas? How about Bridgewater in free agency? He looked awfully impressive in New Orleans, going 5-0 with nine touchdowns and just two interceptions. If you extrapolate that over 15 games, that's 27 touchdowns and six interceptions. You can win with that. I know, the Saints offense is loaded and Miami's is near expansion team level. There are some trade options, the best might be Cam Newton, but he's an injury risk. The rest are no better than Tannehill, players like Carr, Trubisky, Dalton etc.
Bridgewater was pursued by Miami in the offseason, which means they thought he was at least a fit. He also had a lot of success with DaVante Parker at Lousville. He's a bit too conservative at times, and I do wonder if he moves the needle enough. But, I don't think he's getting big money (qb-wise) and that doesn't preclude the Dolphins taking a quarterback. Although, maybe the team waits until 2021.
I'd favor going heavy on the offensive line in free agency, picking up two quality starters if possible. One, if two aren't available. My biggest splurge in free agency would be a pass rusher either Clowney or Armstead. Watching the Dolphins lack of pass rush has to bug Flores in a big way, plus the team has struggled to find those types of players in the draft. I'd fill in the rest of free agency with depth types. I love Derrick Henry, but I think he's going to be too costly for a running back. Plus, that's a strong suit in the draft.
As to the draft, with the quarterback position solidified (probably), I would look BPA with a focus on the elite positions. Miami could get to 5-11 with NYG and Cincinnati winnable games so drafting close to top 5. How about something like this for the first two rounds.....
1. Derrick Brown DT, Auburn (other option Epenesa)
1. Alex Leatherwood OT, Alabama
1. Tyler Biadasz C, Wisconsin
2. Jalen Hurts, QB, Oklahoma
2. Najee Harris, RB Alabama
Maybe a corner in there. Brown is interesting because he can stop the run and pressure the passer from the inside. Miami does need an edge-setter, but Young will be gone. Epenesa probably ends up top 10. He's intriguing. I would also like to see the Dolphins find a receiver who can take the top off a defense like Ruggs III, but I think he goes top 15. Hurts will likely end up in the first round when all is said and done. Lots of other possibilities there if you don't go quarterback.
The Dolphins could follow a similar path that San Francisco or New Orleans took, though. Neither drafted the quarterback of the future and both are among the best teams in the NFL, the Saints for quite some time now. Miami fans know all too well that the Saints got Brees, while the Dolphins ended up with Culpepper.
One thing is certain, I just don't think a team can win without a top quarterback. The coaching staff here, though, is a positive. Perhaps they can develop one. Think about this. Since Marino retired, Miami hasn't had a top-notch coach. There were a few that did okay, but player development has been a huge reason why the Dolphins have been mediocre for so long. That and, for some reason, never being able to field a solid offensive line. We talk a lot about how Miami could have drafted Rodgers, Brees, Wilson, Ryan, Jackson etc. That's well and good, but how would they have done in Miami with the bumbling coaches the team has had here? And with no offensive line?
Anyway, for the fun of it, let's talk about a different building ideas? How about Bridgewater in free agency? He looked awfully impressive in New Orleans, going 5-0 with nine touchdowns and just two interceptions. If you extrapolate that over 15 games, that's 27 touchdowns and six interceptions. You can win with that. I know, the Saints offense is loaded and Miami's is near expansion team level. There are some trade options, the best might be Cam Newton, but he's an injury risk. The rest are no better than Tannehill, players like Carr, Trubisky, Dalton etc.
Bridgewater was pursued by Miami in the offseason, which means they thought he was at least a fit. He also had a lot of success with DaVante Parker at Lousville. He's a bit too conservative at times, and I do wonder if he moves the needle enough. But, I don't think he's getting big money (qb-wise) and that doesn't preclude the Dolphins taking a quarterback. Although, maybe the team waits until 2021.
I'd favor going heavy on the offensive line in free agency, picking up two quality starters if possible. One, if two aren't available. My biggest splurge in free agency would be a pass rusher either Clowney or Armstead. Watching the Dolphins lack of pass rush has to bug Flores in a big way, plus the team has struggled to find those types of players in the draft. I'd fill in the rest of free agency with depth types. I love Derrick Henry, but I think he's going to be too costly for a running back. Plus, that's a strong suit in the draft.
As to the draft, with the quarterback position solidified (probably), I would look BPA with a focus on the elite positions. Miami could get to 5-11 with NYG and Cincinnati winnable games so drafting close to top 5. How about something like this for the first two rounds.....
1. Derrick Brown DT, Auburn (other option Epenesa)
1. Alex Leatherwood OT, Alabama
1. Tyler Biadasz C, Wisconsin
2. Jalen Hurts, QB, Oklahoma
2. Najee Harris, RB Alabama
Maybe a corner in there. Brown is interesting because he can stop the run and pressure the passer from the inside. Miami does need an edge-setter, but Young will be gone. Epenesa probably ends up top 10. He's intriguing. I would also like to see the Dolphins find a receiver who can take the top off a defense like Ruggs III, but I think he goes top 15. Hurts will likely end up in the first round when all is said and done. Lots of other possibilities there if you don't go quarterback.
