I too like what they did in the draft and in free agency this year but I still think it will take another draft and free agency period to get this team to the next level.Miami Dolphins clearly prioritized their needs by position. GM Chris Grier didn't attempt to fix everything this year. The priorities after getting Tua were to strengthen the O-line, D-line and inject more talented fast competitive CBs. Defensively, the Raekwon Davis draft picks means that he is coming here to stuff the run. The addition of Kyle Van Noy, who knows precisely what Coach Flores wants, is huge. I expect him to be our Defensive leader. With McMillan, Baker, Van Ginkel, Elandon Roberts (from the Patriots) and Grugier-Hill (from the Eagles) etc we should be good at LB.
Last season we didn't have much of a running game. The addition of Jordan Howard and Matt Breida should help, but RB and WR can be selectively improved next year in the Draft and free agency. Biggest question for me is how well the O-line comes together. A massive transfusion of talent was needed and Grier devoted a 1st (Jackson), a 2nd (Hunt), and a 4th (Kindley together with the addition of Karras and Flowers in free agency. Let's see how it comes together. If they struggle, then it probably delays Tua's start and I have zero problem with Fitz's vast experience to shoulder the responsibility and take some hits.
I may be in the minority, but I really, really like the structured systematic approach of addressing our problems this year. I remain very optimistic.
I expect Fitzpatrick to be the starter going into the season and assuming the offensive line develops as the season goes along. I think Tua will get some starts at the end of the season if he has shown that his hip is healed completely.
What I would like to see from the team this year is an improvement by the OL throughout the year. The defense come together to stop the run and apply more pressure against the pass. Hopefully Tua can get
4-6 starts and show he can be the QB this team has been looking for since Marino retired.
As long as the young players show improvement as the season progresses and the free agents they signed pan out, I will be happy with the season, no matter how many wins they have. Of course the most important player for this team going forward is Tua and the future of the Dolphins is totally based on his development over the coming years.