http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/insider/news/story?id=3240410
Nothing really new here just an interesting article solidifying what we (as well as the other three teams) need to improve on.
Nothing really new here just an interesting article solidifying what we (as well as the other three teams) need to improve on.
Miami Dolphins
Offensive line -- The Dolphins need to be re-tooled in the trenches on both sides of the ball, especially the offensive tackle position. Giving up 42 sacks and averaging less than 100 yards per game rushing often starts with the offensive line. Bill Parcels and Jeff Ireland like to invest in defensive players early in the draft, but with the option of Jake Long (OT) or Glenn Dorsey (DT) in the draft, they will likely fill one need with a free-agent acquisition and the other with their first pick. Tackle Vernon Carey is a good player, but may be best suited on the right side. Replacing L.J. Shelton and eventually addressing the interior line will likely happen between now and the 2008 season.
Defensive tackle -- This once-vaunted Dolphins defense has obviously aged to the point it needs help up front. Three of the four starting linemen have double-digit years in the league and after giving up a league-worst 154 yards per contest on the ground, this area must be addressed. Both Vonnie Holliday and Keith Traylor have seen better days as interior defenders and may be best utilized as players who provide depth in Miami or with another club. Only three sacks were generated by those two veterans in 2007 and the middle of the defense was often exploited in the running game.
Linebacker -- One of the most productive defenders in Dolphins history, Zach Thomas, missed most of the 2007 season and his absence was noticeable. Both Thomas and Joey Porter have some age on them and with Porter having some durability concerns and the uncertainty of how well Thomas will come off of his injury, this position needs to be addressed. Channing Crowder is a good, young prospect but there are not many promising players on the roster around him. It's likely Parcels and Ireland will work to give the defense a new look in 2008.
Cornerback -- Starters Will Allen and Michael Lehan performed admirably in 2007 considering the lack of production up front, but neither player is a lock-down defender who would let Miami's coordinator be more flexible in his play calling. Allen doesn't have great size and Lehan, a career backup, is more of an athlete who can provide depth rather than be an impact player. There are some solid players on the roster, but no one who can change the face of the secondary.
Quarterback -- Miami's QBs have been among the most erratic in the NFL over the past few seasons. This storied franchise hasn't been able to hang its hat on any one QB in a long time. With veteran Trent Green being released, Cleo Lemon, who was the starter at the end of the season, a free agent and an unproven but talented John Beck on the roster, this position will likely get some attention. No position is more important to a franchise than quarterback and how Parcels and Ireland handle this situation will be one of their biggest challenges this offseason.