Miami Dolphins
Defensive Linemen:
Jason Taylor is one of the top defensive ends in the game, averaging 50 solo tackles and 14 sacks over the last three seasons. Tall and skinny (6'6 260), Taylor makes up for a lack of girth with excellent technique and use of his hands. Adewale Ogunleye was a project going into last year, until he lit it up in preseason (eight sacks I believe) and won the starting job. In the same mold as Taylor, Ogunleye (6'4 255) is very quick and shows surprising strength. He could easily improve on last years 9.5 sacks with a year of experience under his belt and the benefit of starting across from Taylor. Depth is a strength for the Dolphins here with Jay Williams, David Bowens and Rob Burnett providing quality rotation flexibility. At tackle, Tim Bowens and Larry Chester form a nice run-stuffing combo. They don't stand out statistically in Miami's scheme, but they are the centerpiece of a defense that finished fifth in the league, allowing 1554 rushing yards on the year. The Dolphins lost reserve tackle Jermane Haley when they declined to match Washington's offer on the restricted free-agent, but they signed Jeff Zgonina from the Rams to take his spot in the rotation.
Linebackers:
Over the last three seasons, middle linebacker Zach Thomas ranks fourth in solo tackles with 311. At 5'11 235, he's the heart of their defense and makes up for a lack of size with positioning and sure-tackling. The Dolphins traded a seventh round draft pick to San Diego in exchange for future Hall of Famer Junior Seau. He may not be the force that he once was, but Seau certainly upgrades Miami's defense with playmaking ability that they've been lacking at the weakside position. His arrival signified the end of last years starter, Derrick Rodgers, tenure in Miami. There will be a training camp battle to determine the starter on the strong side. Marlon Greenwood, who started 14 games last year but only posted 36 solo tackles, will be pushed by rookie 2nd round pick Eddie Moore. Moore is said to possess better instincts than Greenwood and will likely see more playing time in the spot. His problem has been injuries. Injuries may prove to be the a big problem for this entire unit. With little depth to speak of, the success or failure of the linebackers will likely be determined by the ability of Thomas and Seau to remain healthy.
Defensive Backs:
Sam Madison and Patrick Surtain may be the most feared cornerback duo in the league. Statistically, Surtain is the star with three year averages of 48 solo tackles and near five interceptions. He's a complete shutdown cornerback. Before Surtain came into his own three years ago, the same was said about Madison, but he's seen better days. Not the fastest corner, he makes up for it in technique and is said to be recovering very well from offseason knee surgery. While the knee didn't force him to miss any games last season, it did hamper him all year long. Depth at corner was an issue last year so they brought in veteran playmaker Terrell Buckley. If Buckley is able to flash the play that he's showed in New England over the last two seasons, he'll take over the nickel back job and push first round bust Jamar Fletcher into a dime back role. This may light a fire under Fletcher, but it's unlikely. At safety, the Dolphins were set to go with last years starters Brock Marion and Arturo Freeman. That was, until Sammy Knight became available. The top safety in the league over the past three seasons, Knight was thought to be too slow for New Orleans, so they released him. A big hitter and top playmaker, he'll start at strong safety in Miami. Marion, another top playmaker, has been the quarterback of the Dolphins defensive backfield for the past five seasons. Averaging 74 solo tackles and five interceptions over the last three, he's getting up there in age (33) and will have to be replaced soon. Knight's arrival forced Freeman into the primary backup role at both safety positions. He showed a lot of promise last year, his third, and has a bright future.
Fantasy Outlook:
Jason Taylor, Zach Thomas and Sammy Knight are among the elite at their respective positions. Knight is switching teams, so there's some risk involved, but he's been so good that it'll be hard to imagine him falling too far. Adewale Ogunleye looks like a good bet for double digit sacks this year, although he'll have to improve his tackle numbers (34 solo's last year). Seau has fallen from elite status over the last few years but is still productive enough to land in the top 30. Whoever wins the starting strongside linebacker job is worth a roster spot in larger leagues, but don't expect much. Patrick Surtain is a top fantasy corner, but loses most of his value if bundled with safeties. Look for this to be Brock Marion's last productive season, following Knight into the top 30. Arturo Freeman was a very nice sleeper until the Knight signing, and remains so after. He'll likely be a starter in 2004, if not sooner, so store him away.
If you want to see what they say about the other AFCE D's go here: IDP Analysis - AFC East (Part 1 of 8)
Not a bad breakdown and attentions to detail report.
Defensive Linemen:
Jason Taylor is one of the top defensive ends in the game, averaging 50 solo tackles and 14 sacks over the last three seasons. Tall and skinny (6'6 260), Taylor makes up for a lack of girth with excellent technique and use of his hands. Adewale Ogunleye was a project going into last year, until he lit it up in preseason (eight sacks I believe) and won the starting job. In the same mold as Taylor, Ogunleye (6'4 255) is very quick and shows surprising strength. He could easily improve on last years 9.5 sacks with a year of experience under his belt and the benefit of starting across from Taylor. Depth is a strength for the Dolphins here with Jay Williams, David Bowens and Rob Burnett providing quality rotation flexibility. At tackle, Tim Bowens and Larry Chester form a nice run-stuffing combo. They don't stand out statistically in Miami's scheme, but they are the centerpiece of a defense that finished fifth in the league, allowing 1554 rushing yards on the year. The Dolphins lost reserve tackle Jermane Haley when they declined to match Washington's offer on the restricted free-agent, but they signed Jeff Zgonina from the Rams to take his spot in the rotation.
Linebackers:
Over the last three seasons, middle linebacker Zach Thomas ranks fourth in solo tackles with 311. At 5'11 235, he's the heart of their defense and makes up for a lack of size with positioning and sure-tackling. The Dolphins traded a seventh round draft pick to San Diego in exchange for future Hall of Famer Junior Seau. He may not be the force that he once was, but Seau certainly upgrades Miami's defense with playmaking ability that they've been lacking at the weakside position. His arrival signified the end of last years starter, Derrick Rodgers, tenure in Miami. There will be a training camp battle to determine the starter on the strong side. Marlon Greenwood, who started 14 games last year but only posted 36 solo tackles, will be pushed by rookie 2nd round pick Eddie Moore. Moore is said to possess better instincts than Greenwood and will likely see more playing time in the spot. His problem has been injuries. Injuries may prove to be the a big problem for this entire unit. With little depth to speak of, the success or failure of the linebackers will likely be determined by the ability of Thomas and Seau to remain healthy.
Defensive Backs:
Sam Madison and Patrick Surtain may be the most feared cornerback duo in the league. Statistically, Surtain is the star with three year averages of 48 solo tackles and near five interceptions. He's a complete shutdown cornerback. Before Surtain came into his own three years ago, the same was said about Madison, but he's seen better days. Not the fastest corner, he makes up for it in technique and is said to be recovering very well from offseason knee surgery. While the knee didn't force him to miss any games last season, it did hamper him all year long. Depth at corner was an issue last year so they brought in veteran playmaker Terrell Buckley. If Buckley is able to flash the play that he's showed in New England over the last two seasons, he'll take over the nickel back job and push first round bust Jamar Fletcher into a dime back role. This may light a fire under Fletcher, but it's unlikely. At safety, the Dolphins were set to go with last years starters Brock Marion and Arturo Freeman. That was, until Sammy Knight became available. The top safety in the league over the past three seasons, Knight was thought to be too slow for New Orleans, so they released him. A big hitter and top playmaker, he'll start at strong safety in Miami. Marion, another top playmaker, has been the quarterback of the Dolphins defensive backfield for the past five seasons. Averaging 74 solo tackles and five interceptions over the last three, he's getting up there in age (33) and will have to be replaced soon. Knight's arrival forced Freeman into the primary backup role at both safety positions. He showed a lot of promise last year, his third, and has a bright future.
Fantasy Outlook:
Jason Taylor, Zach Thomas and Sammy Knight are among the elite at their respective positions. Knight is switching teams, so there's some risk involved, but he's been so good that it'll be hard to imagine him falling too far. Adewale Ogunleye looks like a good bet for double digit sacks this year, although he'll have to improve his tackle numbers (34 solo's last year). Seau has fallen from elite status over the last few years but is still productive enough to land in the top 30. Whoever wins the starting strongside linebacker job is worth a roster spot in larger leagues, but don't expect much. Patrick Surtain is a top fantasy corner, but loses most of his value if bundled with safeties. Look for this to be Brock Marion's last productive season, following Knight into the top 30. Arturo Freeman was a very nice sleeper until the Knight signing, and remains so after. He'll likely be a starter in 2004, if not sooner, so store him away.
If you want to see what they say about the other AFCE D's go here: IDP Analysis - AFC East (Part 1 of 8)
Not a bad breakdown and attentions to detail report.
