Position by Position Analysis (offense and coaching -- defense later)

[SF Dolphin Fan]

Just for fun and trying to be realistic. Would like to hear what others think. Here's my rating system:

Well below average = bottom five in the league (-3)
Below average = bottom third in the league (-2)
Slightly below average = less than average, but not quite bottom third (-1)
Average = in the middle of the pack league-wise (0)
Slightly above average = not quite top third (+1)
Above average = top third in the league (+2)
Well above average = top five in the league (+3)

Coaching ---- Slightly below average (-1)
In one sense, going 8-8 with an offensive line that was a complete mess has to be considered an accomplishment. On the other hand, the coaching staff seems to lack in creativity. Case in point, how Wallace was used on offense and Jordan on defense. You think Pete Carroll would have found more snaps for a player as talented as Jordan? Also, linebackers in Coyles system just don't seem to perform very well. Both Ellerbe and Wheeler had good years elsewhere and struggled in Miami. The addition of Lazor as offensive coordinator could lift this unit, but the coaching staff definitely needs to step up or the team will likely go in a different direction in the offseason. A big year for Phillibin.

GM ---- Slightly above average (+1)
It's hard to grade on one offseason, but Hickey's first is definitely encouraging. By signing Albert, Hickey turned the teams' biggest weakness into a strength. Martin was a bottom five in the league left tackle and Albert is one of the best in pass blocking. Re-signing Grimes and Starks was huge. I might have kept Carroll over Finnegan and essentially trading out Solai (run stuffer) for Mitchell (pass rusher) will be interesting. Moreno was an under-the-radar pickup that could pay off in a huge way. The draft was conservative in some ways. James was a reach, but should be an instant starter. Landry and Turner should both start and Aikens and Tripp have nice skills to develop.

Quarterback ----- Slightly above average (+1)
The season for Miami hinges on how much Tannehill improves. Considering the offensive line the quarterback had in front of him last season, Tannehill's numbers were very respectable. He could, conceivably, make a huge leap this season maybe into the top third of NFL signal callers. If he does that the Dolphins have a real shot at the super bowl. I'm predicting a more modest leap based on an improved offensive line, better talent at running back and wide receiver -- not to mention a new offensive coordinator in Lazor.

Offensive Line ---- Average (0)
No question this unit last season was well below average maybe even the worst in the league. The addition of Albert and the subtraction of Martin is a huge gain for Miami. First round pick James should be an upgrade over Clabo. The trio of Turner, Thomas and Smith should be stronger than Incognito and Jerry. Pouncey is one of the best centers. On paper, this unit should be much improved but the question is how long will it take to gain cohesiveness?

Wide Receiver ---- Slightly above average (+1)
This unit lacks a true number one and I'm not convinced that the tight ends are top half of the league. That said, Miami has the most talent and depth that they've had in a long time at wide receiver. Wallace was somewhat of a disappointment last year, but he and Tannehill left a lot of big plays on the field. He's a player the opposing defenses have to account for. Hartline is a great route runner who Tannehill trusts and Gibson was developing nicely until he was injured. I love the Landry pick and think he could emerge as the #3 receiver. Matthews should make the team as well. Clay is a top 100 player, but the Dolphins don't look to have much around him at tight end. Maybe Lynch can develop.

Running Back ---- Average (0)
Moreno is a complete back who should really help Miami. He was fourth in the NFL in yards for a running back (counting receiving) and scored 10 touchdowns last year for Denver. He won't put up the same numbers for the Dolphins, but he is still an upgrade. I like Miller's big-play ability and I think Thomas is better than any other challengers.

 

[KTOWNFINFAN]

Not bad. Mine would look more like this:
Coaching ---- Below average (-2) HC is easily bottom 5 but I really like Lazor and his signing brings us back up to -2 instead of -3.

GM ---- Slightly below average (-1) Not sure how you can let Carroll and Patterson walk and take a long shot chance on Finnigan, while completely ignoring our biggest need on defense, the LBs. Can't believe he didn't bring in any starting OGs either. We had to have two starting LBs, and 4 starting OLmen. He brought in two upgrades at OT, and ignored OG and LB. I like Turner as a project OT but have huge doubts that he will be able to be a plug and play guard. His draft was average at best, losing value in two of the three draft day trades and reaching in the first. You say we will have three starters this year from this years draft, I say we have one. Landry won't beat out a healthy Gibson in the slot, and as much as I hope I'm wrong, I just can't see Turner changing his entire game to become an NFL starting OG in one off season.

Quarterback ----- Slightly above average (+1) This one is close, but although his stats have been in the bottom 3rd of the league I love his growth and think replacing Sherman with a good OC will push Ryan up to average or slightly above average this year, and could push him even higher if we can find someone to play OG.

Wide Receiver ---- Above average (+2) Our starters are very underrated IMO, but what makes our WRs above average is our depth. Our 6th or even 7th WR might be the #2 on a team like the panthers. If everyone stays healthy through TC I can see our last cut getting snatched up pretty quickly.

Running Back ---- Slightly below average (-1) Miller will be better than Moreno in nearly every stat this year. I think Miller will be the day one starter and I see him as slightly below average. Maybe Williams can step up and become a pleasant surprise, but he is a long shot.

 

[juicifer1269]

Running Back ---- Slightly below average (-1) Miller was better than Moreno in nearly every stat last year. I think Miller will be the day one starter and I see him as slightly below average. Maybe Williams can step up and become a pleasant surprise, but he is a long shot.

I think you may have that reversed. Moreno was better than Miller in EVERY offensive stat except for longest rush. I dont think Moreno will have nearly the year he did for Denver last year but he is a better all around back than Miller at this time.

 

[juicifer1269]

Miller did have 1 fumble to Moreno's 2

 

[mega-fin-love]

Not sure how anyone can justify saying Hickey is an above average GM. Also Tannehill has not proven near enough to be considered above average. I mostly agree with the rest though.

 

[KTOWNFINFAN]

I think you may have that reversed. Moreno was better than Miller in EVERY offensive stat except for longest rush. I dont think Moreno will have nearly the year he did for Denver last year but he is a better all around back than Miller at this time.

Opps, sorry. I fixed it.

 

[SF Dolphin Fan]

Not bad. Mine would look more like this:
Coaching ---- Below average (-2) HC is easily bottom 5 but I really like Lazor and his signing brings us back up to -2 instead of -3.

GM ---- Slightly below average (-1) Not sure how you can let Carroll and Patterson walk and take a long shot chance on Finnigan, while completely ignoring our biggest need on defense, the LBs. Can't believe he didn't bring in any starting OGs either. We had to have two starting LBs, and 4 starting OLmen. He brought in two upgrades at OT, and ignored OG and LB. I like Turner as a project OT but have huge doubts that he will be able to be a plug and play guard. His draft was average at best, losing value in two of the three draft day trades and reaching in the first. You say we will have three starters this year from this years draft, I say we have one. Landry won't beat out a healthy Gibson in the slot, and as much as I hope I'm wrong, I just can't see Turner changing his entire game to become an NFL starting OG in one off season.

Quarterback ----- Slightly above average (+1) This one is close, but although his stats have been in the bottom 3rd of the league I love his growth and think replacing Sherman with a good OC will push Ryan up to average or slightly above average this year, and could push him even higher if we can find someone to play OG.

Wide Receiver ---- Above average (+2) Our starters are very underrated IMO, but what makes our WRs above average is our depth. Our 6th or even 7th WR might be the #2 on a team like the panthers. If everyone stays healthy through TC I can see our last cut getting snatched up pretty quickly.

Running Back ---- Slightly below average (-1) Miller will be better than Moreno in nearly every stat this year. I think Miller will be the day one starter and I see him as slightly below average. Maybe Williams can step up and become a pleasant surprise, but he is a long shot.

I left offensive line out of my original post, but it's now included. Take a look. I went back and forth on average and slightly above average on GM. On one hand, Ireland was knocked for being conservative in the draft and Hickey's played out that way early on. That said, in free agency Miami really had to get a deal done with Albert and they did. Lots of teams needed help there and if the Dolphins don't make that move they need to trade up in the draft maybe for Taylor Lewan. I agree on Finnegan. That was an odd signing and Carroll is ascending, though certainly hasn't proven to be anything special.

As to wide receiver, I agree the depth is really good. When is the last time we could say that in Miami? I really like Matthews and he's probably #5 on the list. The battle for #6, if the Dolphins keep six, should be a fun one to watch. I still want that big, physical guy and more talent at tight end.

 

[dlockz]

don't agree that all of a sudden we have an average oline due to addition of Albert. Outside of Center and left tackle there are way too many questions.

 

[mega-fin-love]

don't agree that all of a sudden we have an average oline due to addition of Albert. Outside of Center and left tackle there are way too many questions.

Agreed. I'm not sure how much better our o-line will be. Would not surprise me if it was worse. If our first round pick plays well it should be better but that's no guarantee.

 

[where's th'fish]

If O-line is average I'll be delighted. WR is a team strength, so they darn better be more than +1. If Tannehill and the WRs are +2, we're in business.

On the grading, the top 3rd is like top 11, right? Average is about 16, so it should span at least 13-19. That leaves slightly above average as squeezed between 11 and 13, or in other words, exactly 12th. But I just thought of it as a 7-point scale, definitions be damned.

 

[SF Dolphin Fan]

don't agree that all of a sudden we have an average oline due to addition of Albert. Outside of Center and left tackle there are way too many questions.

I do think I'm being optimistic there. But, what I do like is that the line has athletes and this is really the first time that Philibin has the players to run the zone blocking scheme in Miami. We have two pro bowl players in Albert and Pouncey and a first round tackle in James who could be a nice upgrade over Clabo. There are questions. Who plays guard and how good are they? Those are legit concerns.