- Joined
- May 27, 2005
- Messages
- 25,634
- Reaction score
- 35,986
Where does Miami rank unit-by-unit after the draft? I'm trying to be realistic without aqua-colored glasses. Using an A-F grading system with C being league average.
Here it goes. Love your take.
Front Office C-
Mike Tannebaum was hired in February 2015. Making this simple, Miami has gone 22-27 in that time period which is a bit below average. We can talk all day about good and bad moves, but won/loss record seems like the best indicator.
Coaching C
Using the same approach, Adam Gase is 16-17 in two years including a playoff loss to Pittsburgh. Gase was a breath of fresh air, pulling all the right strings in his first year. Not much went right in year number two. I will say this. In year three, the offense better take off as that's really his area of expertise and it's been pretty ho hum for the most part.
Quarterback C
The numbers may not suggest it, but I think Ryan Tannehill is slightly above average. He could have his best season with an improved cast around him. Brock Osweiller was a fringe starter, but he could give you a good game here and there. David Fales and Brice Petty could be in the mix for a back-up role.
Offensive Line C+
When was the last time Miami had an above average offensive line? Could certainly happen this year. Love the free agent acquisition of Josh Sitton at left guard. Plus Daniel Kilgore is probably as good as Mike Pouncey, but more durable. The key is the development of Laremy Tunsil. Depth appears better as well.
Running Backs B-
I think Kenyon Drake has superstar potential if he stays healthy. Hopefully Frank Gore has enough left in the tank to get those short-yardage, tough yards. Kalen Ballage has some intriguing skills to work with.
Wide Receivers C
There's no number one guy here, but there is talent. Danny Amendola is a quarterback friendly target. Albert Wilson is fast and versatile. Kenny Stills and Tannehill are on the same page. The big question mark is DaVante Parker and if he can take his game to another level. Jakeem Grant and Wilson could take some plays away from Parker. Grant's big-play ability needs to be utilized better.
Tight Ends C+
I admit this could be a bit "homer" of me. I just really think Mike Gesicki is going to be just sicki. In a good way. He may be the best tight end Miami has had since Keith Jackson. I like the potential of Durham Smythe as well, especially as a blocker. A.J. Derby is also intriguing and MarQueis Gray figures to challenge for a roster spot as well. I think the Dolphins turned this from a weakness to a strength this offseason.
Defensive Ends B-
With Cameron Wake, Robert Quinn, Charles Harris, William Hayes and Charles Branch Miami has pass rushers and depth on the edge. Besides Hayes, though, these guys aren't great against the run. That could be a concern.
Defensive Tackles D+
Even with the recent addition of Akeem Spence, defensive tackle is a major question mark. Davon Godchaux had a nice rookie year and should continue to develop. Jordan Phillips is a big key with whether he can be more productive with more snaps. Vincent Taylor looks to be a rotational guy.
Linebackers C-
This is really projection based. The return of Raekwon McMillan could be huge for Miami's defense. Jerome Baker, at least initially, figures in passing downs. His speed and athleticism should boost the pass defense. Kiko Alonso could find himself back at MLB with McMillan as the strongside. Stephone Anthony may start at strongside. Interesting to see how the Dolphins go here.
Corner/Safety B-
The safety tandem of Reshad Jones and rookie Minkah Fitzpatrick could be among the leagues best. Xavien Howard had a terrific stretch run for Miami with a game for the ages against New England. Cordrea Tankersley showed well as a rookie. Tony Lippett returns to challenge Tankersley. Bobby McCain figures to start in the slot, maybe with Fitzpatrick getting time there as well. T.J. McDonald could see time at linebacker or as a third safety in some sets. Nice young talent in the secondary for the Dolphins.
Special Teams C-
Rookie kicker Jason Sanders would be the current starter and that doesn't instill a lot of confidence. Long snapper John Denny remains a great story for Miami. If long snappers ever made the Hall of Fame, he'd have to be considered. Of course, that doesn't happen. On paper, this area could be a concern but you never know who will end up as the opening day kicker.
Here it goes. Love your take.
Front Office C-
Mike Tannebaum was hired in February 2015. Making this simple, Miami has gone 22-27 in that time period which is a bit below average. We can talk all day about good and bad moves, but won/loss record seems like the best indicator.
Coaching C
Using the same approach, Adam Gase is 16-17 in two years including a playoff loss to Pittsburgh. Gase was a breath of fresh air, pulling all the right strings in his first year. Not much went right in year number two. I will say this. In year three, the offense better take off as that's really his area of expertise and it's been pretty ho hum for the most part.
Quarterback C
The numbers may not suggest it, but I think Ryan Tannehill is slightly above average. He could have his best season with an improved cast around him. Brock Osweiller was a fringe starter, but he could give you a good game here and there. David Fales and Brice Petty could be in the mix for a back-up role.
Offensive Line C+
When was the last time Miami had an above average offensive line? Could certainly happen this year. Love the free agent acquisition of Josh Sitton at left guard. Plus Daniel Kilgore is probably as good as Mike Pouncey, but more durable. The key is the development of Laremy Tunsil. Depth appears better as well.
Running Backs B-
I think Kenyon Drake has superstar potential if he stays healthy. Hopefully Frank Gore has enough left in the tank to get those short-yardage, tough yards. Kalen Ballage has some intriguing skills to work with.
Wide Receivers C
There's no number one guy here, but there is talent. Danny Amendola is a quarterback friendly target. Albert Wilson is fast and versatile. Kenny Stills and Tannehill are on the same page. The big question mark is DaVante Parker and if he can take his game to another level. Jakeem Grant and Wilson could take some plays away from Parker. Grant's big-play ability needs to be utilized better.
Tight Ends C+
I admit this could be a bit "homer" of me. I just really think Mike Gesicki is going to be just sicki. In a good way. He may be the best tight end Miami has had since Keith Jackson. I like the potential of Durham Smythe as well, especially as a blocker. A.J. Derby is also intriguing and MarQueis Gray figures to challenge for a roster spot as well. I think the Dolphins turned this from a weakness to a strength this offseason.
Defensive Ends B-
With Cameron Wake, Robert Quinn, Charles Harris, William Hayes and Charles Branch Miami has pass rushers and depth on the edge. Besides Hayes, though, these guys aren't great against the run. That could be a concern.
Defensive Tackles D+
Even with the recent addition of Akeem Spence, defensive tackle is a major question mark. Davon Godchaux had a nice rookie year and should continue to develop. Jordan Phillips is a big key with whether he can be more productive with more snaps. Vincent Taylor looks to be a rotational guy.
Linebackers C-
This is really projection based. The return of Raekwon McMillan could be huge for Miami's defense. Jerome Baker, at least initially, figures in passing downs. His speed and athleticism should boost the pass defense. Kiko Alonso could find himself back at MLB with McMillan as the strongside. Stephone Anthony may start at strongside. Interesting to see how the Dolphins go here.
Corner/Safety B-
The safety tandem of Reshad Jones and rookie Minkah Fitzpatrick could be among the leagues best. Xavien Howard had a terrific stretch run for Miami with a game for the ages against New England. Cordrea Tankersley showed well as a rookie. Tony Lippett returns to challenge Tankersley. Bobby McCain figures to start in the slot, maybe with Fitzpatrick getting time there as well. T.J. McDonald could see time at linebacker or as a third safety in some sets. Nice young talent in the secondary for the Dolphins.
Special Teams C-
Rookie kicker Jason Sanders would be the current starter and that doesn't instill a lot of confidence. Long snapper John Denny remains a great story for Miami. If long snappers ever made the Hall of Fame, he'd have to be considered. Of course, that doesn't happen. On paper, this area could be a concern but you never know who will end up as the opening day kicker.
Last edited:
