A lot of people are kidding themselves on this thread and the threads predicting wins, or the threads where pundits bash the team.
Not that I expect us to have fewer than 6 or 7 wins if the key players stay healthy. I think we'll be in touch with a playoff berth coming down the stretch. But that would make us average or at best slightly above average in the NFL.
So, on the basis that a D is just below league average and a B is just above it, here's how I'd grade the team....
Front Office C-
The Trader Mike moves haven't really moved the needle, especially when you figure in the contract renewals for Kiki, Branch McDonald etc. Nor have Gase's various attempts to work with old buddies (coaches and players) been that productive. Think Cutler, JT, Bushrod et al.
The drafts have been very solid though, imo.
Coaching C
I know in Year 2 he had no QB (partly his fault) but if you're a famous QB whisperer and offensive guru, you need to have a more productive offense. He knows it and fans know it. Playcalling has improved, situational football is better. Are players improving dramatically though under his coaching?
Quarterback B-
If Tannehill is OK - and I don't see why he wouldn't be - we'll have a guy in the top 10-12 QBs in the league, higher if he takes a step forward. Backups are solid.
Offensive Line D+
Remember, D+ is a hair below middle of the pack. It should be above average, but we haven't had one of those since forever and I'm not convinced about depth (which is crucial in that position). If Sitton and Kilgore solidify the interior, this might hit a C, which frankly I'd be very happy with.
Running Backs B-
If Adam Gase has proven a guru at one position in his time in Miami, it's prob RB, ironically. I had no faith when we drafted Drake and was shocked when Ajayi was traded, so I'm giving Adam complete benefit of the doubt here, as he seems to have a great eye.
Wide Receivers B+
This stable of WRs is a QBs wet dream. They're all proven, battle tested producers. They're all fast, they're all good catchers, they can all get separation. I can understand why teams with more hyped or glamorous players wouldn't swap with Miami, but they prob wouldn't swap with NE either and look what they achieve.
Tight Ends D+
I know, I know. But remember D+ is top 20, roughly speaking. Remember also that were talking 2018, not the future. TEs coming from college almost always have a tough first year. Their playbook is massive, they have to get stronger, they have to improve their blocking (even the flex guys),.... it's a lot to ask a guy to be a star in year one. And some, despite having huge potential coming out, don't make the jump. I have faith in our guys, but a stable of Gesicki, Smythe, Escobar, Grey, Derby is VERY untested, even if chock-full of potential. In 2019, the score could be A (or it could be E). I'm optimistic it will climb.
Defensive Ends B+
It's not a great run-stuffing group. But it is a relentless bunch of crazed lunatics coming off the edge. Will be tough to deal with that level of quality through a full game for any tackle in the league.
Defensive Tackles E+
Outside the top 20 teams for me, this room. Sure, individually most of these guys have some NFL calibre talent. But it's a long season, they have no intimidation factor, our scheme funnels play inside and makes work for DTs, our DEs aren't runstuffers (Hayes excl), our LB corps is new, injuries will prob play a role..... Looks like a long season for a bunch of rotational players to gel and hold their own.
Linebackers C
Unlike the TE position, this LB group has had more time in the playbook and with coaches. Even Raekwon is in year 2 of learning the system, if not playing it. He will be a huge add. The improved safety room behind them will help, but the thin DT group could be a drain. The hardest group to rate for me. My faith in Raekwon is enough to believe it can be a top15 group
Corner D-
Just outside the top half of the league. Potential is yet to turn into production with this group. Their physical traits have shown that shifting away from press coverage is a risky ploy and maybe explains why these long physical guys are not a la mode. If they can play more press and can clean up their rough edges, who knows, they could be a top ten grouping. Slot corner still worries me, even if McCain took a step forward last year.
Safety A-
Yeah, I think this group is that good. Minkah is a home run draftee and the other two guys are high quality safeties any team would want.
Special Teams C-
Great coverage, great kick blocking, great punting, OK KR/PR and OK kicking have kind of been the hallmark of Rizzis Special Teams every year. Why should this be any different? What stops it being a top half grouping is my disgust at us losing Parkey and our necessary faith in another project kicker (so far anyway). Kicking points is vital, misses are game changers.
There we have it. It's a team with some talent above the average at some really key spots (QB, WR, DE and safety), a couple of top 15-17 rooms and bottom half talent elsewhere. No Trainwreck areas, though we'll have to watch the DT room.
For me, there's enough potential there for the team to squeeze the playoffs. But to get there will require better coaching, player development and offensive production than we've had so far from Gase. He capable of it, I'm sure.
