Miami Dolphins: 4 Biggest Obstacles to Address This Offseason

The Miami Dolphins are in need of a lot of pieces this offseason. Despite a surprising number of wins for a team that was written off, Miami didn’t have much to write back home about. Their offense had its bright spots but fell flat. Their defense kept them in-game at times but still couldn’t take over games. Their coaching, well okay their coaching was adequate and made some gutsy calls. But when it’s all said and done, the Dolphins have a lot to address this offseason.

Defensive playmaker

First, the defense could use a game-changing player. Not just a guy who can go out and make plays or a guy who can lay a good hit on. Miami needs a guy who is all over the place, making play after play and shutting down from his position. The type of playmaker who can shut down the run, defend in the passing game, and create turnovers and do it all consistently.

The defense seems to have guys who individually make plays, but never a guy who sets the tone for the entire defense who opponents fear. If the Dolphins want to crawl from the bottom of the defensive ranks, they need the player who not only makes a case to be a pro-bowl talent but steps in to be a future Hall of Fame talent.

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The Run Game

It doesn’t matter where the Dolphins start here, but they need to make drastic moves. Whether it’s beef up their offensive line with higher-priced, proven, free agents or draft immediate starters upfront, they need new lanes to run in. It doesn’t matter if they pay a player like Melvin Gordon or draft a J.K. Dobbins they need a back who can run with purpose. No matter what angle they take, the run game kept Miami’s offense one dimensional.

With new offensive coordinator Chan Gailey back in the fold for the Dolphins, the potential to focus on the run will be implemented. Miami has playmakers at the receiver but knowing they can’t run opponents can easily jump routes in the passing game.

Pass Rushers

Another offseason, another year of searching for a playmaker on the defensive line. It seems the Dolphins haven’t been able to get this position right since the days of Jason Taylor. Even Ndamukong Suh couldn’t fix the debacle that is the Miami Dolphins defensive line. Pressure is key in the NFL and in a division that has a winning quarterback as successful as Tom Brady, you need multiple guys who can get to the quarterback more than once a game.

Even when there have been the guys like Cam Wake, the rest of the line hasn’t been feared at all. If Miami wants to get back to a top talent defense, they’ll need someone to patrol the edge to force teams to play between the hashes. They’ll need guys who can plug the hole up the middle. Too often they have one or the other leaving a weak spot on their defensive strategy. Defense wins championships and Miami isn’t playing championship defense.

Quarterback

Of course, the Dolphins are going to draft a quarterback this year with one of their first three picks. It’s been said to death that’s Miami’s plan and rightfully so. The team hasn’t had a franchise quarterback who turned the team around completely in two decades. With all the big names in free agency, with all the big names in this year’s draft, the Dolphins haven’t had this good of a chance at landing their guy since the Drew Brees/Daunte Culpepper debate.

Ultimately, Miami should go all-in with this year’s draft to set up their quarterback of the future. The team is said to want Ryan Fitzpatrick back so bringing in a veteran QB wouldn’t make sense. Josh Rosen is still with Miami so bringing in a journeyman backup is just as unlikely. If the Dolphins want to address who’s under center, it’ll be in this year’s draft.

With up to 14 picks in this year’s draft, the Dolphins should have plenty to work with. Will they get it right or will it be another forgetful offseason?