Miami Dolphins: Predicting Combine Priorities
Thursday starts the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine and the Miami Dolphins look to be one of the most active teams. This year they’ll have more room to move around in free agency and the draft but before they make their first move they’ll have to do the research. The combine not only allows them to take a look at players’ skill sets but also meet with them and judge their character. Head coach Brian Flores has a certain prototype when it comes to players making sure they’re going after strong leaders and professionalism.
Coaches and scouts will have four days to meet and observe players, which hardly seems enough when it comes to building their future. The Dolphins will have to bring their A-game when it comes to evaluations as the five-win team has a lot of holes to fill. They’ll not only need to stock up on immediate impact players, but they’ll also have to get their reserve and backup rolls in place as well. Looking ahead Miami will need to focus mostly on these key positions:
First priority
Quarterback
The Dolphins are perfectly comfortable rolling out with Ryan Fitzpatrick again this year. Even Josh Rosen as his backup is a reasonable option. However, the Dolphins see the writing on the wall. Fitz-magic won’t last forever and even if Rosen takes over in the transition, it won’t hurt to have a young rookie to groom as a safety net. Some fans want Rosen to get a fair shot behind a revamped offensive line. Some want the splash in the draft of Tua or Herbert and many other names. With that being said, Miami is almost certain to draft a quarterback with their first pick no matter where they are in the top 5.
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Offensive Line
Speaking of fan demands, everyone from the front office to the armchair GMs at home knows the Dolphins need a more consistent offensive line. Miami’s run game was almost nonexistent last season. Their leading rusher was a 37-year-old quarterback who’s never been considered a mobile QB. Not only will they need to improve their run game, if they do jump on the quarterback bandwagon, but they’ll also need to protect their shiny new toy. Late in the season they pieced together a working line but should expect a 50/50 split between bringing in free agents and bulking up in the draft.
Second Priority
Wide Receiver
Looking back at the strength of last year’s offense, you wouldn’t put wide receiver high on their list. However, Miami could use one more playmaker on the opposite side of Devante Parker. Talent is abundant in this year’s draft and a playmaker with their 3rd first-round pick. And while the Dolphins could use a handful of picks on the offensive line, starters can be found in rounds 2 and 3. There’s a good chance they take a risk and add another playmaker early on.
Defensive Line
Bulking up will be key along the offensive and defensive fronts. Pass rusher is one of the biggest needs as their pressure on the quarterback almost was as nonexistent as the run game. With Brian Flores being a defensive mind, he’ll more than likely push the defense this offseason but will more than likely be a wild card. They could take a playmaker early in the draft or wait till the mid rounds with a player they can mold and develop.
Defensive Backs
Looking to add playmakers in the second and third rounds will be key to the Dolphins draft. Six picks in the first three rounds and they can get a playmaker out of each one. If turning the defense around from last year is high on their priority list, they’ll need to create turnovers. Expect Miami to draft a big, physical, turnover machine,
Late Draft Priority
Linebacker
While the Dolphins seem to have some solid playmakers in the middle of their defense, they’ll need scheme fits and depth to match up week to week. Look for the Dolphins to add LBs who can cover tight ends and get to each sideline fast. Coaches were happy with the unit last season but it could be the cornerstone of their defense moving forward.
Running Backs
Despite the awful run game last season, running back should be a low priority for this year’s draft. If they can find a diamond in the rough playmaker late in rounds then that should be their angle. With the money, they have to spend in free agency and a solid amount of running backs available in free agency or via trade, the Dolphins could either trade their late-round picks for an established vet or sign a big-name running back to take the pressure of their new quarterbacks. Expect Miami to make a splash in free agency at running back.
Miami will have a lot of work ahead of them, but there in the driver’s seat this offseason. Stay tuned for more information on this year’s NFL Combine.
Rick ODonnell aka Caveman Rick has many years covering the Miami Dolphins, Sports, and all sorts of movies and television.
