There is a sub-section of Dolphins fans who just can’t help themselves. And it is certainly understandable — 20 years of mediocrity and a decade of shoddy offensive line play is going to leave a mark. But there’s no point in wringing one’s hands over the future of the Dolphins franchise because Miami’s 2019 offensive line is horrendously bad.
“Well, it doesn’t matter if they pick a quarterback No. 1 overall, Peyton Manning couldn’t win behind this offensive line!”
While that’s not incorrect, it’s worth stating the obvious: It’s a good thing a No. 1 overall pick wouldn’t be playing behind this offensive line for the Dolphins! That’s the entire point — Miami had to get worse before it got better. But the bandaid has been ripped off and the worst is over. Miami will be transitioning back to talent acquisition — not asset acquisition — this offseason.
Which means the Dolphins are going to address the offensive line. And a top pick would not be playing behind this current cast of characters. Thank goodness for that.
Don’t believe it? Look no further than the Buffalo Bills. The Bills introduced four new starters to their offensive line in 2019. The unit, by all accounts, is a major upgrade. Just because the Dolphins haven’t successfully pieced together a good offensive line in a decade doesn’t mean they’re going to elect to ignore it once again this offseason. Ownership and management have been very clear — they have a plan. That plan, based on the model implemented by coach Brian Flores’ former team in New England, puts great emphasis on winning football inside-out. That means the trenches will demand the Dolphins’ attention.
And if the Buffalo Bills can sign OT Ty Nsekhe, C Mitch Morse, OG Quinton Spain, OG Jon Feliciano and draft OL Cody Ford in one offseason, the Dolphins will have no problem overhauling their line.
Furthermore, Miami is likely looking at three new starters. OG Michael Deiter was a third-round pick this year. Coach Brian Flores named Deiter by name when referencing which players have improved the most in the first four weeks of the season; he’s a long-term starter. And the Dolphins signed OT Jesse Davis to an extension just a few weeks ago. He figures to get a decent crack at a starting left tackle job for a left-handed Tua Tagovailoa in 2020.
That leaves center, right guard and right tackle.
Positional value allows for both interior spots to regularly available on the second day of the NFL Draft — of which Miami is already slated to have three or four picks on, depending on the status of their compensatory pick for Ja’Wuan James. And offensive tackle? There are two great ones eligible for 2020’s NFL Draft: Georgia’s Andrew Thomas and Iowa’s Tristan Wirfs. Plus several other top-50 prospects.
Miami will have options. Let’s not put the cart before the horse.
