If you thought Sports Illustrated was disrespectful by ranking the Dolphins 29th in their power rankings a few days ago, you may want to close the page now. ESPN updated their own set of power rankings and the Miami Dolphins are dead last. 32nd.
ESPN’s Cameron Wolfe credits the Dolphins for their “plan to escape mediocrity”, suggesting that Miami made their moves for 2020 but didn’t improve their roster this off-season.
There’s some reason to believe Miami’s roster is better though. Flipping out Ryan Tannehill for Ryan Fitzpatrick is an upgrade, believe it or not — the team is hoping Josh Rosen is as well. The signing of Eric Rowe is a sneaky upgrade at the outside corner position, as it allows Bobby McCain to stay in the nickel. Drafting Christian Wilkins and Michael Deiter provide clear upgrades on the interior of the line of scrimmage.
Miami did get worse (as of now) at right tackle and at defensive end/rush linebacker. But to suggest Miami’s roster is no better than it was five months ago isn’t fully accurate.
That, of course, isn’t even to suggest that the Dolphins are a lock to surpass ESPN’s projected 5.6 wins on the season. They have a tough schedule and two large holes still to fill on the roster.
