Dolphins Offseason Needs NFL 2022: Free Agency And Draft Preview
The Dolphins had the epitome of a rollercoaster season. Or really it was downhill and then it went up. The Dolphins started 1-7 and then finished the season 9-8. The Dolphins are currently the 3rd best team in the AFC East. While contending for the AFC East crown might be a tall task seeing as the Bills are the best team in the AFC East. The Dolphins will try to compete with the Patriots for 2nd and try to get a playoff berth. However, the Dolphins have time. They don’t have to rush this process. Of course, you want to compete as fast as you can, but it shouldn’t lead to bad decisions. With that being said, the Dolphins can make a lot of progress this offseason to get to that point of contending. Let’s see how Miami addresses the Dolphins offseason needs.
Dolphins Free Agency
Before the tampering period, the Dolphins had one of the highest cap spaces in the NFL. They have signed players since the tampering period has opened up. They have signed Chase Edmonds, Cedrick Wilson, Teddy Bridgewater, and Raheem Mostert for the offense. Indicating a few things. They took out an insurance policy on Tua Talgoliva in case he might not be the sure thing. Cedrick Wilson was a low-risk deal to get some more production out of the WR corps. Or simply to help promising Jaylen Waddle in the WR room. Chase Edmonds adds to the Miami versatile RB committee, but they need help in that department badly too.
The Dolphins still have about $24 million in cap space. They still haven’t addressed their biggest need: Offensive Line. While they might not have enough to get the best of the best in this scarce market. I think anyone they can get might be better whatever the fuck they put on the line last year. I’d also like to see them add an LB or 2 to their core after potentially losing 3 to Free Agency. That has to be the priority for the Dolphins going for the rest of free agency.
Dolphins Draft
The Dolphins do not have their own first this year after trading up with the Eagles at 6 in 2021 to get Jaylen Waddle. But, the Dolphins got the 49ers pick in 2022 before that as the 49ers traded up in 2021 to get Trey Lance at 3. So, instead of their own pick at 15, they have the 49ers pick at 29. This lets the board fall to them and they can choose the best talent from the dregs. They’re looking at the same thing in free agency: OL and LB. At least at LB, I think the Dolphins can get one of the 3. Devin Lloyd, Nakobe Dean, or Christian Harris. OL is where it gets more interesting. At Guard, the Dolphins might be able to get Zion Johnson or Kenyon Green. OT they might be able to pick Nicholas Petit-Frere. Center might have Tyler Linderbaum available to them. If none of these guys are available, I don’t hate the idea of grabbing another WR to have a formidable trio of Waddle, Wilson, and a rookie WR. However, the Dolphins can and should trade out of this spot if the guy they want isn’t here.
If the Dolphins choose not to trade, their next pick would be at 50. The Guard depth at this point is way better and the value correlates with the pick. Guys like Tyler Smith, Sean Rhyan, and Jamaree Slayer look better in the 2nd round. Whereas Tackle because more scarce here. Sean Rhyan can probably play Tackle or guard so this would be a safe selection here. They need to make it a good pick because they won’t pick for another 50 picks if they don’t trade down.
The Dolphins don’t have to be impatient, young QB, stout defense, cap space, and picks. The Dolphins have everything they need to load up their team. While they probably could contend for a playoff berth, they should without overpaying. If the Dolphins make the playoffs, great, if not, oh well. As long as they’re smart with their money and draft well, they still have a couple of years before they build a solid squad. Be patient Dolphin fans, there’s still hope for the future.
