Miami Dolphins need to target offensive line depth during free agency
Despite being vastly superior to it’s past forms in recent memory, the Miami Dolphins offensive line could still use some work. Showing this season that it is pretty flimsy when banged up, the Dolphins know they need to add some quality depth to the unit. However, unlike in recent years where we would burn a third and fourth round pick for this purpose, the Miami Dolphins will need to address this concern during free agency.
The first part of the standard offensive line draft formula asks for quality offensive lineman to be aplenty. While I am sure there will be some solid pickups available late in the draft, the fact that only one offensive lineman is going to be taken in the first round shows the lack of top end talent this year.
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While the Dolphins could take a risk and select some players later in the draft, they also have more pressing needs to attend to. Depth and talent at cornerback, starting linebackers, and depth on the defensive line all ring higher on the need scale. This also does not include the fact that Miami will need some added depth on offense if a few free agents decide to sign with another team.
Should the team part with Branden Albert — something I’d put at a 50-50 chance right now — they will need to find two new starting guards. Laremy Tunsil will move to the left tackle position while Jermon Bushrod could depart during free agency. Players like former Bear Ted Larsen and veteran Jahri Evans could be brought in as temporary fixes to the position.
Besides these starters though, some depth will be needed for both the guard positions as well as at tackle. While Ja’Wuan James has been pretty consistent since arriving in Miami, Laremy Tunsil would be in for his first full season at left tackle. Experiencing some injury problems this past season, Miami would be smart to add a veteran left tackle that can backup Tunsil and potentially James.
This could even mean a return for former number one overall pick Jake Long. Despite his injury issues over the course of his career, Long is still a capable left tackle. Now entering the twilight of his career, Long could be convinced to return to Miami as a backup tackle for this team.
Would these solutions be better than that of the draft, who knows. Hindsight is 20/20, but I do firmly believe that adding depth through free agency would be a lot less risky than doing it through the draft.
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