Chris Grier says Dolphins can compete with AFC's best and he's right | Schad

MIAMI GARDENS — Dolphins general manager Chris Grier was asked whether this 53-man roster is good enough to compete with the best of the best in the AFC: Kansas City, Buffalo and Cincinnati.

"I do," Grier replied Wednesday. "I think we can compete with them."

Grier downplayed the pursuit of Colts running back Jonathan Taylor, saying it never came close.

He laughed when asked whether the Colts had really asked for Jaylen Waddle in the trade.

Insanity.

But what Grier is saying about Miami as an AFC contender — his comments aligning with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa — is not insane at all.

In fact, we agree.

Yes, these Dolphins are improved

The Dolphins' 2023 roster is better than the 2022 version.

And the coaching staff is better.

And this is Year 2 of the Mike McDaniel era, which should inherently produce improved results.

"We feel good about the players," Grier said. "Mike (McDaniel) and the coaching staff do a fantastic job. I think this group has a very close group that's focused."

If Jalen Ramsey hadn't sustained a serious injury that is likely to sideline him until November or December, it would be even easier to predict 11, 12, or more wins and a berth in the AFC Championship Game.

It's still highly reasonable to expect Miami to contend with the Bills and Jets in the AFC, to win perhaps 10 games, and to be in the mix for a spot in the next AFC Championship Game.

On Wednesday, Grier said long-term contract extension talks with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and defensive lineman Christian Wilkins have been shelved until after the 2023 season.

Miami will know a lot more then about Tua and whether he can stay healthy for 15+ games, and perhaps if Wilkins can shatter career highs in tackles for loss and sacks.

The Dolphins will need more injury luck than they had last season.

Asked specifically about "Terron Armstead's a year older with one more surgery on his body," Grier quipped: "Jeesh. Wow. He's gonna be sour with you!"

But the point was taken.

Is Miami's offensive line really going to be better having essentially subbed in only Isaiah Wynn for Liam Eichenberg at left guard?

"I think you've seen the progress from the last two years with the fundamentals of the teaching in this offense," Grier said.

And Grier is right.

Austin Jackson, if he can stay healthy, should be at his best at right tackle in 2023.

Vic Fangio, Butch Barry key staff additions for Miami

And new offensive line coach Butch Barry has done a "hell of a job" according to one Miami lineman.

The addition of Barry and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, an industry legend, should pay great dividends.

Let's think about this.

Key additions: CB Jalen Ramsey, LB David Long, LG Isaiah Wynn, WR/Returner Braxton Berrios, RB De'Von Achane, CB Cam Smith, QB Mike White.

Key deletions: TE Mike Gesicki, LB Elandon Roberts, WR Trent Sherfield, QB Teddy Bridgewater.

Gesicki was not a fit for McDaniel's scheme. Long is a better fit for Fangio's scheme than Roberts. Braxton is a superior returner to Sherfield.

And obviously, the star additions of Ramsey and Fangio are huge net pluses.

It's too easy to say the whole thing hinges on Tua's health.

So we'll note it actually hinges on the health of Tua, Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Terron Armstead, Connor Williams, Christian Wilkins, Jaelan Phillips, Bradley Chubb, Xavien Howard and Jevon Holland.

See what we did there? This roster really is loaded with talent.

Grier has missed on some, like first-round corner Noah Igbinoghene, a Brian Flores draft favorite who was finally shipped away, to Dallas.

"Making the transition from receiver to corner, it's not an easy thing, you know, for a kid, and he was so young," Grier said Wednesday.

Miami Dolphins' 53-man roster: Here it is

Sorry to slip Noah Igbinoghene into a positive column, but the reality is not every pick or every signing or every bounce goes the way you'd hope.

Grier has stockpiled talent after an intentional teardown.

Can Miami actually catch a few breaks in 2023?

Grier has targeted star players, as a championship window has opened, one in which Tua is operating on a rookie contract.

Grier says the plan has been aggressiveness with mindfulness.

Tua and Wilkins' long-term contracts are on hold at the moment. As is any potential acquisition of a former All-Pro running back.

But for the Dolphins, high expectations aren't.

And as Grier and Tua agree, they're warranted.

Dolphins' Christian Wilkins ends 'hold in' and will 'get ready to play'

Joe Schad is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jschad@pbpost.com and follow him on social media platforms @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe's free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Dolphins' Chris Grier feels good about the 2023 roster. We do, too.