Miami Dolphins have one of AFC's best rosters, but a few blind spots still need addressing
The best players the Dolphins lost this offseason were: DT Christian Wilkins, G Robert Hunt, C Connor Williams (free agent), CB Xavien Howard (free agent), LB Jerome Baker, Edge Emmanuel Ogbah (free agent), Edge Andrew Van Ginkel, S DeShon Elliott, S Brandon Jones and DT Raekwon Davis.
That's a lot of talent.
The best players the Dolphins added this offseason were: LB Jordyn Brooks, CB Kendall Fuller, C Aaron Brewer, S Jordan Poyer, TE Jonnu Smith, WR Odell Beckham, Jr., Edge Shaq Barrett and too many defensive tackles to count.
That's a decent amount of talent.
But at this point, it's still a net-minus.
The Dolphins added a rookie edge rusher, Chop Robinson, who has explosiveness, potential, athleticism and upside. We'll see how ready he is to play right way, if pressed into heavy snaps.
Miami added a developmental tackle, Patrick Paul, a dynamic running back Jaylen Wright, and some other players. They'll hope a few of the later-round picks end up as gems.
Because the Dolphins allowed Wilkins ($110 million, to Las Vegas) and Hunt ($100 million, to Carolina) to walk and because they cut Howard and Baker, they escaped salary cap troubles.
As of May 8, according to Spotrac, Miami had $3.82 million of cap space, which ranks 29th.
But that doesn't include Odell Beckham, reportedly in for a minimum of $3 million.
So, until June 1, there will be some spare change available.
But... and this is a key but... Miami gets access to Howard's $18.5 million cap savings... after June 1.
There will be rookies to sign, but Miami can stand to add a guard, safety and defensive tackle between June 2 and the first day of the NFL season.
Perhaps its a player or players available now. Perhaps it's a veteran or veterans made available during or at the end of training camp. Miami did not draft a guard or defensive tackle. Miami drafted a safety in Round 6.
The Dolphins have a few undrafted players at those positions to examine closely.
But if Miami's roster is to meet the talent level of 2024, there must be one or two or three key additions to come.
This can't be it.
Let's look at some players available at three Dolphins positions of need:
Guard
The Dolphins could roll with Liam Eichenberg, Robert Jones, Jack Driscoll, Chasen Hines or Matthew Jones at right guard in 2024. But what if they were to add a player with the resume of a Dalton Risner or Greg Van Roten? Other available guards include Phil Haynes and Mark Glowinski. It would be surprising if Miami did not add a veteran guard at some point.
Safety
The Dolphins have Jevon Holland and Jordan Poyer as starters. They could use Elijah Campbell, Nik Needham, Ethan Bonner, draft pick Patrick McMorris, undrafted Mark Perry or Isaiah Johnson as a third safety. Or they could add another safety, which seems likely after they lost two key players at the position in free agency. Jamal Adams and Justin Simmons could be out of Miami's price range. Other free agents include Eddie Jackson, Marcus Maye and Jayron Kearse.
Defensive tackle
The Dolphins are hopeful Zach Sieler can emerge as the type of star Christian Wilkins was. Miami is hoping a few of the many, many defensive tackles they signed can provide run-stuffing ability. The Dolphins signed Benito Jones, Teair Tart, Jonathan Harris, Neville Gallimore, Daviyon Nixon, Isaiah Mack and re-singed Da'Shawn Hand. But if there is an impact penetrator who springs free, there's no reason Miami should not pounce. It may be more likely to be a player who is available in July or August. Some defensive tackles available now include Bryan Mone, Hassan Ridgeway and Josh Tupou. We won't bother mentioning here that Aaron Donald is currently retired.
Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jschad@pbpost.com and follow him on Instagram and on X @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe's free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Miami Dolphins needs: Even with strong roster, a few holes still remain
