2022 Offseason Review Series: Miami Dolphins

Miami Dolphins

AFC East

2021 Record: 9-8, 3rd in Division

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Coaches Acquired

Name	Title	Previous Team	Previous Role
Mike McDaniel	Head Coach	SF	Offensive Coordinator
Frank Smith	Offensive Coordinator	LAC	OL and Run Game Coordinator
Darrell Bevell	QB and Passing game coordinator	JAX	Offensive Coordinator
Jon Embree	Asst. HC/ TE Coach	SF	Asst.HC/ TE Coach
Wes Welker	WR Coach	SF	WR Coach
Matt Applebaum	OL Coach	Boston College	OL Coach
Tyrone McKenzie	Outside LBs	Colts Coach Fellow	OLB Coach
Sam Madison	CB/ Pass Game specialist	KC	DB Coach
Patrick Surtain	Defensive Asst.	American Heritage High School	Head Coach
Steve Gregory	Safeties Coach	MIA	Coaching Asst.

Mike McDaniel

McDaniel stems from the Shanahan tree (Kyle and Mike) and has made quite the impact around the NFL. Before joining the Dolphins, McDaniel worked with 6 NFL Teams and made his presence known on the offensive side of the ball. More recently, McDaniel was on the staff for Deebo Samuel’s All-Pro 2021 season, San Fransico’s 2019 Super Bowl run, and Matt Ryan’s MVP season back in 2016. His “Offensive Guru” status has a lot of Fins fans excited but brings hesitancy considering we’re heard this term before with Adam Gase. However, unlike Gase, McDaniel is adopting an established team that isn’t in the full rebuilding process. The first-time head coach has met with the Dolphins media several times to discuss his player-first philosophies for the upcoming season. Hopefully, his optimistic attitude and refreshing mindset will rub off on the offense which is in desperate need of a boost.

*After 2 consecutive winning seasons, Flores is out and McDaniel is in. As far as the coaching spectrum goes, Flores and McDaniel exhibit two completely different philosophies; McDaniel is offensive-minded and candid while Flores was defensive and reserved. This change of pace is refreshing for some but upset others who wanted to stay with the consistency.

Frank Smith

Arriving from the blossoming LA Chargers, Frank Smith will be the third offensive coordinator for the Fins in three years. Dolphins fans are hoping that Smith stays around to maintain some much-needed consistency on that side of the ball. Undoubtedly, he’ll be working closely with the 15-year coaching veteran, Mike McDaniel, to produce explosive and innovative plays for the entire offense.

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Coaches Lost

Name	New Team	New Role	Previous Role
Brian Flores	PIT	Senior Defensive Asst./ LBs	HC
George Godsey	BAL	TE Coach	TE Coach
Gerald Alexander	None	None	DB Coach

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Brian Flores

The biggest change, from a coaching standpoint, was certainly the firing of Brian Flores. After ending the 19-year drought of consecutive winning seasons (‘02-’03), Brian Flores appeared to be the answer as far as head coaches go. His defensive mind was winning games but his offensive staff just wasn’t getting the job done. This being said, Flores’s seat wasn’t exactly scolding hot causing the firing to come at a bit of a surprise for fans. Despite the allegations, a large amount of pressure that rested on Flores’s shoulders was pushing past a playoff birth and winning a playoff game. The Dolphins have flirted with mediocrity for several years now; allegations aside, Flores didn’t shatter that mold but he also proved to be an established head coach juxtaposed to recent hires.

The main reason for the departure of Flores was the allegations made toward the NFL and the Miami Dolphins organization. The NFL is actively trying to make positive improvements towards hiring practices/ job opportunities for minorities at the higher NFL level. This allegation was a step in the wrong direction for the league, and Dolphins owner Stephen Ross in particular. Flores filed legal allegations regarding several instances of unethical conduct. One of the allegations that gained the most traction around the Dolphins organization was that -during the 2019 regular season- Ross offered Flores $100,000, per game, to lose in order to “tank successfully.” To summarize, and without diving into the complications and logistics of this legal dispute, Flores wanted to see positive change within the NFL, and his relationship with the Dolphins organization, at that time, was not indicative of him coaching into the 2022 season.

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Free Agency

Players Lost/ Cut

Player	Position	New Team
Mack Hollins	WR	LV
Jacoby Brissett	QB	CLE
Jesse Davis	OL	MIN
Duke Johnson	RB	BUF
Greg Mancz	C	BUF
Justin Coleman	CB	SEA
Albert Wilson	WR	MIN
Philip Lindsay	RB	IND
Jason McCourty	DB	Retired
Michael Palardy	P	FA
Malcolm Brown	RB	FA
Allen Hurns	WR	FA
Will Fuller V	WR	FA
Devante Parker	WR	NE

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Jacoby Brissett - QB

Brissett was brought into the Dolphins QB room because of his “Belichickian” connection with coach Flores. After serving as Tua’s backup for the year, it was clear that Brissett could just barely get the job done in most cases. In 2021, Brissett threw for 1,283 yards, 5 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions, netting him a QB rating of 78.1%. It’s clear that Brissett wasn’t the answer but his NFL talent is still present. This wasn’t a perfect fit in Miami; hopefully, he’ll find a better fit in Cleveland. Brissett may return to seeing a fair amount of playing time as he backs up Deshaun Watson who has his hands full with his own set of off-the-field legal allegations.

Jesse Davis - OL

The longest-tenured offensive lineup, and 2021 team captain, has moved on from the Dolphins onto greener pastures in Minnesota (metaphorically of course). Dolphins fans are not exactly disappointed to see this roster move. He gave everything he had to Miami, hands down; he moved all across a bleeding offensive line and played every game he could. Unfortunately, his production on the field was sub-par for Fins fans and Tua’s health. As Williams and Armstead join the team, it was in everybody's best interest that Davis moves on.

Duke Johnson - RB

The 2021 Duke Johnson experiment definitely paid off, he provided solid numbers in the limited games he played averaging 4.6 yards per carry (compared to Gaskin’s 3.5 on 173 attempts). Before the McDaniel signing, Johnson was projected to become the starter for the team but this did not come to fruition. With several starting caliber running backs being signed in the offseason, Johnson moved on from the team and signed with the Buffalo Bills. It would have been nice to keep Johnson, considering his production, but with three new RBs on the roster and a new offensive scheme in place, Johnson will be better utilized elsewhere. He now resides as a potential RB3 behind Devin Singletary and Zack Moss.

Will Fuller V - WR

As the old saying goes, “availability is the best ability.” The biggest concern with signing Fuller was his injury concerns and BOY was that the case here too. The Fins signed Fuller right after his career-high 8 touchdown season and fans were excited, concerned but excited if he could stay healthy. There was some speculation that Fuller was brought in to lure Deshaun Watson but that didn’t happen (thank goodness). At the end of the day, Fuller racked in 4 receptions for a total of 26 yards. He missed the remainder of the season, after week 4 versus the Colts, with a finger injury. Sure, as a receiver, it’s practically impossible to play with a broken finger but out of all Fuller’s limited moments on the field, the play that took him out sticks with me the most. The Dolphins subreddit and all Fins fans have boatloads of thoughts on this signing, but I’ll cut myself off here. Fuller will not be missed, I wish we lived in a world where he could have stayed healthy all year.

Devante Parker - WR

It’s tough seeing one of our longest-tenured Dolphins move on, especially to the NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS! With the signing of Hill and Wilson, combined with the emergence of Waddle, Parker was looking at WR3 at best. In his prime, he’s a starting-caliber talent who deserves an opportunity to play to his potential. He’s also battled his fair share of injuries but when he’s healthy, he’s one of the top WRs in the AFC (especially in 2019 when he was 5th overall in WR yardage). It makes sense to move on from Parker. He wanted to play for the Patriots and it’s only fair that Miami honored his request. It’s going to stink playing him twice a year but at least he’ll find more playing opportunities.

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Players Signed

Player	Type of Acquisition	Position	Old Team	Length	Salary/ Guaranteed
Tyreek Hill	Trade	WR	KC	4-Year	$120M - $72.2M
Terron Armstead	Signed	T	NO	5-Year	$87.5M - $43.37M
Chase Edmonds	Signed	RB	ARI	2-Year	$12.6M - $6.1M
Teddy Bridgewater	Signed	QB	DEN	1-Year	$10M
Connor Williams	Signed	OL	DAL	2-Year	$14.04M - $7.5M
Alec Ingold	Signed	FB	LV	2-Year	$7.5M
Cedrick Wilson JR	Signed	WR	DAL	3-Year	$22.8 - $12.75
Raheem Mostert	Signed	RB	SF	1-Year	$3.125M
Thomas Morstead	Signed	P	NO	1-Year	$1.27M - $.5M
Trent Sherfield	Signed	WR	SF	1-Year	$1.19M - $.35M
Keion Crossen	Signed	DB	NYG	3-Year	$9.45M
Sony Michel	Signed	RB	LAR	1-Year	$1.75M - $.5M
Melvin Ingram	Signed	LB	KC	1-Year	$3.92M
John Jenkins	Re-signed	DT	MIA	1-Year	$1.27M
Brennan Scarlett	Re-signed	LB	MIA	1-Year	$1.85M
Durham Smythe	Re-signed	TE	MIA	2-Year	$7M
Sheldrick Redwine	Re-signed	S	MIA	1-Year	$1.15M - $.125M
Elandon Roberts	Re-signed	LB	MIA	1-Year	$3.25M
Sam Eguavoen	Re-signed	LB	MIA	1-Year	$1.69M
Duke Riley	Re-signed	LB	MIA	1-Year	$3M
Emmanuel Ogbah	Re-signed	DE	MIA	4-Year	$65M - $32M
Preston Williams	Re-signed	WR	MIA	1-Year	$1.99M
Nik Needham	Re-signed	CB	MIA	1-Year	$3.98M
Salvon Ahmed	Re-signed	RB	MIA	1-Year	$.895M
Elijah Campbell	Re-signed	DB	MIA	1-Year	$.895M
Mike Gesicki	Transition Tag	TE	MIA	1-Year	$10.9M

\Salaries from ESPN, Over the Cap, Miami Dolphins, Dolphins Wire*

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Tyreek Hill - WR

March 23rd was an incredible day for Dolphins fans (and no I didn’t have to look that date up). This might be the biggest move I’ve ever seen in all my 28-painful years of being a Dolphins fan. We traded 5 picks to obtain Hill for the 2022 season, which essentially wiped out our draft. Considering we’ve had multiple bonus picks in the last few drafts, it was only right that the law of averages took into effect here. The number of Dolphins fans excited to finally have an absolute superstar on the team surely outweighs the fans who wanted to keep the #29 pick in the 2022 draft. The team’s GM, Chris Grier, was getting some criticism from the fans… and then he made this earthshattering move and the noise suddenly stopped. Coincidence? I think not. The idea of having literally the fastest WR duo in history only makes the wait for this upcoming season longer. With a new offensive head coach, a record-breaking rookie, an improved O-Line, and now a cheetah playing WR, fans could not be more excited to see how this offense runs!

Terron Armstead - T

According to CBS Sports, Armstead was the best Free Agent going into the 2022 offseason. To balance this, PFF graded our offensive line 32/32 in the NFL. We had a “league-leading 235 pressures” and terrible pass blocking. The sheer presence of Armstead boosts this offensive line tremendously. Not only does he bring Pro Bowl-caliber play but he also brings the veteran knowledge that only Armstead has. Over the course of his career, Armstead has missed some time, which is concerning. However, when he’s on the field, T-Stead is a force to be reckoned with.

Chase Edmonds - RB

With the emergence of James Conner, Arizona only used Edmonds as a complimentary back instead of a starting role. Edmonds has shown flashes of talent on the field and Miami might just be his chance to be the starting RB1. Even though Mostert and Michel were added, Edmonds is viewed to be the lead back going into camp. With his two-year contract and early free agency signing, Edmonds will most likely be given the keys but not before battling a handful of other running backs that have the same goal in mind.

Teddy Bridgewater - QB

Bridgewater is Miami’s #2 QB role, McDaniel made that very clear after the signing. That being said, Bridgewater is a talented QB; it wouldn’t be too surprising if he beats out Tua in camp but the outlook is doubtful. Over the last two years, Bridgewater threw for more than 3,000 yards and showed serious progress with 18 TDs and 7ints in 2021. The fact that Denver wanted to go a different direction at QB gave Miami an opportunity to snag a quality backup to a historically injury-prone Tua. As far as backups go, he’s more than solid.

Connor Williams - OL

With only allowing 2 sacks in the 2021 season, Williams is going to be a great addition to this revolving door of an offensive line. Williams’s ability to play multiple positions on the line is perfect for a Miami O-line that is always evolving. Along with his consistent playing time and toughness, he’s produced high grades when it comes to run and pass blocking. The biggest flaw in Williams’s game is the holding penalties (11/14 total penalities), if he can get those under control, he’s a serious contender for a stable spot on the offensive line.

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Cedrick Wilson Jr. - WR

The Bleacher Report calls Wilson, “Miami’s ‘best-kept secret,’” after watching his highlights from last season, I can see why. Wilson’s signing was overshadowed by Hill and the hype for the rising star, Jaylen Waddle, but don’t count this player out. This slot receiver totaled 602 yards and 6 touchdowns with the Cowboys in 2021. Wilson is going to take the WR3 role on Miami’s depth chart but would easily be a WR2 on any other team that doesn’t have elite talents like Hill and Waddle. Fans are excited to see what Wilson can do to complement this exciting offense.

Raheem Mostert - RB

The signing of Mostert just makes sense considering his familiarity with McDaniels and the 49er’s offense. When healthy, the aging back perfectly fits Miami’s identity: speed. During week 2 of the 2020 season, he reached 23.09mph on his 80-yard touchdown. For the low price of 3 million, dollars, on his one-year contract, Mostert will be a solid backup assuming he doesn’t stay healthy enough to win the starting job.

Emmanuel Ogbah - DE

Our 2021 sack leader was one of the biggest question marks going into the offseason. He was debatably our biggest free agent hitting the market and the team needed to retain him. Our 2020 first-round pick, Jaelan Phillips, is well on his way to matching Ogbah’s production but having his veteran presence combined with his play on the field was something Miami couldn’t pass up. With four more years on his contract, Dolphins fans hope that he mimics another #91 we had a few years ago and makes some Pro Bowls.

Preston Williams - WR

Entering the league as an undrafted free agent out of Colorado State, Williams put up decent enough numbers for the limited role he was given. The biggest question, undoubtedly, is his health. In the past three seasons, Williams has played 17 games (8,8,9). Even with the resigning, he’s not guaranteed a roster spot considering the WR talent going into the season. If Williams can win out in camp -and stay healthy- he’s an excellent candidate for WR4.

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Draft

The Dolphin's draft this year was unlike any in recent memory. Since our infamous Laremy Tunsil trade, the Fins have been collecting multiple draft picks, especially in the first round. This year, Miami took a play out of the Super Bowl Champion Ram’s playbook and tossed their picks aside for established players (or really just one playmaker in this case). This isn’t the case next year, however, where Miami has multiple firsts and thirds yet again. This draft class is certainly tiny. It’s fair speculation that McDaniel and Grier were too busy watching Tyreek Hill highlights to care about what was going on during rounds 1 and 2 of this year’s draft.

Round 3***,*** #102 overall

Channing Tindall - LB, Georgia

Tindall played for an elite Georgia defense in 2021; Miami hopes his explosiveness and speed with be a powerful addition to a powerful defense. The presumed plan for Tindall will be to be integrated into the lineup and phase out Elandon Roberts. With age on his side and a preferable missed-tackle percentage juxtaposed to Roberts, Tindall is hoping to bring an ounce of Georgia sweetness to Josh Boyer’s defensive lineup.

Round 4, #125 overall

Erik Ezukanma - WR, Texas Tech

Considering the identity of the Miami offense is “speed,” Ezukanma brings the balance that Parker brought years prior. Ezukanma can win contested catches and gain serious YAC. Wes Welker, the new Dolphins receiving coach and Texas Tech alum, has been praising this man all offseason; it’s nice seeing Welker already make his mark. This isn’t saying that the other receivers (Hill, Waddle, etc.) can’t make contested catches but when it comes to preferred playstyle, it doesn’t hurt to have multiple dimensions to the game.

Round 7, #224 overall

Cameron Goode - OLB, California

Chris Grier certainly attacked the linebacker position in this year’s draft. Since this position is full of veterans, it only makes sense to expect the young guys to eventually get a good chunk of playing time within the upcoming seasons. Goode’s accolades speak for themselves as Goode started 37 games, earned 20.5 sacks in his career, and was an Honorable Mention All-Pac 2019 player. Being a 7th-round pick, the pressure isn’t as high as Tindall, to earn a starting spot, but it’s very possible this established player could see some reps going into the season assuming he does well in camp and preseason.

Round 7, #247 overall

Skylar Thompson - QB, Kansas State

Thompson has been a player the Fins have been eyeing for a few years now. He won’t get any playing time this year, barring serious injuries for Tua and Bridgewater but he’ll hopefully be a solid “field general” with the practice quad. Since Teddy is only on a 1-year deal, Thompson is expected to be the backup going into the 2023 season.

\Draft information from Kyle Crabbs at The Draft Network, Dolphins Wire, and the Phinsider*

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Projected Starting Lineup

Offense

QB- Tua Tagovailoa, Teddy Bridgewater, Skylar Thompson

If you watched one ounce of Dolphins coverage this offseason, the biggest topic of conversation is certainly Tua. There is a lot at stake for the 5th overall pick in the 2020 draft. To put it bluntly, he has to execute this season or he’s most likely out of the job. When looking at the quarterbacks who were drafted right next to him (Joe Burrow and Justin Herbert), Tua is clearly not up to their standard. Sure “situations are situational,” and the organization didn’t openly commit to Tua as others did with Burrow and Herbert. Unfortunately, the media doesn’t care about that, they just care about production on the field.

In the Brian Flores regime, Flores just wouldn’t commit to saying Tua is his starting quarterback. There have been speculations that Flores and Tua had a deteriorating relationship and there are also reports that they had a great “player/ coach” relationship, according to Flores himself. We might just never know. The past aside, McDaniel openly committed to Tua. On day one, McDaniel said “he was all in” on Tua and “wanted to get all his greatness out of him.” Hopefully, the commitment from McDaniel unlocks the true confidence Tua has and this is manifested on Sundays.

The fans of Tua lie in three distinct camps: the fans who have seen enough and are ready to move on, the fans who are loyal and praise his potential, and then fans who are still making up their mind. I’d wager that most fans fall in the third camp and are waiting until the 2022 season to conclude how they feel. Last season, Tua was given respectable weapons to prove himself but took shelter behind a crumbling offensive line. This season, Tua has been handed the keys to a cheetah-striped Ferarri and has moved into a castle named Terron Armstead. The excuses are gone. Tua has been given more than enough weapons and an offensive line that has much fewer question marks than in previous years. The chemistry between Tua and Hill has been strong, as Hill has gone to bat for Tua several times this offseason. Fans are praying that they can match that connection on the field. Tyreek is confident in his quarterback, Tua has shown a new swagger and upfront confidence, and Waddle is a rising star. If all three pieces fit together, Miami might finally have their answer at quarterback. This all being said, they need to find success and find it early.

RB- Chase Edmonds, Raheem Mostert, Sony Michel, Myles Gaskin, Salvon Ahmed

This backfield is going to be decided in camp. There are legitimately four starting running backs fighting for the number one spot. Even without the most starting experience amongst the group, Edmonds is expected to get his opportunity and start week one versus the Patriots. What he’s done with the limited snaps he’s been given in Arizona, his two-year contract, and his projection on the ESPN depth chart leads fans to believe that he’ll be the guy. There are still many question marks, however, considering that “competition breeds excellence” and any one of these guys could get the call week one. Another speculation is that this backfield could be a “three-headed monster” and share the touches relatively equally and depending on the matchup. It’s very possible that Mostert or Michel could take the RB1 spot but time will tell. For those fantasy players out there, don’t put all your eggs into this backfield basket.

WR- Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Cedrick Wilson Jr, Erik Ezukanma, Preston Williams

If Miami never traded for Hill, this receiver core would have been exciting. The fact that Miami added Tyreek Hill to the mix makes this receiver corps the best we’ve seen in some time, at least on paper. As far as team concerns go, the WR room isn’t one of them. We know that there is plenty of talent on the field, it just relies on our 3rd-year QB to feed them the ball. The expectations for Waddle are for him to continue where he left off and build upon his chemistry with Tua. Breaking the rookie receiver record was an amazing accomplishment and fans are excited to see how Tua and Waddle continue to click. When it comes to Tyreek, the jury is still out. On paper, this move was earth-stopping. Getting the fastest receiver in the NFL can only help a team whose identity is speed. Hill and “Tua-T,” appear to have significant chemistry thus far; if they can convert that chemistry into consistent long-bomb touchdown receptions, this team will be something special.

TE- Mike Gesicki, Durham Smythe, Adam Shaheen

Instead of signing Gesicki to a long-term deal, Miami has placed the franchise tag on Mike Gesicki. Gesicki isn’t quite a household name but he’s on his way there; Miami fans would love to keep him around. His pass blocking isn’t the best but his ability to catch passes is incredible. (An added note here: Gesicki has never been a blocking TE so Miami knew what they were doing when they snagged him from Penn.) Gesicki is also considered to be a WR, in many instances, and there was uncertainty whether he would hit the free agency market as a TE or WR, the latter being much more lucrative historically. When it comes to the on-field play, Gesicki will be an excellent complement to a speedy offense. His deal, and usage, will depend on how well he can mesh with the scheme McDaniel sets up for him. Many assume that he’s going to take a George Kittle-type role because of McDaniel’s time in San Fransisco. Miami also drafted Hunter Long in last year’s draft, giving the team several tight ends to use. If Gesicki commands a high price next season, a financially-responsible decision might have to get made. As for now, we’re looking forward to Mike making his presence known in a much improved Miami offense.

FB- Alec Ingold

Think of all the fullbacks that are currently making strides in the NFL. Did you think of Kyle Juszczyk? If you did, you’ll also know that he plays for the 49ers, the same place where our head coach was running the offense. I’m sure Ingold will have some out-of-the-box touches when it comes to the 2022 season.

Offensive Line

LT- Terron Armstead, Austin Jackson

LG- Liam Eichenberg, Solomon Kindley

C- Michael Deiter/ Connor Williams

RG - Connor Williams/ Robert Hunt

RT- Greg Little

For many years, the offensive line has been an area of concern. We’ve tried to address it for several years now, mostly through the draft. Whether it was the offensive coaching on Flores staff or the talent on the roster, 2021 was a year better off forgotten. During this offseason, McDaniel’s staff has put a ton of stock into the O-Line will undoubtedly pay off more dividends than last year. The team brought in Matt Applebaum to introduce a fresh coaching perspective, signed Connor Williams, and signed the Pro Bowl veteran Terron Armstead. Most of these players can play multiple spots on the line if needed; however, it’s in everyone’s best interest that a player settles into a spot for the entirety of the season. The lineup above is certainly not the final depth chart; this will be a decision unfolding in training camp.

Two players on the hot seat are Liam Eichenberg and Austin Jackson; Liam was the 42nd pick in last year’s draft and Austin Jackson was 18th overall in 2020. Since they were drafted so highly, the expectation for these players to produce is very much lingering. Liam has a longer leash, considering it’s his second season, but Jackson needs to show improvements. Besides his graceful acrobatics, Robert Hunt is probably the most stable offensive lineman that played for the team last year. His skills combined with the new signings should allow the running backs to attack the zone and give Tua the time he needs to connect with his star receivers.

Defense

DL- Emmanuel Ogbah, Raekwon Davis, Christian Wilkins, Zach Sieler, Adam Butler, John Jenkins

Bringing back Ogbah was an underrated move during the offseason. As our sack leader, we expect him to continue his on-field production and improve in the four more years he’s signed for. One of the few things this established defense needs is a powerful defensive end who can crack the top 10 when it comes to sacks. Our secondary is known as a threat around the league and we need a front 4 who can bring the same intimidation. This defense has certainly found its identity: blitz hard and often.

LB- Elandon Roberts, Jerome Baker, Jaelan Phillips, Andrew Van Ginkel, Melvin Ingram, Channing Tindall, Duke Riley, Sam Eguavoen

The linebackers are decent enough, Jerome Baker is clearly the dominant force to be reckoned with amongst the squad. He’s had flashes of greatness, complemented by our team’s favorite trait: speed. Last year, Baker accumulated 15 QB hits and 5.5 sacks which weren't as impressive as his 2020 season but nothing to discount him for either. The complimentary pieces to Baker should be enough to carry the weight moving forward.

The second-year player, Jaelan Phillips, found his stride towards the middle of last season but this was also due to a limited snap count. Even with a slow start, Phillips broke the franchise rookie record in sacks recording 8.5 which is the most since 1969 when Bill Stanfill recorded 8. Phillips will get more playing time without question. With that extra playing time, comes higher expectations, especially since his window to produce is shorter considering his first-round status (18th overall in 2021).

Another notable matchup is Elandon Roberts and Channing Tindall. Roberts can undoubtedly hit hard to remind fans what old-school football can look like. In 2021, Roberts set career-high tackles (83) and 2 forced fumbles to match. There are question marks considering his Flores connection has dissipated. The drafting of Tindall means that that position is looking to be improved in the eyes of McDaniel; plus, Tindall’s rookie contract is a much cheaper option ($5M for 4years versus Roberts’s $3M per year.)

An exciting addition during the offseason was signing of Melvin Ingram from the Chiefs. Ingram has found a couple of new homes, since leaving the Chargers. Having Ingram in the locker room will bring 10-year veteran knowledge and a 3-time pro bowler mentality to a team of young talent. To make this deal that much sweeter, there’s a very real chance that Ingram sees playing time and makes an impact on the team. He only signed for a one-year deal. This may be his last stint in the NFL unless he earns another deal with, or without, the Fins. This one-year deal has significant upsides that certainly outweigh the risks.

CB- Xavien Howard, Byron Jones, Nik Needham, Noah Igbinoghene

The cornerback position can be summed up by one word, maybe even one letter: X. This secondary is the cornerstone to our “Dancing 7” defense (quote by Miami’s Joe Rose), allowing the rest of the team to trust a “cover zero blitz” scheme. Over the past two seasons, this has become our identity of the defense and since Josh Boyer, and his staff, are back for another go, this look will not change. On the other side of the field is Byron Jones. Jones doesn’t get a lot of flashing interceptions but he does lock down defenders and not draw attention, which is also important at the position. Nik Needam has stepped up over the past couple of years, becoming a solid backup to the dynamic duo of Howard and Jones. The question mark lies in another first-round pick: Noah Igbinoghene (notice a theme here?). When X is not on the field, and Noah is, our defense was not the same. It’s troubling knowing that one injury will hinder a strong defense. However, reports this offseason say that Igbinoghene is making strides with his new coaches and a third year in the system.

S- Jevon Holland, Brandon Jones, Eric Rowe, Trill Williams

According to Pro Football Focus, Jevon Holland is 5th on the list of highest-graded rookies of the 2021 season. Holland is the 2nd highest defensive player on the list scoring an overall grade of 82.5. Holland also made his presence known on the field; he played in 16 games, totaling 69 tackles and 2.5 sacks. It’s fair to say that fans love Holland are excited to see what he does moving forward. Brandon Jones is also an excellent safety especially when it comes to blitzing, but he’s working on becoming known as more than that approaching the season. His snap count doubled last year compared to his rookie season. Jones combined with Holland makes for another excellent under-rated duo in the Miami secondary.

Special Teams

P- Thomas Morstead

K- Jason Sanders

PR- Jevon Holland

KR- Jaylen Waddle

Focusing on solely Jason Sanders here, Sanders was literally the All-Pro kicker in 2020. Without going on a rant, he should have made it to the Pro Bowl as well but I’ll save my thoughts for another time. Miami has signed Sanders through the 2026 season and is unquestionably our long-term answer at that position. Last season wasn’t as strong juxtaposed to 2020 but we’re confident that Sanders can pull more than his weight in the 2022 season.

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Position Group Strengths and Weaknesses

Quarterback

The quarterback position is one that is subpar compared to the league and really has been for some time. Even though he missed time, Tua was ranked 27th out of the starting quarterbacks last season. As previously stated in his write-up above, Tua needs to confidently take control of this offense in order to remain in the starting role

Backfield

McDaniel is a mastermind when it comes to pre-snap motion and run-heavy schemes. There are plenty of quality backs to choose from. The Miami rushing attack hasn’t seen a start since Jay Ajayi. It’s going to be difficult to match his production but if Miami could find a 1000-yard rusher, fans would be over the moon. This backfield is still very uncertain, Edmonds is projected to start but nobody really knows until camp. It’s also possible that they take a “three-headed monster” approach which won’t help the players on the stat sheet but may help win games.

Offensive Line

The offensive line is certainly an area of concern. The new additions of Armstead and Williams should bring out the best in the players who were on the team in 2021. Last year was literally ranked dead last in the league, the bar is set traditionally low so any signs of progress will be more than welcomed. Compared to the league, Miami’s line needs to find a few pieces of stability, as many playoff teams have.

Pass catchers

This may be arguable the strongest component of the team, it’s either the combination of Hill and Waddle or the duo of X and Jones. The pass catchers are the best we’ve had in years. The anticipation couldn’t be higher. Miami has a realistic chance of having two 1,000-yard receivers if Tua can pull his end of the bargain.

Defensive Line

An area of concern with the D-Line is the ability to stop the run. Miami’s ability to get to the quarterback has been average but it's the run stopping that needs improvement. That said, however, 2021 gave Zach Sieler and Christian Wilkins their career-highs in tackles. Combine this progress with the return of literally everybody along the line and the expectation that we’re only going to see more career highs in 2022.

Linebackers

The linebacker position is only getting faster. Jerome Baker brings lightning speed when he’s on his A-game and Channing Tindall compliments Baker’s quickness whenever the rookie gets the playing time. Andrew Van Ginkel has shown moments of great athleticism too (more in 2020 versus 2021) and is expected to take an important role once again. If there were to be a linebacker that defines the team, it would be Baker. A hole for a dominant, household name linebacker is certainly present.

Secondary

In 2021, Xavien Howard only got 5 interceptions instead of his league-leader 10 the year prior. 5 picks don’t sound that impressive, knowing X’s talent, but his 5 interceptions were still tied for 4th in the league. This secondary is physical, mean, and quick. With the extra coaching from Dolphins legends, Sam Madison and Pat Surtain, the secondary will certainly take a step forward. If Nik Needam continues his steady improvement and Noah Igbinoghene finds his rhythm, this secondary might just be the best in the NFL.

Special Teams

The absence of Mack Hollins will unquestionably hinder the Miami special teams unit. Danny Crossman has been our special teams coach for several seasons adding another level of consistency to this team. Thomas Morstead has been great in his 14-year career, hopefully, he proves his worth enough to sign an extension beyond one year. Our kicker, Jason Sanders, is also top-tier, winning the All-Pro kicker in 2020. The special teams unit for Miami is certainly a strength but the punting game is the biggest question mark going into the 2022 season.

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Conclusion

Being a Dolphins fan this offseason has been a wild ride. To quote the great Kyle Crabbs of Locked On Dolphins, it appears we’re “offseason champions” once again. The free agent signings are certainly going to improve the locker room, not only by bringing in established players but by competing with players who have been on the roster in 2021. Looking at the Dolphins roster as a whole, the weakest position group is the offensive line which has been impactfully improved with the signing of Armstead and Williams. The group of running backs is also a development to watch. Edmonds is projected to be the starter week one but with Mostert, Michel, and Gaskin competing, it’s going to bring out the best in them. May the best running back win!

The Dolphins organization has signed more than just players, they’ve also signed a fleet of new coaches led by rookie coach Mike McDaniel. This doesn’t capture the same energy as a complete rebuild, however, as McDaniel is inheriting an established team in all phases of the ball. The brilliance of McDaniel plus the innovative schemes delivered by Hill, Waddle, and Tua is going to be exciting! Finally, the biggest question mark, and favorite controversial topic of the sports media, is how Tua commands the offense. In year three, Tua has been given the keys to the Ferrari, he just has to drive it. There are no more excuses if this year isn’t his breakout season. The Fins have given him more than enough offensive weapons. McDaniel has openly said that Tua is the guy, the defense has retained just about every impactful player and coach from the previous season, and Miami has one of the best receiving corps in the NFL with Gesicki, Waddle, and Hill. This hype needs to manifest itself in a playoff win or else we’re in for another round of changes during the next offseason.

As we approach 2022, the Dolphins organization has made moves that shocked the NFL. The optimism in Miami has never been higher in recent memory. This team finally looks built and ready to compete. If all the pieces click together, Miami is going to race all over the field on offense, continue to blitz heavy on defense, and earn their much-needed playoff win!

Acknowledgments

Thank you to /u/PlatypusOfDeath for running this series. As a r/NFL member for several years, I’ve always loved this series, and writing for one is a dream come true. I also want to thank Dolphins Wire, Phinsider, ESPN, NFL, The Draft Network, Over the Cap, Kyle Crabbs, Joe Rose, r/MiamiDolphins, and Pro Football Focus.

*Schedule Predictions, offseason news, additional free agent write-ups, and more notes in comments