Four Miami Picks Enough to Support Defense?
The Miami Dolphins went into 2022’s free agency period with $60 million plus in cap space. The team used that cap space to bolster their entire offense. They made signings at every position in attempt to support Tua Toagovailoa. The Dolphins traded five picks for Tyreek Hill, leaving the team only four picks in the upcoming draft.
Miami picks first in the third round at 102. They also have a fourth and two seventh round picks. With all the focus on the offense in free agency do the Dolphins use their few picks to improve their defense? Miami still needs to improve its run defense and overall linebacker play. No team will ever feel they have enough edge rushers with all the focus on the passing game these days. With those needs will Miami use the few picks it has to focus on defense?
How Satisfied is Miami with Improvements on Oline?
The other need for Miami entereing the draft, the offensive line, has been discussed to death. Terron Armstead and Connor Williams were both added because Chris Grier struggled to draft offensive linemen in the past few drafts. The additions were necessary to protect Tua and because of Head Coach Mike McDaniel’s run to set up the pass offense.
Many analysts believe the Dolphins still need to improve at center, and at 102 there are some options: Cameron Jurgens from Nebraska, Luke Fortner from Kentucky, or Arizona State’s Dohnavan West. West may make the most sense as he fits the Dolphins zone blocking scheme. Miami clearly cannot rest on what has on its line right now given that a team like the Buffalo Bills improved its pass rush by picking up Von Miller.
Miami’s Decision: Add Picks this Year or Save For 2023 Draft?
Grier appears trying to thread the needle by giving up draft picks in this years draft while having two first round picks in next years draft. Its clear his thinking is that if Tua doesn’t shine this year the team has resources to move and draft a quarterback. Analysts and draft experts expect next years draft class of quarterbacks to be much stronger than this one. Saving Miami’s picks for next year makes sense, but also puts pressure on Tua to perform now. With all the team surrounded him with in free agency its now or never in AFC that is deep as its ever been.
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