Armstead Signing Changes How Dolphins Approach Draft

Terron Armstead signed a 5 year, $75 million offer from the Miami Dolphins Tuesday afternoon. With incentives the deal could be worth as much as $87.5 million, $43.37 of which is guaranteed. Analysts considered the New Orleans Saints free agent tackle the best on the market. Armstead signing with Miami, along with former Dallas Cowboys guard Connor WIlliams, changes the way the Dolphins approach the draft.

With tackle no longer as big a need for the Dolphins the team may look to the draft to improve their defense. The Dolphins used most of its cap space, outside of signing the teams own free agents, to bolster the offense. Miami added Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, running backs Chase Edmonds, Raheem Mostert, and wide receiver Cedrick Wilso to help surround Tua Tagovailoa with better weapons and support. Miami also signed Alec Ingold because Head Coach Mike McDaniel’s offense features fullbacks as runners, blockers, and pass catchers.

The only defensive free agent Miami acquired so far, cornerback Keion Crossen, plays more on special teams. The Dolphins may look to draft Texas A&M linebacker Keion Clark or Boston College linebacker Zion Johnson. Miami may trade back for more picks. The Dolphins first round pick, the 29th, makes it harder to trade up. Either way using the majority of the teams eight draft picks on defense makes sense.

Free Agency Signings Signal Shake Up on Offensive Line

The Dolphins, before this offseason, tried to build its offensive line through the draft. Michael Deiter, Austin Jackson, Robert Hunt, and Liam Eichenberg all were top 100 draft picks. Signing Armstead and Williams signals the Dolphins realize the need for veterans for support of younger linemen. Hiring Offensive Line Coach Matt Applebaum from Boston College is considered a step in the right drection as well. The Eagles offensive line ranked as high as number two in the country last season.

Miami’s blocking scheme also changes, thanks to McDaniel’s. Run blocking is now much a bigger priority. The Dolphins run game finished 30th in yards last year. Acquiring Edmonds from the Arizona Cardinals, along with Mostert from the San Fransisco 49ers, show the teams commiment to versatile, speedy backs. Tua certainly hopes that an improved running game keeps the quarterback healthy as well. In a crowded AFC the Dolphins need every edge they can find.

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