2013 NFL Offseason: Miami Dolphins
Draft Grades, Season Previews, Team Needs, Free Agents
Miami Dolphins (Last Year: 7-9)
2013 NFL Draft Grade: B-
Please note that the overall grade is not an average of all the individual grades. Other things are taken into account like team needs and goals.
Goals Entering the 2013 NFL Draft: Miami is out of range for an offensive tackle. Barring a trade, the Dolphins need to add the top player on their board and then attack the offensive line and cornerback positions in Rounds 2-4.
2013 NFL Draft Accomplishments: No one was surprised when the Dolphins moved up to No. 3, given that they had so many picks at their disposal. What shocked everyone was whom they drafted. Dion Jordan came out of left field, considering that he's not an ideal fit for most 4-3 defenses, including Miami's. It's unclear if the Dolphins plan on moving to a 3-4, but it makes sense because they have all the personnel for it. Having Jordan and Cameron Wake rush from the outside with Randy Starks causing havoc on the interior will give opposing offensive coordinators many sleepless nights.
Miami complemented its upgraded pass rush rather well with a couple of solid secondary acquisitions. Jamar Taylor was a steal at No. 54, considering that he could have easily gone at the end of the first round. Will Davis didn't provide as much value at the end of the third, but he should be a solid depth player.
I liked some of the Dolphins' other picks, but the issue with their draft class is that they didn't come away with an option at left tackle. Dallas Thomas is a guard, or at best, a right tackle. What is Miami going to do across from Jonathan Martin? Why couldn't a trade for Branden Albert come through?
2013 NFL Draft Individual Grades:
3. Dion Jordan, DE/OLB, Oregon: B- Grade
Dion Jordan!? Wow. Everyone assumed the Dolphins would be moving up for Lane Johnson, but they shocked the world with the Oregon pass-rusher. I love Jordan as a prospect, but I don't know how he fits into Miami's defense. Do the Dolphins plan on moving to a 3-4? If so, I love this pick and will improve this grade, assuming they didn't give up too much. If not, and if Miami surrendered a ton of resources to jump up to No. 3, it'll be close to a D.
Update: The Dolphins gave up the 42nd pick. I thought they'd have to surrender more to move up to No. 3, so this isn't so bad. I'm still confused about the scheme fit though. I may come back to this grade.
Follow @walterfootball for updates.
54. Jamar Taylor, CB, Boise State: A Grade
I'm not sure why the Dolphins didn't trade this pick or what in the world they plan on doing at left tackle, but Jamar Taylor is a great pick from both a value and needs standpoint. Miami had a hole at cornerback and filled it nicely with Taylor, who was considered a first-round prospect by some.
77. Dallas Thomas, G/OT, Tennessee: B Grade
If the Dolphins think they have their solution at left tackle with Dallas Thomas, they're sorely mistaken. Thomas is more of a guard than a tackle. With that in mind though, Miami did need to upgrade John Jerry at guard, and Thomas fits both the draft range and the blocking scheme.
93. Will Davis, CB, Utah State: B- Grade
Will Davis probably could have been taken a bit later than this, but it's not a major reach or anything. Davis is the second cornerback the Dolphins have chosen in the 2013 NFL Draft, but they needed two considering the uncertainty with Brent Grimes and his torn Achilles.
104. Jelani Jenkins, OLB, Florida: B+ Grade
Another linebacker? Well, the Dolphins needed one for depth, as they cut just as many players at the position as they signed. Jelani Jenkins is a talented linebacker who could have gone a bit earlier than this.
106. Dion Sims, TE, Michigan State: B Grade
The Dolphins signed Dustin Keller this offseason, but they needed a long-term solution at the position because the Keller deal was for only one year. Miami also had to find more of a blocking tight end because Anthony Fasano is gone. This is a solid choice.
164. Mike Gillislee, RB, Florida: A Grade
Lamar Miller is currently projected to be the starting running back, so the Dolphins had to find someone to at least challenge him because he's so unproven. Either Miller or Mike Gillislee should be able to emerge as the guy. I like Gillislee a lot; he's a tough runner who should have gone earlier than this.
166. Caleb Sturgis, K, Florida: C+ Grade
I'm not crazy about drafting kickers this high either, but that's more understandable than selecting punters because they actually score points. Dan Carpenter is unreliable, so Caleb Sturgis should be an upgrade.
250. Don Jones, S, Arkansas: B+ Grade
Don Jones received so much attention in pre-draft visits that I thought he'd go earlier than No. 250. The Dolphins will take him for needed safety depth.
*** 2013 NFL TEAM NEEDS BELOW COMMENT BOARD ***
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SoFLA4Lyf
05-06-2013
03:55 pm
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Now that the fins have filled the hole at tackle for at least this season with a pretty good free agent, time to up these draft grades!
Danny
05-05-2013
06:45 pm
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There's good news and bad news.
The bad news is Miami's draft is pretty mediocre. The good news is that the rest of the AFC East drafted so poorly, the Dolphins probably have gained some ground.
Von Miller
05-05-2013
06:14 pm
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Remember when the broncos drafted me and you thought that was a terrible pick cause i was "strictly a 3-4 player"?
Proved you wrong walt
dolphan
05-03-2013
12:03 am
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lets take a moment and see who the dolphins might have miss out on (in a draft that was considered a low talent level, not my words)
Lane johnson Eziekl ansah dee millner sheldon richardson shariff floyd chance warmack jon cooper out of all these players if jordan dont pan out (doubful) the only one that I think Might be great is ansah. Miami filled a need with jamar taylor. Aldon smith was undersized coming out of college also and wasnt as quick as jordan.
If Jordan Doesn't Pan Out
05-02-2013
11:00 am
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you should commit suicide, dumbass
Dion Jordan Aldon smith
05-02-2013
02:00 am
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With all this dissatisfaction with Jordan, it remind me exactly how the 49ers felt when they drafted a unproven and hurt Aldon smith... They said Aldon was athletic but was weak, had no real rush moves, and very limited experience.. But I don't see no complaints bout him anymore... If u ask me he kinda reminds me of Aldon smith coming out not Aldon smith of now.
Dion Jordan Aldon smith
05-02-2013
02:00 am
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With all this dissatisfaction with Jordan, it remind me exactly how the 49ers felt when they drafted a unproven and hurt Aldon smith... They said Aldon was athletic but was weak, had no real rush moves, and very limited experience.. But I don't see no complaints bout him anymore... If u ask me he kinda reminds me of Aldon smith coming out not Aldon smith of now.
Jimbo
04-30-2013
11:21 am
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Not a Pats fan either. I HATE the Pats. Their draft was terrible with a capital T. You could tell Billy did his scouting while picking up some new hoodies in "New Jawsey."
Jimbo
04-30-2013
10:08 am
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I'm a lifelong Dolphins fan and football writer, so I know of what I speak. Dion Jordan is a boom-or-bust project, most likely to BUST. The kid is too skinny and lanky to play at 3-4 end full-time. He also plays too upright, lacks body control, and doesn't know how to shed blockers effectively. Who cares about his speed if he can't shed blocks or power through a block when needed. Face it, this kid was an overhyped 3-4 OLB who got the pub from Chip Kelly and the Nike Hype Factory. Can you say DUMB PICK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Erick
04-30-2013
10:00 am
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Jeff Ireland moves into the top 5 to select the best pure athlete in this draft FOR DIRT CHEAP, steals a 1st-round graded cornerback at the tail end of the 2nd-round, adds necessary depth behind all of the positions needing it (even after making changes at some of those spots in free agency), and Walt still only gives the Dolphins a B-???
I know offensive tackle (not necessarily left or right) still requires a starter, but there are two guys on the roster other than Jonathan Martin who can start at right tackle (John Jerry played RT during his last 2 years in college, Nate Garner has always stepped in well off the bench), so why be so critical??? Specially with 2-3 starters looking for work in free agency right now.
if jordan panns out
04-30-2013
03:05 am
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then all u haters are gonna b eating ur words. til then we better not catch u jumping on the dolphin bandwagon wen they start doing good. cant stand flip flop fans.. Jordan was BPA at 3 anywayz in this unspectacular draft. 2, miami runs a hybrid defense so he more than just fits, u ppl are acting ignorant with ur own team.. this isnt madden
dolphan
04-29-2013
06:06 pm
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@ jimbo, your probaly a jets fan, sorry about that. and if your a pats fan, sorry about the crapy draft u guys had.
joejoe
04-29-2013
05:17 pm
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Could be wrong but I believe the Jags run a 4-3 defense. Jags should have taken Jordan at #2, Dolphins shouldn't have taken him unless they were switching to a 3-4(presume that means they run a 4-3). Guess that why he's the guru we just aren't capable of seeing the obvious
Jimbo
04-29-2013
04:29 pm
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The truth hurts, doesn't it Dolpins fans. Face it, Miami has drafted it's Vernon Gholston.
Jimbo
04-29-2013
12:52 pm
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Jeff FIRELAND strikes again! Dion Jordan has BUST written all over him. Even Coach Philbin says that the Phins aren't sure that Jordan can move fast enough with the additional weight he'll need to gain. Sims is a fat oaf. He is NOT the answer for TE2. A fith-round pick for a kicker? Gimme a break. Sturgis isn't bad, but you don't waste picks on kickers, especially when you need defensive playmakers and o-line depth, which the Phins DID NOT address. Miami had their shot and BLEW IT!
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Season Summary:
The Dolphins have some hope for the first time in quite a while. Ryan Tannehill flashed and played well at times in 2012. He was inconsistent, but that's to be expected from a rookie. Miami will have a chance to reach the playoffs next year as long as Tannehill progresses. Of course, the front office has to do its part and find some weapons for him.
Offseason Moves:
Team Needs:
- Wide Receiver: Make it two wideouts if Brian Hartline leaves via free agency. Ryan Tannehill desperately needs a legitimate No. 1 receiver to throw to. Expect Miami to use one of its picks in the first two rounds on this position. Signing Greg Jennings is also an option. Signed Mike Wallace and Brandon Gibson; re-signed Brian Hartline
- Two Cornerbacks: The Dolphins have a mess at cornerback. Sean Smith is a free agent. Richard Marshall, who isn't very good, is coming off back surgery. Nolan Carroll struggled as well. The front office dealt Vontae Davis for a second-round pick, so that selection could be used on a replacement. Signed Brent Grimes
- Defensive Tackle: Randy Starks is a free agent. If he leaves, Miami will have to find someone else to rush the passer in the interior. Fortunately for the front office, this upcoming draft class is deep at the position. Franchised Randy Starks; signed Vaughn Martin
- Right Tackle: Jake Long is a free agent. Jonathan Martin struggled as a rookie early on, but he played better on the blind side. A new right tackle will be needed. Signed Tyson Clabo
- Tight End: The only reason rookie Michael Egnew wasn't cut last year was because the front office spent a third-round pick on him. He'll likely be gone this August at the very latest. Tannehill needs a solid intermediate pass-catcher. Signed Dustin Keller
- Defensive End: Cameron Wake was the only consistent pass-rushing threat on Miami's defense. Jared Odrick, starting across from him, was good in run support but barely got to the quarterback.
- Free Safety: Chris Clemons' contract expires in March. He'll need to be retained because he did a good job in 2012. Re-signed Chris Clemons
- Running Back: Reggie Bush is a free agent, so are the Dolphins prepared to go into 2013 with just Lamar Miller and Daniel Thomas?
- Linebacker: Miami is very thin in this area. A mid-round pick would help. Signed Philip Wheeler and Dannell Ellerbe
- Interior Offensive Line: Depth is needed here. Signed Lance Louis
2013 NFL Free Agent Signings:
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Philip Wheeler, OLB, Raiders. Age: 28. 
Signed with Dolphins (5 years, $26 million)
Philip Wheeler was one of the most improved players in the NFL this past season. He thrived in every aspect, including blitzing, and he's earned a huge pay day this spring. And to think, the Raiders obtained him for a mere 1-year, $700,000 contract during the previous offseason.
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Mike Wallace, WR, Steelers. Age: 27. 
Signed with Dolphins (5 years)
Mike Wallace is overrated. He has blazing speed, but he's a horribly inefficient receiver. He dropped tons of passes and ranked near the bottom of the NFL in terms of catch percentage among starting wideouts.
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Dannell Ellerbe, ILB, Ravens. Age: 27.
Signed with Dolphins
Dannell Ellerbe was the top inside linebacker on the roster this past season - even when Ray Lewis was healthy. He had a strong second half, emerging after Lewis went down.
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Tyson Clabo, OT, Falcons. Age: 31.
Signed with Dolphins
Tyson Clabo was Atlanta's top lineman last year, so even though he was due $4.5 million over the next three seasons, his release was a surprise. I do not have him rated highly, however, because he'll be 32 in October. He could begin to regress quite soon.
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Dustin Keller, TE, Jets. Age: 28.
Signed with Dolphins
Dustin Keller caught a career-high 65 balls for 815 yards and five touchdowns in 2011, but barely played this year because of various injuries.
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Brent Grimes, CB, Falcons. Age: 30.
Signed with Dolphins (1 year)
Brent Grimes would be ranked much higher if he weren't coming off a torn Achilles' tendon. He'll be 30 in July, so it'll be tough for him to bounce back.
- Brandon Gibson, WR, Rams. Age: 26. -- Signed with Dolphins
- Lance Louis, G, Bears. Age: 28. -- Signed with Dolphins
- Vaughn Martin, DT, Chargers. Age: 27. -- Signed with Dolphins
Miami Dolphins Free Agents:
Salary Cap: TBA.
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Jake Long, OT, Dolphins. Age: 28.
Signed with Rams
Jake Long has regressed just a bit over the past couple of years because of nagging injuries, but he's still considered one of the better left tackles in football.
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Randy Starks, DT, Dolphins. Age: 29.
Re-signed with Dolphins (1 year, $8.5 million)
Randy Starks is a talented interior pass-rusher. He struggled a bit down the stretch, but that could have been the result of personal issues he dealt with late in the year.
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Reggie Bush, RB, Dolphins. Age: 28.
Signed with Lions
Reggie Bush has managed to stay mostly healthy the past two years, which is obviously a good sign. He wasn't utilized enough this past season until the Dolphins finally realized that they should use him as a receiver on occasion. The result was Bush gaining 100-plus yards from scrimmage in three of his final four games.
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Kevin Burnett, OLB, Dolphins. Age: 30.
Signed with Raiders
Kevin Burnett, like Karlos Dansby, was part of Miami's minor-upgrade purge. Burnett is a very talented linebacker with no glaring weaknesses in his game. The only downside is that he'll be 31 in December.
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Sean Smith, CB, Dolphins. Age: 26.
Signed with Chiefs (3 years)
Sean Smith started off the year on a strong note, but wasn't very good in the final couple of months. Still, he's a solid starting corner who deserves a nice contract.
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Karlos Dansby, ILB, Dolphins. Age: 31.
Signed with Cardinals (1 year)
The Dolphins went younger when they made a very minor upgrade by replacing Karlos Dansby with Dannell Ellerbe. Dansby is a very strong run defender who can still play all three downs. Unfortunately, he'll turn 32 in November.
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Chris Clemons, S, Dolphins. Age: 27.
Re-signed with Dolphins (1 year)
Chris Clemons proved to be a quality starting safety for the Dolphins this past year. He was penalized only twice, though he had trouble tackling on occasion.
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Anthony Fasano, TE, Dolphins. Age: 29.
Signed with Chiefs
Anthony Fasano is only a mediocre pass-catcher, but he's great as a blocker.
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Brian Hartline, WR, Dolphins. Age: 26.
Re-signed with Dolphins (5 years, $30.7 million)
Brian Hartline made a name for himself by catching 12 balls for 253 yards and a touchdown at Arizona in Week 4, but remarkably didn't find the end zone after that. Hartline is perfectly fine as a No. 2 wideout, but he's too inconsistent to be a top option.
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Nate Kaeding, K, Dolphins. Age: 31.
Signed with Buccaneers
Nate Kaeding was one of the most accurate regular-season kickers prior to suffering a plethora of injuries the past two seasons. He went 8-of-10 in 2012, but didn't try a kick beyond 50.
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Matt Moore, QB, Dolphins. Age: 29.
Re-signed with Dolphins (2 years, $8 million)
Matt Moore has thrown 17 touchdowns to just nine interceptions in the past two seasons. His completion percentage has never been great, but he's shown that he can get the job done if he has the talent around him.
- Tony McDaniel, DT, Dolphins. Age: 28. -- Signed with Seahawks
- Nate Garner, G, Dolphins. Age: 28. -- Re-signed with Dolphins
- Marlon Moore (RFA), WR, Dolphins. Age: 25. -- Signed with 49ers
- Bryce McCann (RFA), CB, Dolphins. Age: 25.
- Jeron Mastrud (RFA), TE, Dolphins. Age: 25. -- Signed with Raiders
- R.J. Stanford (RFA), CB, Dolphins. Age: 25. -- Tendered by Dolphins
- Tyrone Culver, S, Dolphins. Age: 30.
- Austin Spitler (RFA), OLB, Dolphins. Age: 26. -- Tendered by Dolphins
- Patrick Brown (RFA), OT, Dolphins. Age: 26.
- Jonathon Amaya (RFA), S, Dolphins. Age: 24.
2013 NFL Free Agent Positions:
QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | G | C | DE | DT | OLB | ILB | CB | S | K/P | FA Grades
2013 Fantasy Football Rankings - May 24
2013 NBA Mock Draft - May 22
2014 NFL Mock Draft - May 21
Charlie's 2014 NFL Mock Draft - May 20
NFL Picks - Feb. 3
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