Miami Dolphins (Last Year: 8-8)
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2014 NFL Season Preview:
Veteran Additions:
RB Knowshon Moreno, WR Damian Williams, OT Branden Albert, OT Jason Fox, G Daryn Colledge, NT Earl Mitchell, CB Cortland Finnegan, CB R.J. Stanford, S Louis Delmas.
Early Draft Picks:
OT JaWuan James, WR Jarvis Landry, OT Billy Turner, CB Walt Aikens, TE Arthur Lynch, OLB Jordan Tripp. Dolphins Rookie Forecast
Offseason Losses:
OT Jonathan Martin, G Richie Incognito, G John Jerry, NT Paul Soliai, CB Dimitri Patterson, CB Nolan Carroll, S Chris Clemons.
2014 Miami Dolphins Offense:
The Dolphins had high hopes for their offense when they signed Mike Wallace during the preceding offseason, but the unit proved to be completely inept. It averaged 19.8 points per game, as Ryan Tannehill was sacked a whopping 58 times. Tannehill wasn’t responsible at all for this; his offensive line imploded because of the well-documented bullying scandal.
Both Richie Incognito and Jonathan Martin deserve heavy blame for what happened, so it’s a good thing that both are gone. Because of how poorly the offensive line performed, the expectations were that Miami would spend most of its resources retooling the front during the offseason – and that’s exactly what happened. The Dolphins started off by signing Branden Albert to a 5-year, $46 million contract. Albert is a skilled left tackle, but this deal carries lots of risk because of his poor durability. Albert has played only one full 16-game slate in six NFL seasons. He’s missed seven combined contests in the past two years, and on top of that, he’ll be 30 in November. It’s highly unlikely that Miami will get what it paid for.
The Dolphins also spent the No. 19 overall selection on Tennessee tackle Ja’Wuan James, who should be in the lineup at right tackle immediately. However, James was widely considered a reach; many sources have said that James was a third-round prospect. Miami panicked when all of the top tackles were off the board, so that’s why it chose a player at No. 19 that it could have easily obtained in the second frame. Oddly enough, the third-round choice, Billy Turner, could end up being a superior player. Turner can play every position up front except center, so he could challenge for the left guard spot as a rookie. He won’t have much competition, since Incognito’s replacement there is 2013 third-rounder Dallas Thomas, who has played just two career snaps.
Filling out the offensive line are right guard Shelley Smith and center Mike Pouncey. The latter was also involved in the bullying scandal, but he wasn’t let go because he’s the best blocker Miami has. Unfortunately, he’ll be out for several games because of hip surgery. Smith, meanwhile, was another offseason acquisition. The former Ram started only two games in 2013.
Overall, Miami’s blocking will be a bit better this upcoming season, but it won’t be great, so Tannehill will once again struggle at times. It’ll help him if he and Wallace strengthen their connection. Tannehill barely missed Wallace on some deep downfield shots in 2013. Unfortunately for the Dolphins, Wallace has been dropping lots of passes at OTAs, so it’s looking like he’s yet another one of countless receivers who have busted in free agency because they left a superior situation for a money grab.
Tannehill’s overall supporting cast is pretty solid. Brian Hartline is coming off his second-consecutive 1,000-yard campaign, but tore his PCL in Week 17. Second-round rookie Jarvis Landry figures to be the team’s slot receiver. He was viewed as a third-round prospect, but he could contribute right away. Meanwhile, tight end Charles Clay was a big part of the offense this past season, hauling in 69 receptions for 759 yards and six touchdowns. The 25-year-old is entering his contract season.
Another player the Dolphins added in free agency was Knowshon Moreno. He won’t cost the team as much (one year, $3 million), which is fortunate for the Dolphins because Moreno showed up out of shape. He has since underwent knee surgery, and it’s no guarantee that he’ll make the roster; let alone be ready for Week 1. It’s a good thing then that Lamar Miller has shown signs of improvement at OTAs.
2014 Miami Dolphins Defense:
While the offensive line continues to be Miami’s biggest issue, there are a number of glaring questions on every level of the defense. Perhaps the greatest one is what the Dolphins plan on doing at one of the starting cornerback positions. They’re fine on one side with Brent Grimes, who was one of the top corners in the NFL this past season. The other starter could be Cortland Finnegan, who may have been the worst player at his position in the entire league in 2013. That’s not hyperbole; Finnegan was so bad that he was essentially exiled from St. Louis. Miami’s decision to sign him to a 2-year, $11 million deal was extremely puzzling, especially when it could have obtained him for the veteran minimum. Jamar Taylor and Will Davis, chosen on the second day of the 2013 NFL Draft, will compete for the starting gig across from Grimes. They both struggled in brief action last year, however.
Elsewhere in the secondary, the Dolphins lost safety Chris Clemons in free agency. Jimmy Wilson should be an adequate replacement, though he’s not as talented as Clemons. He’ll start next to Reshad Jones, who is coming off a down year but should be able to rebound.
There are also major issues in the linebacking corps. In fact, many thought the Dolphins would go after C.J. Mosley or Ryan Shazier at No. 19 overall, but both were off the board. The front office spent a ton of money bringing in Dannell Ellerbe and Philip Wheeler during the previous offseason – a combined 10 years, $60.5 million – but both were atrocious in 2013. Ellerbe and Wheeler will be starting once again this upcoming season along with two-down run-specialist Koa Misi, unless fifth-round rookie Jordan Tripp can crack the lineup. That’s not as far-fetched as it seems, given how bad Ellerbe and Wheeler were last year.
The defensive front is Miami’s strongest unit, but there is one issue there as well. Paul Soliai left for Atlanta, prompting the Dolphins to sign former Texan Earl Mitchell. Will Mitchell be able to transition to the 4-3? He has never been a full-time player in that scheme, and he wasn’t even very good as Houston’s starting nose tackle this past season. He’ll be starting next to Randy Starks, a very talented interior lineman who was re-signed this spring.
The Dolphins are best on the outside. Cameron Wake is an exceptional pass-rusher; he’s two years removed from a 15-sack campaign. He mustered only 8.5 sacks in 2013, but that was because he dealt with a knee injury. He’ll bounce back this season, though his age (32) might begin to be an issue. He’ll start across from Olivier Vernon, who registered 11.5 sacks in his second NFL campaign. Dion Jordan, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, won’t be able to crack the starting lineup, but the hope is that he’ll provide solid depth when he returns from his four-game suspension.
2014 Miami Dolphins Schedule and Intangibles:
The Dolphins, unsurprisingly, don’t have much of a homefield advantage. Since 2007, they’re a pathetic 24-33 as hosts. As a barometer, they’re pretty much the same as visitors (23-31) in that span.
Dan Carpenter was deemed too unreliable, so the front office spent a fifth-round pick on kicker Caleb Sturgis in 2013. Sturgis was even worse, going 26-of-34 as a rookie, including 3-of-7 from 50-plus.
Punter Brandon Fields had another terrific year, ranking second in net average and fourth in terms of attempts placed inside the 20.
No touchdowns were scored for or against the Dolphins on special teams, but they were outgained on punts and kickoffs.
The Dolphins have a mixed schedule. On one hand, they have to battle the Packers, Bears, Chargers, Broncos, Lions (away) and Patriots twice. On the other hand, they can beat up on the Jets twice, Bills twice, Raiders, Jaguars and Vikings.
2014 Miami Dolphins Rookies:
Go here for the Dolphins Rookie Forecast, a page with predictions like which rookie will bust and which rookie will become a solid starter.
2014 Miami Dolphins Positional Rankings (1-5 stars):
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2014 Miami Dolphins Analysis: The Dolphins haven’t done enough work to fix their offensive line. As a result, Ryan Tannehill won’t be able to live up to his potential. He’ll need to, given that the defense has plenty of holes, particularly in the linebacking corps. As a consequence, it’ll be difficult for Miami to compete with the Patriots for the divisional title. A wild-card berth isn’t out of the question, but it’s highly unlikely.
Projection: 6-10 (Tied 2nd in AFC East)
2014 Fantasy Football Rankings
More 2014 NFL Season Previews
Follow @walterfootball for updates.
NFL Draft Team Grade: C Grade
Goals Entering the 2014 NFL Draft: Miami’s No. 1 priority is finding multiple upgrades on the offensive line to compensate for the ridiculous Jonathan Martin-Richie Incognito situation last year. Help is also needed at linebacker, wide receiver and cornerback, but fixing Ryan Tannehill’s blocking has to be the team’s top goal.
2014 NFL Draft Accomplishments: Can one pick spoil an entire draft class? JaWuan James was a miserable selection in the first round. I understand the huge need, and I even slotted him there in my mock draft, but it was a mega reach. We spoke with five teams about James, and none of them had him as a solid first-round prospect. One tackle-needy team even pegged him in the fifth round! I’m not saying James can’t pan out, but Miami probably would have been able to obtain him in the second frame.
The rest of Miami’s haul was decent. Billy Turner, who might actually be better than James, was a solid third-round pick. Jarvis Landry provides needed depth at wideout. Walt Aikens and Jordan Tripp were steals.
If the Dolphins hadn’t reached in the first round, I might give them a “B” overall. However, the James blunder has to drop them a full letter grade.
NFL Draft Individual Grades:
19. JaWuan James, OT, Tennessee: C- Grade
I loved the crowd reaction to this, as many of the people in the seats responded, “Who?” The Dolphins have loved JaWuan James all along, but there’s no doubt that this is a major reach. James might have been available at Miami’s second-round pick. I would give Miami a dreaded Millen grade under normal circumstances, but think about what happened last year. The Dolphins almost had to go offensive line to protect Ryan Tannehill, and with the top four tackles off the board (as well as C.J. Mosley and Ryan Shazier), they didn’t have much of a choice. I just wish Miami would have traded down.
63. Jarvis Landry, WR, LSU: B- Grade
The Dolphins showed a ton of interest in receivers during the pre-draft process, and it’s easy to see why. They had nothing beyond the inconsistent Mike Wallace and Brian Hartline. That’s no longer the case, as Jarvis Landry will step in and likely become the team’s new slot receiver. I think this is a bit of a reach, but it’s nothing egregious.
67. Billy Turner, OT, North Dakota State: B Grade
The Dolphins didn’t reach for a tackle this time. Billy Turner is a skilled left tackle who should be able to step in right away, given Miami’s offensive line woes. Turner figures to be an upgrade, though you could say that for many linemen. I actually had Turner going to Miami in the third round of my mock draft, so I believe this is the right range for him.
125. Walt Aikens, CB, Liberty: A- Grade
Someone in our Draft Day feature begged the Dolphins for more height in the secondary. He got his wish with the tall Walt Aikens. Cortland Finnegan is currently slated to start at corner for Miami, which has “disaster area” written all over it. Even though he’s a fourth-round pick, Aikens could end up starting over the anemic Finnegan at some point this season.
155. Arthur Lynch, TE, Georgia: B Grade
The Dolphins had to find an intermediate target for Ryan Tannehill. Arthur Lynch makes sense in the fifth round. This isn’t a great pick, but it makes a lot of sense.
171. Jordan Tripp, OLB, Montana: A Grade
The Dolphins were expected to choose a linebacker much earlier than this – perhaps even as high as the first round. It’s late for one, but it helps that Jordan Tripp provides great value. Tripp probably should have been off the board in the Round 3-4 range.
190. Matt Hazel, WR, Coastal Carolina: B- Grade
More receiving depth makes some sense. The range is also right, as Matt Hazel was viewed as a Round 6-7 prospect. I don’t feel strongly about this pick, one way or the other.
234. Terrence Fede, DE, Marist: B Grade
Terrence Fede was going to generate a good amount of UDFA interest, so the Dolphins just wanted to pick him before the draft ended. A fourth defensive end was a need for Miami.
Season Summary:
The Dolphins had a playoff spot in their grasp. All they had to do was beat either the Bills or Jets in the final two weeks of the season. They lost both contests by a combined score of 39-7. Miami spent a ton of money in the preceding offseason, so there were huge expectations. Jeff Ireland was consequently fired.
Offseason Moves:
Team Needs:
- Two Offensive Tackles: Many felt sorry for Jonathan Martin during the entire bullying scandal, but his terrible play on the field seemed to be ignored. Bryant McKinnie wasn’t very good either, while Tyson Clabo is a free agent. There should be a decent tackle available at No. 19 overall. Signed Branden Albert
- Two Guards: The Dolphins also have to retool the interior of their offensive line as well to protect Ryan Tannehill. Richie Incognito is gone, while John Jerry, who was a poor fit for this blocking scheme, will be hitting the market in March. Dallas Thomas, chosen in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft, could get a chance to start. Even still, depth will need to be added. A second-day selection could help fill this need. Signed Shelley Smith and Daryn Colledge
- Two Defensive Tackles: Both Randy Starks and Paul Soliai happen to be impending free agents. Jared Odrick can start, so the Dolphins will need to re-sign either Starks or Soliai and acquire one more interior lineman for depth. Re-signed Randy Starks; signed Earl Mitchell
- Cornerback: Brent Grimes played extremely well coming off a torn Achilles, but his contract will expire in March. If he’s not retained, Miami will somehow have to find a new top corner. Re-signed Brent Grimes; signed Cortland Finnegan
- Safety: Chris Clemons is another Miami defensive back who will be hitting the market. Signed Louis Delmas
- Linebackers: Philip Wheeler and Dannell Ellerbe were bust free-agent acquisitions – nothing new for Jeff Ireland. Of course this was predictable, as a whole new linebacking corps didn’t know how to play with each other. Perhaps the trio of Wheeler, Ellerbe and Koa Misi will gel. It wouldn’t hurt to bring in insurance though, especially at middle linebacker.
- Running Back: No one knows why, but the Miami coaching staff doesn’t have much faith in Lamar Miller. Daniel Thomas isn’t very good either, so the Dolphins could spend a second-day draft choice on a new running back. Signed Knowshon Moreno
- Tight End: Dustin Keller was a quality signing at the time, but he suffered a devastating knee injury. He’s a free agent anyway.
- Center: Mike Pouncey could be in trouble for the bullying scandal. If he faces any sort of suspension, the Dolphins will need to bring in a new center.
- Kicker: Caleb Sturgis had a rough rookie campaign, but Miami may give him a second chance.
Follow me @walterfootball for updates.
2014 NFL Free Agent Signings:
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Branden Albert, OT, Chiefs. Age: 29. 
Signed with Dolphins (5 years, $46 million)
Branden Albert is more talented than this rating says he is, but he’s always injured and has played all 16 games only once in his career. He’s a strong blind-side protector when healthy.
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Louis Delmas, S, Lions. Age: 27.
Signed with Dolphins (1 year, $3.5 million)
The Lions had to cut Louis Delmas for financial reasons, but they’ll miss him. Delmas played well this past season, appearing in all 16 games for the first time in his career. Delmas is very effective when he’s on the field, but durability is the big issue. He missed a combined 13 contests in 2011 and 2012.
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Knowshon Moreno, RB, Broncos. Age: 27.
Signed with Dolphins (1 year)
The Montee Ball draft pick seemed to light a fire under Knowshon Moreno, who is coming off a career year. There’s definitely concern, however, that he didn’t start giving maximum effort until his contract season. Also, don’t forget how injury-prone he’s been before 2013. Caveat emptor.
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Daryn Colledge, G, Cardinals. Age: 32.
Signed with Dolphins
Daryn Colledge isn’t a bad lineman; he was simply released to free up $4.5 million in cap space. Colledge won’t kill any team as a starter, but his best role would be as a solid reserve.
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Cortland Finnegan, CB, Rams. Age: 30.
Signed with Dolphins (2 years)
In yet another instance of a free agent busting after taking lots of money to play for a bad team, Cortland Finnegan was released two seasons into his 5-year, $50 million deal. Finnegan was one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL prior to moving to St. Louis. He was sub par in 2012 and unbelievably awful this past season. Perhaps this will serve as a wake-up call for Finnegan, who could still turn his career around. Then again, he could be completely done.
- Earl Mitchell, NT, Texans. Age: 26. — Signed with Dolphins (4 years, $16 million)
- Shelley Smith (RFA), G, Rams. Age: 27. — Signed with Dolphins (2 years)
- Jason Fox, OT, Lions. Age: 26. — Signed with Dolphins
- Damian Williams, WR, Titans. Age: 26. — Signed with Dolphins (1 year, $800,000)
Miami Dolphins Free Agents:
Salary Cap: TBA.
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Brent Grimes, CB, Dolphins. Age: 31.
Re-signed with Dolphins (4 years, $32 million; $16 million guaranteed)
It’s very difficult to return to form coming off an Achilles tear. Brent Grimes did just that, as he was one of the NFL’s top cornerbacks in 2013. He’ll be 31 in July and is still recently removed from that Achilles injury, but he’s still one of the top free agents this spring.
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Randy Starks, DT, Dolphins. Age: 30.
Signed with Dolphins (2 years, $12 million)
Randy Starks has been one of the better defensive tackles in football in recent years, performing extremely well in terms of pass rushing and stuffing the run. He’s a strong player in the 3-4 and 4-3, making him one of the more prized free agents. Age is only a slight concern.
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Paul Soliai, DT, Dolphins. Age: 30.
Signed with Falcons (5 years, $33 million)
Paul Soliai is a big-time run-stuffer who can also get to the quarterback. He can play in either the 3-4 or 4-3, so teams that run multiple fronts will love his versatility.
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Chris Clemons, S, Dolphins. Age: 28.
Signed with Texans (2 years)
Chris Clemons is a very good coverage safety who has missed only three games in the past four seasons. He’ll be missed if the Dolphins can’t re-sign him.
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Nolan Carroll, CB, Dolphins. Age: 27.
Signed with Eagles
Nolan Carroll sustained a number of injuries (knee, concussion, rib) throughout his 2013 campaign. Despite this, he didn’t miss a single game.
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John Jerry, G, Dolphins. Age: 28.
Signed with Giants
John Jerry is not a good fit for Miami’s blocking scheme, so he should head elsewhere.
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Tyson Clabo, OT, Dolphins. Age: 32.
Tyson Clabo was an absolute abomination in the first half of the season, which was a surprise because he was always a solid tackle for the Falcons. However, he picked up the slack and performed very well in the final two months. The downside is that he turns 33 in October.
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Dustin Keller, TE, Dolphins. Age: 29.
Dustin Keller should probably be a 1.5-star free agent, but I’ll bump him up for the write-up. Keller tore his ACL, MCL and PCL in a preseason game, and if that wasn’t enough, he also dislocated his knee. He’s going to have a tough time coming back from this injury, so he’ll have to sign a short-term “prove it” deal.
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Dimitri Patterson, CB, Dolphins. Age: 31.
Signed with Jets (1 year, $3 million)
Dimitri Patterson has missed 17 games in the past two seasons. He’s effective when on the field, but that has been rare.
- Richie Incognito, G, Dolphins. Age: 31.
- R.J. Stanford (RFA), CB, Dolphins. Age: 27. — Signed with Bengals
- Austin Spitler, ILB, Dolphins. Age: 27.
- Will Yeatman (RFA), OT, Dolphins. Age: 26.
- Danny Watkins (RFA), G, Dolphins. Age: 29.
NFL Free Agent Tracker:
QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | G | C | DE | DT | OLB | ILB | CB | S | K/P | FA Grades | FA Rumors
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