The Miami Dolphins are in an unusual position for a team that had Super Bowl hopes only a season ago. The Dolphins’ roster still boasts excellent talent at the top, but they were forced to reshuffle due to salary-cap concerns. Star defensive tackle Christian Wilkins and solid offensive lineman Robert Hunt, as well as other starters Andrew Van Ginkel and Brandon Jones, have moved on to other teams. The 2024 season should still have lofty ambitions as long as Tua Tagovailoa and Tyreek Hill are healthy, but this season will also have significant implications for the franchise’s future.
Tagovailoa’s contract extension with the organization is on the way, and this season will go a long way toward identifying future supporting players who will remain around until the Dolphins get used to having Tagovailoa on the roster. Mike McDaniel has arguably his most difficult test as Dolphins head coach this season, as they retool the roster with a greater cap charge for Tagovailoa. Wins are good, but the Dolphins must address personnel issues for the long haul this season.
How are Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips progressing?
Miami lacked two of its finest defensive players near the end of the season. Edge rushers Bradley Chubb (ACL) and Jaelan Phillips (Achilles) both suffered season-ending injuries late in the season. When those two were on the field, the Dolphins had a good defensive performance. Without Phillips and Chubb, it was understandable that they struggled to be as consistent.
Chubb’s contract becomes relatively easy to terminate in the offseason. Phillips is due for an extension, depending on how well he recovers from injury.
It would be great for both to regain their form, but the Dolphins invested a first-round overall pick in edge rusher Chop Robinson for a reason. This scenario is precarious enough to necessitate insurance.
Will Dolphins’ bets in Rounds 1 and 2 of NFL Draft pay off?
When discussing Robinson and offensive tackle Patrick Paul’s selections in the second round, both choices align with the team’s strategy of opting for players with high potential but perhaps lower immediate impact. This calculated risk is feasible for the Dolphins due to their existing talent, allowing them to maintain a competitive edge and potentially vie for a playoff spot.
Although Robinson’s performance at Penn State wasn’t remarkable, his youth at 21 and exceptional athleticism showcased during the NFL scouting combine, notably his 4.4-second 40-yard dash, indicate promise. While he may not assume a leading role in the pass rush department immediately, demonstrating positive glimpses during Chubb and Phillips’ recovery periods will be crucial.
Paul possesses the capacity to serve as a mainstay for a decade, albeit requiring time to refine his technique. His rookie season may not be flawless, but the Dolphins must afford him playing time to foster his development, particularly since he’s positioned as the probable starting right tackle. Despite not being a fully polished prospect, Paul’s upside suggests significant potential for growth.
Had Paul been more polished upon entering the draft, he likely would have been selected earlier than the latter part of the second round. Nonetheless, akin to Robinson, this pick holds promise for yielding substantial returns in the future.
How will Dolphins’ young running backs fare?
Despite Hill’s significant contributions to the Dolphins’ offense, Miami maintains a reliance on a robust running game. However, they execute this differently from most teams, prioritizing getting their running backs into open space rather than relying heavily on inside runs. This approach is integral to their offensive strategy. The Dolphins emphasized their commitment to a strong running game by trading a future third-round pick to move up in the fourth round and select Tennessee running back Jaylen Wright.
Wright joins De’Von Achane as promising young talents in the Dolphins’ backfield, with veteran Raheem Mostert providing stability for at least one more season. The overarching plan for the running back unit is for Wright and Achane to form a dynamic duo, utilizing their speed to consistently gain significant yardage on the ground, aligning with Coach McDaniel’s vision.
Wright likely finds himself in an ideal offensive scheme to maximize his skills, and it remains intriguing to observe the extent to which he impacts Achane’s workload, especially considering Achane’s past injury concerns as a rookie.
Should Achane and Wright fulfill the Dolphins’ expectations, the team stands a chance to maintain its explosiveness on offense in the post-Hill era. Regardless, the ability to effectively run the ball remains advantageous for the team moving forward.
Can Tua be The Guy for them in crunch time?
As the Dolphins head into the 2024 season, the primary focus remains on Tua Tagovailoa’s development. While their offensive prowess is widely acknowledged, Tagovailoa needs to demonstrate his ability to shoulder a greater portion of the offensive workload independently. Despite undergoing changes along the offensive line, Tagovailoa still benefits from a favorable setup compared to many other quarterbacks in the NFL.
Regardless of the outcome, Tagovailoa’s financial future seems secure. However, his progression as a proactive leader of the offense and an all-around playmaker is crucial for instilling confidence in him, especially as the Dolphins brace for significant financial commitments.
Amidst other manageable challenges, Tagovailoa has ample room for growth and the opportunity to establish his legacy, particularly as the Dolphins navigate this transitional phase. His performance during this critical juncture will shape perceptions of his capabilities and potential impact on the team’s future.
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