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The Miami Dolphins showed some very promising signs at various points this season, but they still ended up missing the playoffs. The arrow is pointing up for Joe Philbin's program, and owner Stephen Ross showed the importance he placed on continuity by keeping Philbin and his staff beyond this season, but make no mistake: 2015 will be a playoff-or-bust season for Miami.
Here are the Dolphins' top priorities heading into the offseason:
1. Fix Ryan Tannehill's deep-ball issues
There is far too little of a vertical aspect to Miami's passing attack. Mike Wallace is still among the best deep threats in the league, but while Tannehill has a big arm and progressed well under offensive coordinator Bill Lazor this season, his deep-ball accuracy and willingness to pull the trigger deep downfield still leave a lot to be desired. Throwing deep with even mediocre success would make this offense far more difficult to play against, and make room for the Dolphins' rushing attack.
2. Make further improvements to the offensive line
Miami made it a priority last season to fix its porous offensive line, and that's what it did by signing Branden Albert to an expensive contract and drafting Ja'Wuan James in the first round. And when everyone was healthy this season, the improvement was obvious.
But when Albert was lost for the season and James had to move from right tackle to left tackle, this line crumbled and Dallas Thomas was a train wreck as James' replacement. Adding a starting-caliber guard who could bump to right tackle in a pinch while getting Albert back from injury might be all this line needs to really take a major step forward -- although it should be noted that starters Samson Satele and Daryn Colledge both are up for free agency.
3. Make decisions on Jared Odrick and Charles Clay
These free agents-to-be will be sought after on the open market, but neither warrants the franchise tag. Odrick is a tough, versatile defensive lineman who is entering the prime of his career, and keeping him should be the Dolphins' top priority among players currently on the roster. He's an every-down D-lineman who is a good interior pass-rusher; 3-4 teams would covet him as an end and 4-3 defenses could use him at defensive tackle.
Clay is a bit of an anomaly. A true undersized movement tight end who can also warrant getting a carry on occasion, Clay needs a creative offensive mind to get him in mismatch situations. Miami has little behind Odrick, but has Dion Sims (although he is a much more traditional inline tight end), who has shown starter traits, to replace Clay.
4. Add one more difference-maker on offense
This would become an even higher priority if Clay leaves in free agency, as adding one more playmaker to this offense would help Tannehill's development in a big way.
This could come in the form of a big power back or a dynamic, smaller runner with great receiving skills, either of whom would complement Lamar Miller well, or in the form of a wide receiver with size, something this offense currently lacks. The Dolphins could also look for a tight end with excellent movement skills if Clay departs.
Offseason fixes for the Miami Dolphins - NFL - ESPN
By Matt Williamson
Here are the Dolphins' top priorities heading into the offseason:
1. Fix Ryan Tannehill's deep-ball issues
There is far too little of a vertical aspect to Miami's passing attack. Mike Wallace is still among the best deep threats in the league, but while Tannehill has a big arm and progressed well under offensive coordinator Bill Lazor this season, his deep-ball accuracy and willingness to pull the trigger deep downfield still leave a lot to be desired. Throwing deep with even mediocre success would make this offense far more difficult to play against, and make room for the Dolphins' rushing attack.
2. Make further improvements to the offensive line
Miami made it a priority last season to fix its porous offensive line, and that's what it did by signing Branden Albert to an expensive contract and drafting Ja'Wuan James in the first round. And when everyone was healthy this season, the improvement was obvious.
But when Albert was lost for the season and James had to move from right tackle to left tackle, this line crumbled and Dallas Thomas was a train wreck as James' replacement. Adding a starting-caliber guard who could bump to right tackle in a pinch while getting Albert back from injury might be all this line needs to really take a major step forward -- although it should be noted that starters Samson Satele and Daryn Colledge both are up for free agency.
3. Make decisions on Jared Odrick and Charles Clay
These free agents-to-be will be sought after on the open market, but neither warrants the franchise tag. Odrick is a tough, versatile defensive lineman who is entering the prime of his career, and keeping him should be the Dolphins' top priority among players currently on the roster. He's an every-down D-lineman who is a good interior pass-rusher; 3-4 teams would covet him as an end and 4-3 defenses could use him at defensive tackle.
Clay is a bit of an anomaly. A true undersized movement tight end who can also warrant getting a carry on occasion, Clay needs a creative offensive mind to get him in mismatch situations. Miami has little behind Odrick, but has Dion Sims (although he is a much more traditional inline tight end), who has shown starter traits, to replace Clay.
4. Add one more difference-maker on offense
This would become an even higher priority if Clay leaves in free agency, as adding one more playmaker to this offense would help Tannehill's development in a big way.
This could come in the form of a big power back or a dynamic, smaller runner with great receiving skills, either of whom would complement Lamar Miller well, or in the form of a wide receiver with size, something this offense currently lacks. The Dolphins could also look for a tight end with excellent movement skills if Clay departs.
Offseason fixes for the Miami Dolphins - NFL - ESPN
By Matt Williamson
