After using seven of its eight draft picks this year on defense, it may automatically lead one to assume Miami needs to add talent on offense. That's not necessarily the case. The team is set at quarterback, wide receiver and offensive tackle. But the rest of the offense needs some work.
The defense, though, has the biggest needs. In Miami's blitzing 3-4 scheme, a good nose tackle and playmaking free safety are necessities. Miami has glaring question marks at both spots. In no order, here's a look at all of the team's big needs heading into the 2010 season:
- Running back: Lead back Ronnie Brown has only played a full 16 games once in his career and is approaching 30. He's also a free agent following this season. Secondary option Ricky WIlliams has played well but is 33. Depth of Kory Sheets and Lex Hilliard leave plenty to be desired.
Miami Dolphins team needs
- Tight end:
is good, albeit unspectacular, option as a starter. He’ll be a free agent after the 2010 season and a better pass catcher could upgrade the offense.
, a restricted free agent after 2010, is easily replaceable.
- Guard: This is a position in flux for the
. The two positions seem wide open between
,
, Cory Proctor,
and third round rookie
. None of those names really strike as spectacular, but this season will really prove whether two quality players can be found on the interior.
- Nose tackle:
has become a very good player at end in the 3-4, but is shifting inside to nose. That might not be the best option for the Dolphins. Regular starter
is suspended the first eight games of the season and has toyed with retirement.
is a big body and little else. Unless Starks is a revelation at the position, the lynchpin position of the 3-4 could become the team’s biggest need.
- Free safety: There looks to be a battle at free safety between incumbent Chris Clemons, backup strong safety
and rookie
. Clemons has been ordinary as a starter and struggles supporting the run. There’s a lot of potential in Jones, a high school star, but he never truly realized it at Georgia.
For more on the Dolphins, make sure to check out The Phinsider. Lead blogger Matty I breaks down his team just as good (and often better) than any blogger on the SBN network.
