NFL Training Camp: Miami Dolphins Preview

Miami Dolphins training camp.Photo credit NFL 

by Chad Jones

Ryan Tannehill is oozing with talent & upside, and displayed tremendous feel in the pocket & arm talent in year 1. The issue was consistency, which could be expected given his relative inexperience. Remember, Tannehill started 20 games in his Collegiate Career after converting from Wide Receiver, where he spent his early years in College Station.

Tannehill is truly the 'Other Quarterback', sitting in Miami listening to the national media wax poetically about fellow 2012 Rookies Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin III & Russell Wilson. The Dolphins are committed to taking the next step as an organization, and it starts with Tannehill. He has the talent, and is now surrounded by a mix of weapons to catalyze the process. 


In Free Agency, the Dolphins entered with $ 50 Million of cap room & looking to make a major splash. Arriving from Pittsburgh was Mike Wallace, who the Dolphins envision as the vertical threat, a guy that can take the top of a Defense on any play. Tannehill's favorite target Brian Hartline was retained on a generous deal to provide the intermediate option. Brandon Gibson was signed to contribute in the slot, but more importantly because he provides the ability to play inside or on the perimeter. Tight End Dustin Keller was added on a 1 Year deal, and the Dolphins hope he can stay healthy to provide a target in the middle of the field. 

The offensive turnover was immense, with veterans Reggie Bush, Anthony Fasano, Jake Long & Davone Bess departing. We'll get the chance to truly evaluate Jeff Ireleand & Joe Philbin's first draft class, as 2012 2nd Rounder Jonathan Martin will replace the former 1st Overall Pick Long at Left Tackle, and 4th Rounder Lamar Miller will fill Reggie Bush's void. 

The Dolphins neglected to address their offensive line significantly, rather creating competition for the weak link Right Guard John Jerry by signing UFA Lance Louis from Chicago, and retaining versatile swing man Nate Garner. My major concern is with this unit, which was largely built around the previous man blocking scheme, and could struggle in year 2 of the transition to zone blocking. If the offensive line struggles, the weapons added won't be able to pay major dividends. 

On Defense, the Dolphins surprisingly addressed their linebacking corps by signing Dannell Ellerbe & Philip Wheeler to lucrative longterm deals. They retained Defensive Tackle Randy Starks, and Safety Chris Clemons on 1 year deals. Starks will in tandem with Paul Soliai ensure the interior remains a strength. Clemons will complement elite safety Reshad Jones on the backend. Added to the fold was CB Brent Grimes, who excels in off man coverage & zone schemes. Rebounding from a torn achilles, his health will be critical to improve secondary play. 

The major acquisition came via the draft, where Jeff Ireland boldly moved to 3rd Overall to select Dion Jordan, who many envision the reincarnation of Jason Taylor. He'll be limited starting training camp coming off labrum surgery, but should contribute throughout the season as a situational edge rusher opposite one of the leagues truly underrated players- former CFL standout Cameron Wake. The major concern is the secondary, particularly at cornerback, where the team must get improved play. In the competition are veterans Richard Marshall & Dimitri Patterson, newly signed FA Brent Grimes & Rookies 2nd Rounder Jamar Taylor & 3rd Rounder Will Davis. Looking towards Training Camp, there's a group of talented players vying for playing time, which is the best way to improve.  

The Defensive Front 7 was strong in year 1 under new Defensive Coordinator Kevin Coyle. It's a Defense that's versatile, and should improve with newly signed talent, and continued strong play by entrenched veterans. The underrated piece that must stay healthy & productive is run stopping Defensive Tackle Paul Soliai. Strong player from Soliai, who enters a contract year, allows many of the other pieces to flourish.  

Bottom Line: 
Team success will largely hinge on Quarterback Ryan Tannehill taking the next step as the Franchise Quarterback. He faces the daunting task of replacing Dan Marino, as the organization has struggled for over a decade to find the answer at the position. The offensive line play will be critical, as will be integrating the new pieces into the fold. The preseason will be critical to developing continuity, so keep a close eye on the preseason games. In a 16 game season, lag time in getting up to speed could devastate post-season aspirations. And we revert to a previous point, It's on Tannehill's shoulders.