Completing the project that is the Miami Dolphins offensive line
Think back to the 2013 season. The Miami Dolphins accumulated multiple free agents and traded up to the third pick in the draft to select defensive end Dion Jordan. In Miami, the expectation was playoff or wasted season. Ultimately, the team collapsed down the stretch, losing their final two games, eliminating them from playoff contention. One critical reason for their late season slump was the performance from the offensive line.
During the 2013 season, the offensive line was historically bad. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill was constantly under-pressure and taking hits. The opposing team got to Tannehill a franchise record 58 times. In the second to last game against the Buffalo Bills, the issues up front clearly impacted the game as Tannehill was sacked seven times.
Moving forward this was something the Dolphins prioritized as their main task. It started by signing Pro Bowl left tackle Branden Albert in free agency. The next step was the veterans. Miami signed free agent guard Daryn Colledge to be the starting left guard. The Dolphins then used their first round pick to select right tackle Ja’Wuan James.
Miami finalized their rebuilding project by signing center Samson Satele and moving current Pro Bowler Mike Pouncey to right guard.
Surprisingly, the Dolphins experiment was somewhat successful this season. While they struggled down the stretch (mainly due to injury), they were solid for the first half of the season. There is potential there, however, with newly signed Albert tearing his ACL, mixed with guard Daryn Colledge and center Samson Satele both at the end of their one year deals, Miami must decide what they would like to do moving forward.
That leads us to next season and the continuous project that is the offensive line. The bottomline is this group is arguably the team’s biggest problem. With the uncertainty of Albert, and the holes at the guard and center position, the Dolphins will have their hands full yet again.
A quick fix for Miami would be to resign Satele. His play during the regular season was good enough to warrant at least another season. This will keep Pouncey at the guard position. Pouncey earned a spot in the Pro Bowl this season as a right guard.
In terms of the tackle position, it is important that Miami remains skeptical about Albert returning to form. While he should be okay, there is still that uncertainty that he will not be the same player. Drafting a tackle high in the draft would not make sense for them. However, that does not mean they should shy away from potentially drafting a tackle later in the rounds.
Nov 30, 2013; Auburn, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive linesman Arie Kouandjio (77) battles Auburn Tigers defensive lineman Gabe Wright (90) n the first quarter at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: RVR Photos-USA TODAY Sports
This will all be determined on whether or not they choose to address the issue via free agency. They would not go after a top tier tackle, however, they can find a quality backup for a decent price. One name that stands out in free agency is Derek Newton.
Newton, who has been a member of the Houston Texans for the last four seasons, is set to be a free agent. His best strength is his ability to protect the quarterback. Although inconsistent at times, he could serve as a nice backup for Albert.
And then there is the final piece – a young offensive guard. The Dolphins select 14th in the first round this season. Due to talent level, they’ll likely pass up on a guard in the first round, it would be wise to address the position in the second round. Insert Arie Kouandjio.
A four year senior and second team AP All-American, Kouandjio would be an excellent addition to the Dolphins offensive line. Projected a second round draft choice, Kouandjio is an athletic freak at the position. He has the strength and athleticism demanded from a NFL guard and has shown improvements as a pass blocker. What he excels at, more so than anything, is his ability to run-block.
As opposed to the last few years, the Dolphins had a running game this year. Running back Lamar Miller filled in nicely as the starter, rushing for a career high 1,099 yards and eight touchdowns.
Kouandjio’s presence and capability to create holes for the running back will fit nicely with a team that is improving their ability to run block.
There is work that needs to be done on the offensive line in Miami. It seems like a never-ending cycle for the Dolphins. While drafting offensive lineman high in the draft every year is tiring, it is something that must continue if the Dolphins want to find their way back to the playoffs. The slump has now stretched to six straight seasons. Pressure is constantly rising and the front office and coaching staff are in a “win-now” mode. It is imperative that something is done during free agency and the draft.