Dec 28, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins head coach Joe Philbin watches the replay on the big screen against the New York Jets in the second half at Sun Life Stadium. The Jets defeated Miami 37-24. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports
Entering last season, expectations in South Florida were high, and many expected the Miami Dolphins to make a run at the AFC crown, dethroning the New England Patriots. After Week 1, the Dolphins were heading in that direction, after shutting out the Patriots in the second half, beating them at home 33-20.
But ultimately the Dolphins sputtered out, as they finished their last eight games with a record of 3-5, falling short of the playoffs for the sixth consecutive season.
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This resulted in Owner Stephen Ross, Executive Vice President of Football Operations Mike Tannenbaum and General Manager Dennis Hickey to restructure the roster in the offseason. The trio was able to do so by releasing or trading three key pieces to the receiving corp, signing All-Pro defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh to the highest contract for a defensive player in NFL history and moving on from two 2014 opening day starting linebackers.
Despite their aggressiveness and pursuit of improving their roster, there is still one more premiere offseason event left – the 2015 NFL Draft. From April 30 till May 2, all 32 NFL teams will bring in young talent to the roster, with the hopes of finding the next star player.
For the Dolphins, there are still plenty of roster spots and holes that need tending to. Heading into the draft, Miami will have six picks: 14, 47, 114, 149, 150 and 191.
Based off need, here is a list of the top-5 positions the Dolphins must address in this year’s draft.
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