Miami Dolphins Top 5 Draft Needs

Offensive Guard

During the last two seasons, no spot has caused more issues than the offensive line. The main victim in this situation is quarterback Ryan Tannehill. In total, Tannehill was sacked 104 times, including a franchise worst 58 in 2013.

Not only have the inconsistencies of the offensive line caused Miami’s potential franchise quarterback to be sacked at an exponential rate, but it has also held the team from making the playoffs. A Week 16 victory in 2013 against the Buffalo Bills would have solidified Miami a spot in the postseason. However, the offense fail to score a point and Tannehill was brought down a career-high seven times.

This was the second time in his career that he was sacked seven times, but it was also not the last.

The New York Jets got to Tannehill seven times in their 2014 Week 17 matchup. The seven sacks matched the highs from his first two seasons in the NFL. In essence, in three years in the league, Tannehill was sacked seven times in a game each year.

But the sacks weren’t the only things that were adding up – injuries were as well.

The Dolphins front suffered through their fare-share of injuries at the guard spot, as starters Mike Pouncey and Daryn Colledge each missed time.

It doesn’t matter how much money the Dolphins spend on free agents. If Tannehill is not protected and there is an issue staying healthy, the team will never live up to the expectations set.

Next: Skilled players are needed as well