Miami Dolphins Top 5 Draft Needs

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Nov 9, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Miami Dolphins tackle Branden Albert (71) is attended to by medical staff after an injury during the second quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Offensive Tackle

Finishing the off list where we started – the offensive line – it might be in Miami’s best interest to double-down on offensive lineman. While drafting a guard should be their primary focus early on, selecting an offensive tackle with a late-round pick would be wise.

Last season the Dolphins upgraded both the right and left tackle. They started off by signing Pro Bowl left tackle Branden Albert to a five-year, $47 million deal. The right side was improved with first-round choice Ja’Wuan James.

Although the two had their own success, they went in different directions. James was an integral part of the line and was one of two players to start all 16 games up front. Albert, however, suffered a major knee injury Week 10 against the Detroit Lions, tearing both his ACL and MCL.

While James should be fine heading into next season, there are some concerns of whether Albert will return to his former self.

If he can’t, Dallas Thomas, Billy Turner or Jason Fox would be expected to take the reins.

When given the opportunity, Thomas and Turner have tremendously failed; while Fox played a total of 22 games in five seasons with Detroit, mainly due to a variety of injuries.

Again, Miami wont succeed next year if Tannehill is not protected. Double-downing on the offensive line is something the Dolphins must do in this year’s draft.

Next: Miami must bring in a veteran wide receiver

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