Miami Dolphins: Top 5 offseason additions, post 2018 NFL Draft

5. Akeem Spence, DT (from Detroit Lions)

It was a somewhat recent addition. But it could prove to be a big one for the Miami Dolphins’ defensive front in more ways than one. The made a deal with the Detroit Lions to obtain interior presence Akeem Spence earlier this month. The 6-1, 307-pound performer spent only one season in the Motor City after four seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He played in all 16 games for the Lions and made 11 starts in 17, totaling 39 tackles, three sacks and one forced fumble.

A year ago, the Dolphins added three defensive linemen in the draft, including first-round end Charles Harris. He finished with 19 tackles and a pair of sacks but also knocked down two passes and recovered a fumble. Fifth-round pick Davon Godchaux played in 15 games as a rookie, made five starts and finished the year with 40 tackles and a forced fumble. Vincent Taylor, a sixth-round selection from Oklahoma State, played in 13 contests and totaled 18 stops.

What’s the point? The decision to cut ties with Ndamukong Suh means that this is a very young defensive front on the inside. Three-year pro Jordan Phillips has made 11 starts each of the past two seasons. But the 2015 second-round pick has yet to distinguish himself. Spence brings a little know-how to the defensive interior and that’s a big positive for this team.

Next: No. 4