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Grading early Miami Dolphins 2022 NFL Free Agency signings

By Michael Johnson

NFL Free Agency; Miami Dolphins defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah (91) reacts to a defensive play against the Buffalo Bills during the second half at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
NFL Free Agency; Miami Dolphins defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah (91) reacts to a defensive play against the Buffalo Bills during the second half at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /
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Miami Dolphins
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 19: Running back Ezekiel Elliott #21 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates scoring a touchdown with offensive guard Connor Williams #52 against the Los Angeles Chargers during the first quarter at SoFi Stadium on September 19, 2021 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

2. Connor Williams, OL, Grade A

At the start of the 2022 NFL free agency, it was clear the Miami Dolphins needed to upgrade the offensive line. Dolphins general manager Chris Grier could have waited until draft day, but his draft history is terrible. Instead, Grier opted to sign one of the more underrated offensive linemen in free agency, Connor Williams.

The former Texas Longhorns tackle signed a two-year, $14 million deal with Fins. That’s excellent value for a player who started at guard for the Cowboys, with a skill set that allows him to move to tackle.

Williams is an athletic tackle who’ll help the Fins in pass pro sets. According to PFF, Williams finished the season with an 84.1 pass-block grade over the final five weeks, which ranked fifth among guards. He’s only 24-years-old with a ceiling that could see him get better in Mike McDaniel’s system.

1. Emmanuel Ogbah, Edge, Grade A

Chris Grier did the right thing by keeping one of the better edge rushers where he belongs. Ogbah inked a four-year $65 million deal. Ogbah was the second step in the right direction in terms of keeping great players on the team — franchising Mike Gesicki was the first. The 28-year-old will continue to dominate for the aggressive Miami Dolphins defense, who carried their team to their second straight winning season.

Last season, Ogbah tied his career-high in sacks (9) while finishing inside the top in quarterback hits with 24. He’s also responsible for 12 passes defended while also being the anchor on the edge against the run.

This was a move Chris Grier had to make if they wanted to continue the defense Brian Flores installed. With Josh Boyer returning as defensive coordinator, the Fins needed to keep the continuity intact.

Grier should look to add two more pieces to the defense via free agency and the draft. At least for the time being, fans can rest easy knowing Ogbah is back.

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