Miami Dolphins: Grading Strength of Every Positional Unit, Pre-Draft Edition

Now that the first wave of free agency is over and most of the noteworthy names have signed with new teams, it's time to start concentrating on the 2012 NFL Draft. 

The Dolphins have been noticeably quiet during free agency despite their depressingly long list of draft needs, and the fan base has reacted accordingly. 

It's tough to rationalize Miami's offseason approach, but maybe the team truly believes that their positional units are stronger than perceived. 

So, let's breakdown each unit. See if you can justify the Dolphins' inactivity. 

Quarterback

So, the Dolphins didn't get Peyton Manning or Matt Flynn. It sucks, but things could be so much worse. 

Matt Moore is not a franchise quarterback, but he put the Dolphins in a position to win nearly every game he started. He led the Fins to a 6-3 record during the second half of the season, and he finished the year with a completion percentage over 60 and a quarterback rating of 87. 

Moore will presumably enter the 2012 season as Miami's starter. He'll have an entire offseason to prepare for that role, and who knows how good he can be with all of this considered. 

Meanwhile, David Garrard provides a Grade A backup. He's a savvy veteran with playoff experience—and playoff success—under his belt. 

The Dolphins still don't have a franchise quarterback, but they do have stability and they do have two quarterbacks capable of winning games. 

Grade: B-

Running Back

Reggie Bush exceeded everybody's expectations last season, but the Dolphins need another running back to help shoulder the load. 

In an ideal world, Daniel Thomas would break through. And, with a clean bill of health, there's a good chance he will. But after such a disappointing rookie season, the Dolphins can't rely on that happening; this is probably why they re-signed Steve Slaton. 

It'll be interesting to see where CFL superstar Jerome Messam fits in, too. 

Grade: B

Wide Receivers

Brandon Marshall’s departure leaves Miami’s wide receiver corps in a very shoddy state.  Not only are the Dolphins lacking an “alpha” wide receiver, they are lacking a wide receiver that is capable of threatening defenses at all.

Davone Bess just struggled through the worst statistical season of his career, while Brian Hartline—though occasionally great—disappears for games at a time and only caught 26 passes last season.  And then there’s the trio of young, unproven wideouts: Clyde Gates, Marlon Moore and Roberto Wallace.

Because the Dolphins haven’t pursued any wide receivers in free agency, I think it’s safe to assume they’ll draft at least one (but probably two) wideouts in the draft and give Wallace, Gates or Moore an expanded role. Regardless of what the Fins ultimately do, their wide receiver corps is going to be very young and very inexperienced. 

Grade: D

Tight Ends

Headlined by Anthony Fasano, the Dolphins' tight end corps is one of the league's worst. 

Fasano is a reliable, well-rounded player, but he doesn't bring anything special to the table. And Jeron Mastrud, the team's number two tight end, has one career reception. 

It's essential that Miami add another tight end during the offseason, but not another cheap castoff like Donte Rosario, Mickey Shuler or Dedrick Epps. It's time for Jeff Ireland to invest in a tight end. 

Grade: C-

Offensive Line

We’re three weeks into the offseason and the Dolphins haven’t done much to improve their offensive line, a major area of weakness last season.

The Dolphins signed Artis Hicks, but I don’t foresee him starting. Meanwhile, the team hosted free agent Jake Scott last week, but he still hasn’t signed and might not do so.

So, until further notice, this is how Miami's offensive line projects: Jake Long (LT), Richie Incognito (LG), Mike Pouncey (C), John Jerry/Nate Garner/Artis Hicks (RG) and Lydon Murtha (RT).

A healthy Jake Long, healthy Lydon Murtha and developed Mike Pouncey leave Miami's o-line in better shape than last season. If the team can add a quality guard, then this unit should be much improved. 

Grade: B

Defensive Line

Paul Soliai's return cannot be understated. He is one of the best nose tackles in the league. Had he left, Miami's entire defense would've suffered. Yet, his contract extension solidifies the Dolphins' defensive line as one of the league's best. 

Between Soliai, Randy Starks, Jared Odrick, Tony McDaniel and Phillip Merling, the Dolphins defensive front boasts amazing depth. Losing Kendall Langford will hurt, but Odrick should be able to fill his role and possibly provide an upgrade.

The only knock on this unit is its lack of depth at defensive tackle, but there’s plenty of time for the team to add a quality backup before the season begins. 

Grade: A-

Linebackers

Headlined by Karlos Dansby, Cam Wake and Kevin Burnett, the Dolphins employ an excellent trio of linebackers. However, there's still room for improvement. 

The Dolphins desperately need to add another pass rusher and I think that's what they'll do with their first round pick. Recently signed Jamaal Westerman could help generate pressure, but we still don't know exactly what role he'll play. 

Finally, Koa Misi regressed last season; so, he is a big question mark going forward. If he can get back on track, then Miami's linebacker corps will be dominant. 

Grade: B+

Cornerbacks

Vontae Davis and Sean Smith have both shown flashes of greatness, but neither have become consistent, lockdown cornerbacks.

Smith is entering the final year of his contract, so he'd ideally elevate his play. Plus, Davis played some of the best football of his career toward the end of last season. 

The addition of Richard Marshall should help Miami contain teams that employ pass-heavy offenses. But unless Nolan Carroll and Jimmy Wilson are ready to play significant roles, the Dolphins cornerback corps still needs help. 

Grade: B

Safeties

These are the safeties that Miami currently has under contract: Chris Clemons, Reshad Jones and Tyrone Culver.

Unless the Dolphins sign a safety in free agency (none of note are left), draft one (this is a very weak safety class) or move Richard Marshall back to play either free or strong safety, then some combination of those aforementioned players will be the Dolphins' starting safeties. 

None of the three are trustworthy starters, though Clemons might be given a clean bill of health. Still, this is becoming a very concerning situation that the Dolphins must address soon. 

Grade: D