Miami Dolphins' Most Under- and Overrated Acquisitions This Offseason

After failing to make the playoffs in 2013, the Miami Dolphins have made several acquisitions this offseason.   

The Fins signed some big-name free agents and even made noise with a few key draft picks.  Some of these moves will greatly impact the Dolphins in 2014, but others seem to be overhyped.

Miami brought in free agents to fill major gaps, but most of these players are nearing the end of their careers.  Only time will tell if age will hamper their performances.  

So, let's take a look at some of the Dolphins' offseason acquisitions.   

Overrated: Cortland Finnegan

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In 2013, the Dolphins' cornerbacks (besides Brent Grimes) completely underperformed.  In order to fix this problem, the Fins signed veteran Cortland Finnegan.  

Finnegan was once a pro-bowl talent, but now he's merely a shell of what he used to be.  

Many felt that the veteran would start alongside Grimes, but some writers and analysts have reported that he might lose his spot to Jamar Taylor. Omar Kelly of the South Florida Sun Sentinel provided an update on the situation: 

"

Cortland Finnegan is not practicing in the final few sessions. Jamar Taylor is working with the starters. 

— Omar Kelly (@OmarKelly) June 17, 2014"

Not only is Finnegan adequate at best, he's also known for being an annoyance, per Jeff Darlington of NFL.com. 

"

New Dolphins CB Cortland Finnegan at today's OTA on how he'd describe his game at it's best: "I'm a jerk, basically." ...I like the honesty!

— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) May 27, 2014"

With Finnegan's antics, if he doesn't perform, he may not be a Dolphin for very long.  

Underrated: Ja'Wuan James

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After giving up a league-leading 58 sacks in 2013, the Dolphins tried improving their offensive line by drafting Ja'Waun James.  

At first, many analysts and writers thought this selection was a reach, but Todd McShay actually praised the Dolphins for their pick: 

Like McShay said, James is a strong, athletic player who fits the Fins' system very well. It may take time for James to develop, but his future in Miami is very bright.  

Overrated: Knowshon Moreno

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In 2013, the Dolphins ranked 26th in rushing yards per game (according to ESPN). They tried addressing this problem by bringing in veteran running back Knowshon Moreno.  

When Moreno was initially signed, many thought this was a great move.  

"

The Dolphins have one tailback (Knowshon Moreno) who can play every down. They didn't last season. Now offense isn't telegraphing plays.

— Omar Kelly (@OmarKelly) April 1, 2014"

Then Moreno fell apart. He started OTAs by showing up overweight, and immediately found himself at the bottom of the depth chart.  

"

Out-of-shape Knowshon Moreno running behind Lamar Miller in Dolphins practices http://t.co/RypZKal4ND

— NFL: AroundTheLeague (@NFL_ATL) June 10, 2014"

As OTAs went on, Moreno started to lose weight and he finally returned to form. Unfortunately the good news did not last for long.    

"

#Dolphins tailback Knowshon Moreno set to undergo arthroscopic knee surgery http://t.co/bLzPJ6Lngl

— Omar Kelly (@OmarKelly) June 23, 2014"

Moreno had a career season last year with the Denver Broncos, but his health is a cause for concern.  

Underrated: Jarvis Landry

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In the 2014 NFL draft, the Miami Dolphins selected wide receiver Jarvis Landry in the second round. Since the draft, Landry has created more buzz than any other player on the Dolphins' roster.

Even his quarterback, Ryan Tannehill, praised the young wideout.  

"

Tannehill says Jarvis Landry has some of the "strongest hands" he's ever seen on a receiver

— Andrew Abramson (@AbramsonPBP) June 17, 2014"

 It may be early, but Landry has really shined in OTAs so far.  

"

"@WillDaPrince: Who is your favorite rookie on the team at this point of the offseason?"» Jarvis Landry was always my favorite draftee.

— Omar Kelly (@OmarKelly) July 3, 2014"

Landry has also shown the ability to run routes well and many believe he could win over the slot receiver position. With Landry joining Mike Wallace and Brian Hartline, the Dolphins may have the best receiving corps in the AFC.  

Overrated: Jordan Tripp

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In the 2013 offseason, the Dolphins spent big money to bring in linebackers Dannell Ellerbe and Philip Wheeler. Unfortunately for Miami, both of these players greatly underperformed.  

The Dolphins tried adding depth to this position by drafting Jordan Tripp in the fifth round of the 2014 NFL draft.  

Since the pick, many fans and writers have praised the selection and even compared Tripp to seven-time pro bowler Zach Thomas. Unfortunately for the Dolphins, Tripp is far from even starting.  

"

"@RufusP88: Is Jordan Tripp a guy you see having a role other than special teams this year?"» NO. He's lost in the wilderness right now.

— Omar Kelly (@OmarKelly) June 17, 2014"

Tripp has a promising future, but he is not ready to make an impact on the Dolphins' 2014 season.  

Underrated: Billy Turner

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In the 2014 NFL draft, the Dolphins took tackle/guard Billy Turner in the third round.  

With Mike Pouncey being the Dolphins' only returning starting lineman from last year, they need as much help as they can get. 

Turner was a great pick for Miami and he might have an immediate impact on the team.  

"

Billy Turner is the backup LT, and a candidate to start at OG. If he wants to hurt his status he'll hold out. If not....

— Omar Kelly (@OmarKelly) July 8, 2014"

At 6'5" and 315 lbs, it's hard not to fall in love with his size. Whether Turner starts Week 1 or not, he still has a very bright future in Miami.