Miami Dolphins Position Preview: Offensive Line

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Offensive Line***

The 2010 Dolphins offensive line is a bunch of maulers.

They are going to win the battle at the point-of-attack more often than not. They were superb in run blocking as a unit last year—probably the best in football.

The anchor of the monstrous unit is left tackle Jake Long, the former number one overall pick out of Michigan.

At left guard it’s going to be a new face with the departure of the injury-prone Justin Smiley. Potential starters are Donald Thomas, rookie John Jerry, and Nate Garner.

Thomas is the best run-blocker of the bunch and probably will get the nod. Garner might be best suited as a utility lineman with his ability to play any of the five spots up front. Jerry has a ton of potential for a rookie, but he is in the midst of making the transition to the left side.

Jake Grove is one of the top five to ten centers in football, and at right tackle is steady veteran Vernon Carey, who has started in 75 consecutive games.

The right guard spot should be locked up by newly acquired head case Richie Incognito.

Incognito can take this unit from great to indestructible if he keeps his head in check—something that has been difficult in the past. Personal fouls and fines have been a strong part of his history.

Incognito was voted the NFL’s dirtiest player in a Sporting News poll of 99 players last year.

So what do I think about this signing?

I love it! Having a mean, nasty  6′3,″ 320 lbs. behemoth up front can be an asset. The Dolphins have the type of no-n onsense coaches and executives to keep this guy in check from a mental stand point.

But if the Dolphins' offense is going to take another step forward this year, it’s going to come down to pass protection. Having a well-rounded offensive line takes pressure off everyone in the offense.

Quarterbacks, halfbacks, and receivers are only as good as the big the boys up front.