Miami Dolphins Free Agency: 6 Holes the Dolphins Still Must Fill for 2011
Despite the acquisition of four offensive prospects through the NFL draft, the Dolphins roster remains littered with holes and shortcomings.
Fortunately, the free-agency period still awaits, and it will provide Miami with ample opportunity to plug those holes and install the final pieces to a roster this city hopes will be a playoff contender.
The 'Fins will be in the market for some marquee names, but in order to suitably fill out the roster, they may have to settle for some lesser players. Either way, Jeff Ireland will be under immense pressure to lure the right ones in, or he could be unemployed at this time next year.
No. 1: Quarterback
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Competition is the key word for the Dolphins' quarterback search. Even if Miami plans to proceed with Chad Henne as the starter, they will still pursue a player who can, at the very least, provide worthy competition for their maligned quarterback.
If the 'Fins are confident in Henne's prospectus, they may pursue a younger player with upside like Tarvaris Jackson or Matt Moore.
However, if the Dolphins are not sold on Henne's ability to successfully captain the team, then high-price players like Carson Palmer, Matt Hasselbeck and Kyle Orton will come into play.
Running Back
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Before the Dolphins traded up for Daniel Thomas in the 2011 draft, there seemed to be a forgone conclusion that the team would pursue DeAngelo Williams in free agency. Both Williams and the Dolphins had shown reciprocal interest, but now that Thomas is in the fold, Miami might not be willing to shell out so much money on a running back.
Regardless, the 'Fins will absolutely pursue a running back once the market opens. Thomas is totally unproven, and the team still needs a scat-back to provide a speedy, change of pace presence.
Offensive Guard
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If the Dolphins don't pursue DeAngelo Williams, they will have plenty of funds at their perusal. Now that Daniel Thomas is on the roster, Miami might prefer to use their cap space to bolster the offensive line, anyway.
Right guard is a glaring weakness along the offensive front. John Jerry and Nate Garner will compete for the job, but neither have proven to be anything more than serviceable. In order to upgrade the position and fortify the line, Miami could target Tampa Bay's Davin Joseph, arguably the best available guard on the market.
This will be a matter of money and progression. If Joseph doesn't demand outlandish money and John Jerry doesn't show any significant improvement from his rookie season, the team should pursue him.
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Tight End
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The Packers have Jermichael Finley, the Patriots have Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez, the Chargers have Antonio Gates, the Saints have Jimmy Graham, the Falcons have Tony Gonzalez, and you get the picture.
The NFL's most lethal offenses all have a great tight end at their disposal. But the Dolphins? They're still relying on Anthony Fasano to provide that extra punch. To their credit, Miami did draft H-back Charles Clay, but his role is yet to be determined.
Miami could still benefit greatly from adding a receiving-oriented tight end to their arsenal, and players like Daniel Fells and Bo Scaife could be unfavorable but cheap options.
Defensive Tackle
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Former fourth-round pick Paul Soliai finally realized his potential last season. The 'Fins nose tackle broke out, racking up 33 tackles and a pair of sacks. In gratitude, Miami slapped him with the franchise tag and will likely pursue a long-term deal once a new CBA is installed.
However, Soliai has a huge buyer's beware sign on his back. He's a one-year wonder who played his best football during a contract year. So, what might happen once he gets paid?
This isn't a knock on Soliai's character, rather the necessary approach to this situation. Plus, the Dolphins have literally no depth at tackle, making it a primary need headed into the summer. Players like Gerard Warren and Alan Branch could be quality pick ups who can add much-needed insurance to a position sorely lacking depth.
Outside Linebacker
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Besides the obvious holes at quarterback and running back, Miami has a similarly glaring need at outside linebacker. Yes, Koa Misi and Cameron Wake will obviously retain their starting jobs. But behind them, the only player under contract is Ikaika Alama-Francis.
What if Misi or Wake break an ankle during camp? Miami's season would instantly be in jeopardy.
The Dolphins will have to pursue a few linebackers this summer, and at least one or two must be capable of playing a significant role. Players like Thomas Davis, Ernie Sims and Antwan Barnes are ideal targets.
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