Miami Dolphins 2011 Report Card: Complete Grades for the Entire Offseason

For months, talk of the NFL draft, trade rumors and free-agency speculation dominated the news wire.

But that's all in the rearview mirror now.

Dolphins training camp has kicked into full gear, and all players acquired through free agency and trades have reported to camp. So, it's officially time to take a retrospective look at the entire offseason even though a handful of minor free-agent signings may be on the horizon. 

Between the draft and free agency, the Dolphins have undergone some serious changes—a facelift, if you will. But was that facelift for the better? How did Miami grade in each period of the offseason? Here's a breakdown. 

Coaching Carousel

At the outset of the 2011 offseason, Dolphins owner Stephen Ross publicly courted Jim Harbaugh. Not only did he fail to land Harbaugh, but completely embarrassed the team's fanbase and made a mockery of Tony Sparano. Ross completely jeopardized Miami's well-being and he is lucky Sparano didn't walk away from the job.  

A few months later, Miami hired former Browns offensive coordinator Brian Daboll. The hire elicited basically no enthusiasm from the city. After all, he didn't exactly manufacture an exciting product in Cleveland, and the community was yearning for a sexier name after struggling through the Dan Henning era.

However, it is important to consider the overall dearth of talent on Cleveland's roster last season—now consider how amazing it is that Cleveland beat the Patriots and the Saints with a rookie quarterback at the helm. It isn't Daboll's fault that his team lacked talent, but he does get credit for those wins. 

Grade: D+

NFL Draft

Interior offensive lineman? Check. Running back? Check. Vertical threat wide receiver? Check. Quarterback? Yikes.

Look, the Dolphins added some essential pieces during the draft. Between Mike Pouncey and Daniel Thomas, Miami's immediate and future outlook looks far brighter than it did just a few months ago.Hhowever, the 'Fins needed to find a young quarterback and failed to do so.

Granted there were no desirable quarterbacks on the board when Miami picked at 15, couldn't they have swung a trade for Blaine Gabbert? They would have only needed to move up a mere five spots to secure a marketable and potentially great quarterback.

Still, the Dolphins improved through the draft, and even later-round picks like Clyde Gates and Charles Clay are loaded with upside.  

Grade: B

Re-Signings

Even though the Dolphins only had two notable free agents to re-sign, it was no simple task. Nose tackle Paul Soliai and defensive end Tony McDaniel had breakthrough seasons in 2011, but paying one-year-wonders is a tricky trade. 

Negotiations between the Dolphins and Soliai's camp for a long-term deal grew stagnant over the early portions of the summer, and Miami decided to slap the 6'4", 355-pound lineman with a franchise tag. Assuming the two parties eventually hammer out a long-term deal, this might have been the best course of action because Soliai must stay in shape and maintain his performance. 

McDaniel, meanwhile, took less money to stay with the 'Fins despite the rich abundance of defensive ends on the roster. Give credit to the team for luring him back, and watch for McDaniel to make a significant impact this season.  

The team also re-signed offensive guard Richie Incognito, who should start at left guard. 

Grade: A

Trades

The only trade the Dolphins made this offseason delivered Reggie Bush in exchange for a sixth-round draft pick and safety Jonathan Amaya. 

Say what you want about Bush, but this was an absolutely amazing deal for Miami. While Amaya is an exciting prospect seething with talent and potential, he is yet to prove he can be anything more than an effective special teams player.

The Dolphins received the electric scatback they so desperately needed. Bush is a defensive coordinator's nightmare even if he doesn't run particularly well between the tackles or post exuberant stats. Plus, Bush's restructured contract pays him a relatively modest $5 million per season.

This could soon be one of the more lopsided trades in recent NFL history, but Bush needs to increase his production first.    

Grade: B+

Free Agency

Despite months of speculation regarding players like DeAngelo Williams, Carson Palmer and Vince Young, the Dolphins made only a handful of modest free-agent signings. 

Most notably, the 'Fins acquired linebacker Kevin Burnett and quarterback Matt Moore. Burnett is easily one of the best moves made all summer. Even though Miami might miss Channing Crowder's leadership, Burnett provides a monumental upgrade on the field. Moore, meanwhile, has shown flashes of brilliance in the past (specifically 2009) but is really a wild card. He will provide Henne with competition which is positive.

The Dolphins have also added quality depth by signing Marc Colombo, Ronald Fields and Jason Taylor. However, Miami had one true goal this offseason: find a quarterback. They failed to do that despite ample opportunity and it might prevent them from making any noise this season. 

Grade: B