Miami Dolphins Roster 2018 Dolphins Roster

Young Roster May Not Be Ready

The time for experimentation has expired in Miami. A 6-10 season that saw the team begging for answers at the quarterback position wrote the story for the 2017-18 Dolphins. Head coach Adam Gase was an instrumental piece in the signing of Jay Cutler. Cutler studied under Gase during his tenure as an offensive coordinator, which was a move that was sought to bring chemistry to a team. The return of Ryan Tannehill is on the horizon as the team heads into the 2018 season.

The team started to dismantle a few of its parts this off-season in hopes of reviving the franchise. Jarvis Landry posed too many contractual concerns and was sent to Cleveland. The contract of Ndamukong Suh was also becoming a heavy burden for the team, so they unloaded the seasoned defensive lineman. This gave the team a fresh outlook and presented room for growth on both sides of the ball. These departures mirrored the look of a team looking to clear cap space and internal headaches rather than follow the path to a complete re-build within the organization.

The team got busy in creating additions to bolster their roster and add depth to key positions. The team wanted to strengthen the offensive line and the addition of Josh Sitton did just that. Highly respected at the guard position, Sitton brings a talent set to an offensive line that lacked consistency last season. He can pull in the run game, creating avenues and holes for the runners. He is also a good pass-blocker and can defend both the agile end or stuff the nose in the middle. To abide for the Landry loss, the team added Danny Amendola and Albert Wilson to the receiving corps. Both players are of smaller stature, helping them create lanes in the slot positions. Their speed and quickness are a timing concern for Tannehill, who has often been criticized for his footwork.

The off-season also provided the team the opportunity to return Tannehill to game form. His return to full health prior to the close of last season allows him to work on his tangibles. The footwork, the pocket presence, and the studying of defenses are all smaller portions he needs to work on to polish his game. Building on consistencies and chemistry with his crop of receivers is something he will have plenty of time to complete heading into this season.

Frank Gore offers some relief at the running back position. He has been passed through a few different organizations, often posting comfortable yard per carry averages. He keeps the pass protection within a manageable spot once penetration reaches past the front line. He will also be a good down-and-distance add, never shying away from a little contact in short yardage situations. His experience bodes well for teaching this younger roster some of the tangibles they need to improve their skill sets.

The team used the draft to build the defense. They started in the secondary with the addition of Minkah Fitzpatrick out of Alabama. The team's first-round selection will make for instant impact within a depleted secondary. This hard-nosed talent can become an instrumental piece in keeping opposing offenses at bay. His terms of coverage will need to improve so he can round out his playing style. Jerome Baker was a linebacker selection. While his role isn't solidified, a healthy competition amongst the linebacker group will only improve upon the play of this raw talent.