After starting out the year a pathetic 0-7, the Miami Dolphins managed to gain a small moral victory by finishing the season with a 6-10 record. The strong finish to the season, however, was just a smoke screen. Head coach Tony Sparano was fired and replaced by Green Bay offensive coordinator Joe Philbin. The Dolphins don't figure to be going anywhere until owner Stephen Ross put together a team that can contend for a division title and not worry so much about the entertainment aspect of the NFL. Right now, very few players around the league want to play for the Dolphins, and that includes the players under contract. The lack of interest among top free agents puts even more pressure on Miami to draft well this April. Here are some of the Dolphins' big additions and subtractions so far in this young offseason, plus a breakdown of their biggest needs heading into the draft.
Additions:
Nfl 2012
SS Tyrell Johnson
QB David Garrard
CB Richard Marshall
DE/OLB Jamaal Westerman
Subtractions:
QB Chad Henne
CB Will Allen
WR Brandon Marshall
DT Kendall Langford
SS Yeremiah Bell
Top 5 Needs:
1. Quarterback
After losing out on the Peyton Manning sweepstakes, Miami was unable to lure in free agent Matt Flynn from Green Bay, and saw Tim Tebow get traded to the Jets instead. Miami fans have long been clamoring for a franchise quarterback. David Garrard was added to compete with Matt Moore, but these players are clearly not what the fans want. Miami might just use its first-round pick to draft Ryan Tannehill, but if it decides differently, it could opt for Brandon Weeden in the second round.
2. Wide Receiver
Brandon Marshall was traded away for two third-round picks, and the receiving corps now features Brian Hartline and Davone Bess. Neither Hartline nor Bess is suited to be a No. 1 receiver, and it will only get harder for them, since opposing teams don't have to load up their coverage to contain Marshall. The Dolphins' quarterback play won't get any better soon if they are unable to add some playmakers on the outside.
3. Right Tackle
Starting right tackle Marc Colombo needs to be replaced, or at the very least the team needs to add some depth to an already very thin offensive line. He played atrociously last year, but because of its lack of depth, the team was forced to play him the entire season. If Miami doesn't add a free agent or use one of its picks to prevent Colombo starting in 2012, then it would be blatantly obvious that they are not winning games. The fans are already getting deeply frustrated with the team's lack of success, and if it is unable to bring forth the best team possible, then we might see more fans lose interest in a team that is already becoming quite unpopular.
4. Defensive End/Outside Linebacker
If the Dolphins are unable to come to terms with Cameron Wake, then this will become an even bigger need. If the team has doubts at all about a deal getting worked out, then it should address this need more than once in the draft. Even if the Dolphins are able to sign Wake by the start of the season, it still needs to find another player who is capable of taking down the quarterback. Wake needs some help this year, as the lack of another pass rusher allowed opposing defenses to shift all their attention to him. Should Miami pass on Tannehill, look for it to lock up the best defensive end/outside linebacker available.
5. Safety
While adding another safety isn't a glaring need, adding another player at this position would certainly be an improvement. The Dolphins were able to pry Tyrell Johnson away from Minnesota and they have a few players more than capable of turning their careers around. The Dolphins could decide to go after another free agent if they feel that Johnson and Chris Clemons are better off in a reserve role.
2012 Miami Dolphins Offseason Needs
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