New England Patriots: Eye on the AFC East — Miami Dolphins
By Hal Bent
DEFENSE:
On the defensive line, Cameron Wake will be 37-years-old if he returns in 2018, and Robert Quinn will have a cap number of almost $13 million. Former first round draft pick Charles Harris is a bona fide bust, and Andre Branch and his 1.5 sacks count $9 million against the salary cap.
Linebacker Kiko Alonso has been Miami’s best linebacker, as Raekwon McMillan was inconsistent in 2018. Rookie Jerome Baker took the third linebacker spot essentially by default.
The secondary boasts three excellent safeties in rookie Minkah Fitzpatrick, Reshad Jones, and T.J. McDonald. Unfortunately, all three are best at strong safety, and all struggled at free safety. Someone has to go.
The Dolphins never found a second cornerback across from the dynamic Xavien Howard. Bobby McCain struggled mightily, forcing the Dolphins to turn to Fitzpatrick at cornerback often.