New England Patriots: Eye on the AFC East — Miami Dolphins

2019 THREAT LEVEL:

"LOW"

The Dolphins have a number of decisions with their top-heavy roster. They are spending at a premium at strong safety, wide receiver, and defensive end. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill likely must be replaced, and if that path is through the NFL Draft, the Dolphins may need to package a young player along with draft picks to move up from 13th overall to get Drew Lock or Dwayne Haskins (if the front office believes either is the next quarterback of the future).

If the next quarterback is not coming through the NFL Draft, the Dolphins are looking at picking through an uninspiring group of free agent quarterbacks. Right now, the underwhelming group of Teddy Bridgewater, Tyrod Taylor, Sam Bradford, and Ryan Fitzpatrick are the best quarterbacks available in free agency.

The Dolphins need to consider a complete tear-down and rebuild. It is an absolute must that they find a quarterback in the NFL Draft.

Next, they should thank Frank Gore for his service and then let him walk, and build around Ballage, Drake, and whatever middle-round running back they identify and draft.

Wide receiver should be revamped as well. See what Amendola and Stills can bring back in draft picks, and find a prospect with more upside in the draft. Give special teams returner/slot receiver Jakeem Grant the job in the slot. Hopefully, the new coach can get something out of Gesicki at tight end.

The interior offensive line needs to be addressed via free agency and the draft. Perhaps Sitton, Larsen or one of the centers can fetch a draft pick or two.

On defense, the Dolphins should jettison both Jones and McDonald for draft picks, and make Fitzpatrick the strong safety for good, where he can have the most impact on the game. Figure out if McMillan and Baker are keepers alongside Alonso – if the new coach thinks they aren’t, then see what they can bring back on the open market.

The defensive line is overpaid and underproductive. Follow the same game-plan as in other positional groups: extract whatever value they can.

Miami needs defensive tackles, possibly linebackers, a free safety and at least one or two cornerbacks. Even if the new regime is both aggressive and creative in thinking outside the box and doing what needs to be done, the Dolphins are still likely a few years away from being a legitimate threat to the Patriots in the AFC East.