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2022 Team Reports
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Miami Dolphins Writers
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Team Philosophy
Adam Harstad
Offensive Players
Andrew Garda
Kickers
Sigmund Bloom
Returners
Adam Harstad
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Team Philosophy
Most of the league these days is searching for someone experienced with the Kyle Shanahan/Sean McVay offensive system, and the Miami Dolphins are no exception, hiring San Francisco offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel. Like most proponents of the system, McDaniel builds his offense around the wide zone run, a play that calls for offensive linemen to zone block while the running back runs horizontally, waiting for a crease to cut once and get vertical. Because the defense is forced to respect the wide zone run and flow laterally at the start of the play, the offense is able to mix in run-pass options, bootlegs to the other side of the field, and various other misdirections to get its receivers open in space and hunt deep shots down the field, which is surely Miami's intention with two of the fastest receivers in the NFL lining up.
Quarterbacks
Starter
Key Backups
Tua Tagovailoa got a lot of support from the Miami Dolphins, as they added Tyreek Hill and Cedrick Wilson at receiver while adding more pieces to the offensive line and backfield. After the recent rumors that Tom Brady was trying to maneuver himself to the Dolphins, the team has done everything they can to prove to Tagovailoa that they are all in on him. Entering his third year, Tagovailoa needs the help so he can show he can lead an offense in the league. So far, he hasn't inspired a massive amount of confidence in onlookers, and seeing his interceptions double between his first and second year is troubling, but having Hill pull attention from Jaylen Waddle could make things easier for the third-year quarterback. Consistency is ultimately the thing the team needs to see from Tagovailoa, as his uneven play the first two seasons has been a cause for concern. He did see his completion percentage go up to 67% from 64%, but he fumbled the ball nine times (only losing it once) despite only being sacked 20 times.
While the team brought in Teddy Bridgewater, they claim he is not in competition for the starting job, which will go to Tagovailoa. Bridgewater played well in Denver and Carolina though he did turn the ball over quite a bit with the Panthers (11 interceptions and three lost fumbles). He could easily step in if Tagovailoa stumbles. Chris Streveler is a journeyman with very little overall NFL game experience and no starts to his name. While he may compete with Bridgewater, it would be a shock if he won the backup job and would mean something went monumentally wrong with Bridgewater.
Running Backs
Starter
Key Backups
Fullbacks
Both Chase Edmonds and Raheem Mostert were brought in, but both have injury histories which should make the Dolphins leery of relying on one over the other. As that is the case, the Dolphins will likely use them in some sort of committee, possibly with Mostert on the early downs and Edmonds on later downs and near the goal line. Edmonds has missed games during two of his four seasons. In his eight-year career, Mostert has never played a complete season. That's going to leave the door open not just for a committee but for someone off the bench to step in.
Sony Michel is the most likely player to step into the rotation if Chase Edmonds or Raheem Mostert go down with injury - although, given their history, it might not be if as much as when. Michel is a veteran who is quite capable of carrying the load. Gaskin was the starter at the beginning of last season, but he ended up in a committee until mid-season, when injuries forced the team to lean on him. Over that stretch, Gaskin carried the ball 100 times for just 183 yards for a depressing 1.8 yards per carry average. Some of that was poor offensive line play, but Gaskin didn't show an ability to consistently carry an offense. Salvon Ahmed has bounced from the San Francisco 49ers in training camp in 2020 to the Dolphins, where he was waived during final cuts. He was on the practice squad before being promoted in Week 9. Since then, he has shown little burst or power and does not appear to be a back who can carry a full load. Gerrid Doaks was a seventh-round pick last season but didn't make the team, getting waived during final cuts. He's a big back who has a little burst but doesn't appear to be able to produce it consistently.
Wide Receivers
Starters
- Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Cedrick Wilson
Key Backups
- Preston Williams, River Cracraft, Trent Sherfield, Devonte Dedmon, Cody Core, Lynn Bowden Jr
The Dolphins made a huge move this offseason, getting Tyreek Hill from the Chiefs in exchange for five draft picks, including 2022 first-round and second-round picks. Considering how much they need a dynamic playmaker at receiver and how much they need Tua Tagovailoa to succeed, Hill is a critical piece. Interestingly, while we know Hill is a playmaker, he only had eight 100-yard games in the last three years. His touchdown total dropped from 15 to 9 last season, but we can expect it to still end up somewhere in that range, assuming Tagovailoa improves. The bigger impact could be on Jaylen Waddle, who will see a lot more space. Interestingly, receivers coach Wes Welker compared Waddle to Hill back in February, and they do have similar skill sets. The two will be paired in dual-receiver sets, and defenses could have a difficult choice as either player could burn them. Waddle had 141 targets, 1015 yards, and six touchdowns without much assistance, so having Hill will help free him up, though it could also cut into his targets. Like Hill, his success will hinge on Tua Tagovailoa. For three-wide sets, Cedrick Wilson will see the field, but we can expect his yardage totals may not change severely. His 602 yards on 45 receptions was a career-high, and it's not unreasonable to imagine that if Hill and Waddle get the attention, Wilson could see similar numbers again this year.
While Preston Williams has lost much of the last two seasons to injury, the Dolphins are still invested enough to sign him to a last-chance contract. Unfortunately, the injuries seem to have hampered his athleticism and speed. Also, consider that some of his scratches last season were not injury or illness related - he just didn't bring enough value to have him active. All that limits his upside beyond being a backup. River Cracraft has been only a special teams guy since entering the league as an Undrafted Free Agent in 2017. Trent Sherfield knows receivers coach Wes Welker and new head coach Mike McDaniel. Like Cracraft, McDaniel will mostly be a special teams player. Adding to the glut of potential return specialists, Devonte Dedmon is a former Canadian Football player who was named the CFL's Most Outstanding Special Teams Player and was signed to a futures/reserve contract this offseason, while Cody Core landed on Miami after the New York Giants cut him for cap reasons. Lynn Bowden Jr was acquired from Las Vegas in 2020 and played part of the 2020 season before losing all of 2021 due to a hamstring injury that landed him on injured reserve. He is likely not more than bench depth for the team.
Tight Ends
Starter
Key Backups
Mike Gesicki hit career highs in targets, receptions, and yards in 2021, though his touchdown total dropped to just a pair. The Dolphins applied the franchise tag to him, and while they did so as a tight end, they definitely view him as a pass-catcher. He'll see plenty of targets this season and hopefully see more than his two touchdowns last season. Durham Smythe is a solid backup behind Gesicki and will be an option if the team calls a two-tight end set. He's a solid run blocker, and as the team is looking to run more effectively, may see the field more in that capacity. Adam Shaheen can also block but is a limited receiver who has never been consistent or consistently used. Hunter Long's rookie season was hampered by injury in training camp, and he never saw consistent usage. It's hard to know his role, given his cheap price tag. Even if the Dolphins don't keep five tight ends like they did last year, Long should be on the team. Cethan Carter was signed to a three-year contract last offseason, mostly to play an H-back role. That may be the role again if he makes the squad, which means a lot of blocking and not much pass-catching.
Offensive Linemen
Starters
- LT Terron Armstead
- LG Liam Eichenberg
- C Connor Williams
- RG Robert Hunt
- RT Austin Jackson
Key Backups
- Michael Deiter, Solomon Kindley, Adam Pankey
The left side has been completely rebuilt in free agency. Left tackle Terron Armstead (New Orleans) and Connor Williams (Dallas) are solid vets and should fit in quickly. Left guard Liam Eichenberg does a decent job, and right guard Robert Hunt is a mauling run blocker. Another new starter at right tackle, Austin Jackson slides over to replace Jesse Davis. This group has a ton of change but should rank about average when the dust settles.
Kickers
Sanders had the worst field goal accuracy of his career in 2021, only converting 23 of 31 attempts, including two misses from under 40 yards and only two makes from over 50 yards on six attempts, a sharp reversal from his 8-for-9 rate from that distance in 2020. His 2022 salary of $2.75 million is fully guaranteed, so his job is safe. Mike McDaniel could revitalize this offense in time, but maybe not in year one of his head coaching tenure. Sanders has the potential to be a fantasy-relevant kicker in a return to 2020 form but should be left on the waiver wire instead of drafted. Be ready to add him if the Dolphins offense starts hot despite facing New England, Baltimore, and Buffalo.
Returners
Kickoff Returners
Jakeem Grant opened 2021 as Miami's return specialist, but he was traded four games into the season. The Dolphins initially put rookie Jaylen Waddle in his place, but Waddle's special teams responsibilities were scaled back as his offensive responsibilities expanded. With Tyreek Hill in town to take pressure off Waddle on offense, he could see more return opportunities in 2022.
Punt Returners
Jakeem Grant opened 2021 as Miami's return specialist, but he was traded four games into the season. The Dolphins initially put rookie Jaylen Waddle in his place, but Waddle's special teams responsibilities were scaled back as his offensive responsibilities expanded. With Tyreek Hill in town to take pressure off Waddle on offense, he could see more return opportunities in 2022.
Team Defense
The Dolphins defense continued to be the stronger side of the ball for the team in 2021, finishing in the top 10 in sacks and takeaways, and they added five defensive/special teams touchdowns to boost them to the top five in some scoring formats. While the touchdowns may be hard to reproduce, the defense should have plenty of continuity with new head coach Mike McDaniel retaining defensive coordinator Josh Boyer. The team brought back underrated playmaker Emmanuel Ogbah in free agency, and young core pieces like Jaelen Phillips and Jevon Hollard should only get better in year two. A season-opening matchup at home against the Patriots without Josh McDaniels calling the shots on defense makes them very streamable for Week 1, and they have tormented Week 2 opponent Lamar Jackson at times in the past, so consider them a priority choice as a late/last round pick in a streaming approach.
Defensive Linemen
Starters
- DE Emmanuel Ogbah, DE Christian Wilkins, DT Raekwon Davis
Key Backups
- DE/OLB Trey Flowers, DE Zach Sieler, DE Adam Butler, DE Daeshon Hall, DT John Jenkins, DT Benito Jones
After failing to make a significant impact early in his career, Ogbah has found success in Miami and posted nine sacks in back-to-back seasons. He signed a four-year, $65-million extension as a free agent and should remain a productive pass rusher, albeit with underwhelming tackle numbers that limit his fantasy upside. Christian Wilkins broke out in his third year with 40+ solo tackles and 40+ assists, but he still has room to grow as a pass rusher. Raekwon Davis is a former 2nd round pick who does the dirty work at nose tackle but typically plays limited snaps and offers limited fantasy value.
On a per-snap basis, Zach Sieler was surprisingly productive last year and will remain a key part of the rotation. Adam Butler and John Jenkins also provide experienced depth up front with limited production. Trey Flowers was signed on the eve of the season and should provide quality snaps at defensive end and on the edge.
Linebackers
Starters
- ILB Jerome Baker, ILB Elandon Roberts, OLB Jaelan Phillips, OLB Andrew Van Ginkel
Key Backups
- LB Channing Tindall [R}, LB Duke Riley, LB Sam Eguavoen, LB Calvin Munson, LB Brennan Scarlett, LB Cameron Goode [R]
The Dolphins don't have any standouts at inside linebacker, but Jerome Baker has a solid grasp on a three-down role. Although undersized and underwhelming against the run, he has good range and contributes as a blitzer with 12.5 sacks over the last two years. Elandon Roberts emerged as the co-starter inside but typically plays a 2-down role, limiting his fantasy value. Jaelan Phillips was drafted 18th overall last year and posted 7 of his 8.5 sacks in the year's second half. If he can carry that momentum into this year, he could be a breakout IDP candidate among edge players. Andrew Van Ginkel is a steady presence at the other outside linebacker spot who plays a solid all-around game but has limited upside.
The Dolphins had few draft picks after the Tyreek Hill trade but spent their top selections on Channing Tindall. He's an aggressive tackler with limitations in coverage who figures to start out as an early-down linebacker with a chance to grow into a bigger role. Duke Riley has prior starting experience but didn't show much during his first year with the Dolphins. Sam Eguavoen and Calvin Munson also provide some quality depth inside. Brennan Scarlett figures to be a backup outside once again, while Cameron Goode was a seventh-round pick who may have a path to a roster spot if he can contribute on special teams.
Defensive Backs
Starters
- CB Xavien Howard, SS Brandon Jones, FS Jevon Holland, CB Byron Jones
Key Backups
- S Eric Rowe, S Sheldrick Redwine, S Clayton Fejedelem, CB Nik Needham, CB Trill Williams, CB Keion Crossen, CB Noah Igbinoghene, CB Quincy Wilson, CB DAngelo Ross, CB Elijah Campbell
The strength of this defense is the cornerbacks, and Xavien Howard has put his former trade request behind him after the Dolphins made him the highest-paid cornerback in the league. He's an elite playmaker in the league with 15 interceptions over the past two seasons, whose low tackle output limits his fantasy value. Brandon Jones is a young playmaker with breakout potential if he can win a full-time role at strong safety. Jevon Holland was a high 2nd-round pick a year ago who had a promising rookie year and should be able to make a bigger impact in year 2. Byron Jones is an excellent player in coverage whose lack of playmaking (two INTs over the last four seasons) keeps him outside of fantasy relevance.
Eric Rowe has provided steady play at strong safety for the past few years but doesn't make many big plays. Sheldrick Redwine and Clayton Fejedelem have experience but figure to make most of their contributions on special teams. Nik Needham should enter the camp as the favorite to play in nickel packages, but there will likely be plenty of competition. Noah Igbinoghene is a former 1st-round pick who has failed to make an impact and is approaching bust status if he can't turn things around.
