The Dolphins are in the midst of some dark times. Not since the Dave Wannstedt era (2000-2004) have the Dolphins a.) had a head coach with a higher win percentage or b.) had a coach survive more than three seasons. And it should be noted that Wannstedt, didn't even finish the 2004 season. A clear problem with Dolphins? Stability with the head coach and the quarterback. Since Dan Marino retired, it's pretty fair to say that the Dolphins have had a horrible run at quarterback. Whether its been Jay Fiedler or Ray Lucas, Brian Griese or Daunte Culpepper, there hasn't been any stability. And if you want to succeed in the NFL as an organization, you must have one thing: stability. Here's a recap of how the Dolphins tried to stabilize themselves in 2011 and where they could look to add more cohesion this offseason, the first under new head coach Joe Philbin.
Round 1.) Mike Pouncey, C, Florida (16 games/16 starts) Selected to stop the constant shuffling along the interior line, Pouncey did just that and helped restart Reggie Bush's career. (A)
Round 2.) Daniel Thomas, RB, Kansas St. (13/2) Missed a chunk of games early in the season due to a hamstring injury, than Reggie Bush exploded and his time diminished. Still had a 100+ yard game versus a top ranked Houston defense. (B-)
Round 4.) Clyde Gates, WR, Abilene Christian (15/0) Had two receptions and wasn't targeted often. Was mostly used on kick returns and is still a raw talent at receiver. (INC)
Round 6.) Charles Clay, TE, Tulsa (14/9) A versatile and useful weapon, playing as a tight end, full back, and in some formations an H-back. Ended the season well with two touchdowns in the final two games. (B)
Round 7.) Frank Kearse, DT, Alabama A&M (6/4) Was signed off the 'Phins' practice squad by the Carolina Panthers. Started the final four games of the season and had eight tackles and half a sack. (D+)
Round 7.) Jimmy Wilson, CB, Montana (15/1) Turned in a solid rookie season for a late round pick. Had 16 tackles along with five broken up passes, an interception, and a forced fumble. Role could expand in 2012. (C)
The Dolphins have a few areas they could look to restructure this offseason. However, this is a new team under coach Philbin, so it'll be interesting to see where he chooses to rebuild. A good guess would be on the offensive side of the ball. As the Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator, the past five years, Philbin never had a unit fall out of the top ten in total offense. Could good vibrations be headed towards South Beach? With fixing these six positions, they very well could be.
- Cornerback - With veteran Will Allen a free agent this offseason, and likely not coming back (he was only signed after the Dolphins cut Benny Sapp who got burned opening night by the Patriots) this unit is thin. Sean Smith, Vernon Davis, Nolan Carroll, and Wilson are the only corners left and since Carroll and Wilson have a similar skill set, a more complete nickle back could be a good addition.
- Tight End - A key component of Philbin's offense, this area is severely lacking. Fasano is more of a blocker who can come through in the red zone but after that it's a mess. Jeron Mastrud is second on the depth chart but is a free agent. A playmaker at this position is a must; especially while looking at their division rivals (Rob Gronkowski, Aaron Hernandez, Dustin Keller).
- Quarterback - If the Colts let go of Peyton Manning he could land in Miami as both sides have mentioned interest in each other. If not there is the possibility of trading up to take Robert Griffin III as both St. Louis and Minnesota have expressed interest in trading their picks (second and third overall respectively). But the Phins could also sign free agent Matt Flynn who Philbin knows from their days in Green Bay together.
- Safety - Tyrone Culver is a free agent and veteran Yeremiah Bell will be 34 years old for the 2012 season. After that there aren't any real strong options. This position will need to be addressed early in the draft, Mark Barron out of Alabama would be a good fit if they can find a way to trade back into the bottom of the first round.
- Tackle - Jake Long is a cornerstone on offense. Marc Colombo, however was more of a friend to former coach Tony Sparano and used as a stopgap. A bookend to match with Long will only better the offense on the ground and in the air. Resigning Vernon Carey could keep this need off a year or two but if brought back, Carey is better suited at guard, another factor in Bush's resurgence.
- Wide Receiver - A thin talent pool outside of Brandon Marshall and Davone Bess. A solid number two wide receiver will need to be added. And again, if his days as a Packer are considered, the importance of the wideout will be a must for this team in the future.
Nathan Rickard - Studied at Eastern Connecticut State University and Le Moyne College, Nate has been writing for years and all forms of it. Growing up next ...
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