Roster Changes

 

Key additions

QB Josh Rosen, QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, TE Dwayne Allen, CB Eric Rowe

 

Key losses

RB Frank Gore, WR Danny Amendola, OT Ja’Quan James, G Josh Sitton, G Ted Larsen, C Travis Swanson, DE Cameron Wake

 

2019 draft class

DT Christian Wilkins (1.13), G Michael Deiter (3.78), LB Andrew Van Ginkel (5.151), OT Isaiah Prince (6.202), FB Chandler Cox (7.233), RB Myles Gaskin (7.234)

 

Projected Starters

 

Offense

QB: Josh Rosen
RB: Kenyan Drake
WR: Kenny Stills
WR: DeVante Parker
WR: Albert Wilson
TE: Mike Gesicki
LT: Laremy Tunsil
LG: Michael Deiter
C: Daniel Kilgore
RG: Jesse Davis
RT: Isaiah Prince

 

Defense

DE: Charles Harris
DT: Christian Wilkins
DT: Davon Godchaux
DE: Jonathan Woodard
LB: Kiko Alonso
LB: Reakwon McMillan
CB: Xavien Howard
CB: Eric Rowe
CB Bobby McCain
S: Minkah Fitzpatrick
S: Reshad Jones

 

Team Outlook

 

Notable depth

QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, RB Kalen Ballage, RB Myles Gaskin, WR Jakeem Grant, TE Dwayne Allen, OT Zach Sterup, G Isaac Asiata, DE Tank Carradine, DT Vincent Taylor, DT Kendrick Norton, LB Jerome Baker, LB Andrew Van Ginkel, LB Mike Hull, CB Cordrea Tankersley, S T.J. McDonald

 

Biggest strength: Secondary

The Dolphins might not win many games in 2019, but if opponents that fall behind are forced to air it out against them, it won’t be an easy task. For the most part, we will likely see three corners and three safeties on the field together, and that includes Second-Team All-Pro Xavien Howard and former Super Bowl starter Eric Rowe at cornerback. It will be interesting to see what kind of role the coaching staff has in mind for last year’s No. 11 overall pick Minkah Fitzpatrick, but he should be a definite playmaker.

 

Biggest weakness: Defensive end

Miami didn’t really add an edge presence this offseason, so they will be relying on Charles Harris to finally breakout under a new regime. The No. 22 pick of the 2017 NFL Draft has just 3.0 sacks in two seasons, but hopefully this year’s first-round pick Christian Wilkins can take the pressure off everyone else. One way or another, the Dolphins need to find a way to get after the quarterback so their young secondary can continue building confidence in coverage for 2020 and beyond.

 

Position battle to watch: Quarterback

Josh Rosen should win the quarterback competition against veteran journeyman Ryan Fitzpatrick, but the team has made it clear that things won’t be handed to him. While I had Rosen as my No. 6 quarterback prospect last year, this is a good landing spot for him to rebuild his value, as Miami’s offensive line should be strong (particularly on the edges), and he will get a chance to put up numbers by playing from behind.

 

One more thought

Calling left tackle a strength with Laremy Tunsil there shouldn’t seem odd, but right tackle is basically a mystery to most people. However, sixth-round pick Isaiah Prince has all the traits to be an elite player despite where he was drafted, and the job he did against Chase Winovich and Rashan Gary last season showed that. The Dolphins would obviously be thrilled if they found a diamond in the rough (though Prince did play at Ohio State) as the potential blindside protector for current Alabama quarterback and possible No. 1 overall pick Tua Tagovailoa in 2020.

 

Early over/under: 5 wins (via CBS Sports)

Under. I think Brian Flores will be successful head coach, but the entire organization seems to be on board with taking a step back this season, which will likely be more of an evaluation year for a roster with plenty of holes and a lack of depth at most positions. Plus, an 0-4 start looks like a real possibility against the Ravens, Patriots, Cowboys, and Chargers in September.