Miami Dolphins Could See Overhaul On Offense After Mike McDaniel Hire

Offensive Line

Getting better up front HAS to happen. This line has struggled throughout Tagovailoa’s tenure as quarterback, and it starts with how they’ve don in the NFL Draft. Austin Jackson was a reach from the start, and his performance at tackle prompted a switch to guard. Liam Eichenberg was a little better, but surrendered pressure in pass protection at an alarming rate.

The real question for this unit is how McDaniel wants to design the running game. If he wants to follow how Shanahan has evolved with his outside zone/wide zone concepts by weaving in more power concepts, finding versatile linemen will be important.

In free agency, there are a couple superstars who could command top dollar. The Miami Dolphins should have enough room to go after either of them. Terron Armstead is a phenomenal left tackle, and while there are some injury concerns, he’s still at the top of his game when healthy. Brandon Scherff would be great to help out the interior as well.

In the draft, Zion Johnson has to be one of the top targets for Miami. The Boston College standout is a phenomenal guard who has the power to drive defenders off their mark, but he also flashed some ability to reach block, especially down at the Senior Bowl. He also got some snaps at center, which is a position that needs upgrading in Miami. Dylan Parham is a bit smaller, but can fit in both zone and power concepts with his quickness and power. Cole Strange would be another to look at from an interior perspective.

As for the tackles, it’s a bit more shallow. Looking at someone like Trevor Penning makes sense if he falls that far in round one. North Dakota’s Matt Waletzko is intriguing later, as is Connecticut’s Ryan Van Demark.

The offensive line still needs an overhaul, and that’s a place that Mike McDaniel will likely want to see addressed all offseason long.