Summary

The Dolphins started the season off poorly in 2016, going 1-4. They then went on a tear and only lost two more games the rest of the regular season to make Adam Gase’s first year as head coach successful. They did lose in the Wild Card round of the playoffs, but should be able to build off of last year’s success.

Offensively, Miami was average in 2016, scoring 22.7 points per game. While they ranked near the bottom of the NFL in passing yards per game, they finished 9th in the league in rushing yards, averaging 114 yards per game.

Ryan Tannehill had an improved season under Gase, but running back Jay Ajayi became a real game-changer. Ajayi started the season as an after-thought, but finished the season as the NFL’s fourth leading rusher. The offensive line was solid last season, but they did trade Brandon Albert to the Jaguars. They signed Ted Larsen to play guard and presumably will move Laremy Tunsil out to left tackle.

Miami has two young wide receivers in Jarvis Landry and Devante Parker that should be great targets for Tannehill for years to come. Kenny Stills is also a viable option. Julius Thomas is an athletic, receiving tight end who was acquired in the trade with the Jaguars for Albert.

On defense, the Dolphins were only one of five teams to give up more than 2,000 yards on the ground. They were in the middle of the pack against the pass, ranking 15th in pass yards allowed. Miami was tied for 19th in the league in sacks with 33.

Ndamukong Suh, Cameron Wake and William Hayes are good defensive linemen, but they need more to stop the run and get pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Kiko Alonso is the only good linebacker the Dolphins have, but aging veteran Lawrence Timmons was signed to try to help. It is unlikely that he will have a big impact for the defense. A safety to pair with Reshad Jones and multiple corners will be needed to make this defense great.

Picks and Needs

The Dolphins have seven picks in the 2017 NFL Draft. They should be able to get a few impact players with their early picks and find some diamonds in the rough late.

First round: (1) No. 22

Second round: (1) No. 54

Third round: (1) No. 97

Fourth round: (0)

Fifth round: (3) No. 166, No. 178, No. 184

Sixth round: (0)

Seventh round: (1) No. 223

These needs are in no particular order.