According to Pro Football Reference the Miami Dolphins scored 360 points in 2009, but gave up 390, that seems to suggest that their primary needs lie on the defensive side of the ball.
Since their defense gave up over 1,800 yards on the ground it seems that this defense could use some playmakers in the middle of the defense. To be sure the 3-4 defense works a lot better with a dominant NT anchoring it, but the need for strong inside linebackers cannot be denied.
With the 12th pick in the 2010 draft it seems unlikely that the Dolphins would be able to secure one of the top DT’s prospects. They could reach for Dan Williams of Tennessee, or they could select there for their primary need of ILB.
Since a good NT is hard to find, the Dolphins may feel a lot of pressure to reach for Williams in the draft. They could try to sign one in free agency, but most of the premier free agent NT are set to be tagged, and unavailable to the Dolphins. They may have to go out and find a solid 4-3 DT, and convert him into their NT. They could be targeting Barry Cofield of the New York Giants for such conversion.
Back to the draft, I don’t like the idea of reaching for a player. However, we are talking about Bill Parcells who believes that you draft a player with a specific role in mind, with that in mind it seems very likely that they could draft Williams and hope that he solidifies the middle of their 3-4 defense.
A safer route in round one would be to find a run stopping linebacker. At 12 there should still be a few options there including Rolando McClain or Sergio Kindle. Kindle skill set is ideally suited for a 3-4 defense on the outside, but McClain could be the run stopping force the Dolphins need on the inside.
The idea here is to add a force to the defense that can help stop the running game. After adding some defensive help there seems to be little question that the Dolphins could use a legitimate number one receiver.
Sure they have a collection of pretty good guys who could flourish as number two guys, but they need a big time playmaker at the Wide out position. The way the 2010 draft seems to be shaking out, they will have a decent shot at selecting a top tier WR talent with the 11th pick in the second round.
With their pick in the second round there should still be a few highly rated Wide out prospects. I would fully expect them to use their second round pick to address this need.
The other needs this team must address either via the draft or free agency are, help in the defensive secondary especially at safety, and finding some depth for their offensive line.
Related Links:
• Miami Dolphins News and Notes
• 2010 NFL Team needs
• 2010 NFL Draft news, notes, and rumors
• 2010 NFL Free Agents
• NFL Complete.com
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