Sunday Dolphins Mailbag: Poyer, Skylar, Chubb, and More

Could Jordan Poyer set an example for Jevon Holland? Are the Dolphins overdoing it at defensive tackle? Tackling those and other Miami Dolphins issues

Part 2 of an early April Miami Dolphins mailbag:

From Karen Dube (@karmabiitzhard):

Curious if you believe Tua's half sleeve on his left arm will help him play better in tight games?

Hey Karen, that’s good. Really, though, anything that could help in that department would be welcome, right?

From Richard Hulme (@RichardHulme7):

Which position is most in need of the premium 1st round pick, OL or DT?

From Pajake Japat (@D1nonlyJP):

What do you think the Dolphins should prioritize with their 1st pick?

Hey Richard and Pajake, I think the Dolphins have a lot of numbers at both spots without somebody who stands out as a clear starter at either right guard or defensive tackle next to Zach Sieler. So then it comes down to what’s the best prospect available. But of those two, I think IOL might be slightly more of a priority.

From Olive Grove Jon (@owlizee):

Hi Alain, do you think the addition of Poyer will elevate the play of Holland and bring him back to the form he showed prior to last season?

Hey OGJ, I think you make an excellent point there because Poyer’s competitiveness and intangibles make him the perfect mentor to help a talented young safety to take the next step. Whether Holland follows Poyer’s lead will be up to Holland, but it certainly would behoove him.

From Grumpy Ol’ Git (@cleggylad):

Did any player in IPP the catch your attention?

Took me a while to realize that by IPP, you meant the International Player Pathway, which is how the Dolphins got Durval Queiroz Neto for a couple of years. I can’t say I’m familiar with many of the players in the program, but I’m always for taking a shot on those guys because you never know you could wind up with a Jordan Mailata like the Eagles did.

From suicidolphin (@BrianAdams1969):

Could you and Omar give some depth to the issues that led up to trading Minkah? I’ve relied on the one where Minkah was being a baby, but I’m not sure and would love details.

Hey Brian, Omar and I have discussed it on the podcast, but I’ll be happy to go over it again and it involved a couple of factors. One was Fitzpatrick’s reluctance to be used in a variety of roles as a jack of all trades safety (kind of like what Baltimore has done with Kyle Hamilton) and another was Fitzpatrick wanting no part of what clearly was going to be a painful 2019 rebuild that began with the Dolphins giving up 102 points in their first two games.

From Phillip Rhodes (@mindcrime):

Cam Goode seemed to be coming on a little bit last year before being injured. With Chubb and Phillips possibly out for a portion of the season, do you see Goode making a meaningful contribution this season?

Hey Phillip, Goode himself is coming off a serious injury as he tore a patellar tendon on Buffalo’s punt return for a touchdown in the Week 18 game. So he’s also facing a long rehab. If he does come back fully healthy, I could see Goode making a contribution on defense, but we’re not at the point of being able to count on him to make an impact IMO.

From NY DolFins Lifer (@gmarcotte11b):

I like the re-signing of Wynn and Lamm, I know the OL still needs another piece or two, I say draft an edge at 21 if the right guy is there for Chubbs’ replacement next year, and then go WR at 55 to replace Tyreek next year as well. Thoughts?

I have no issue with that game plan, assuming the right prospects are available at each spot.

From Jason Kirkland (@1bigdad424):

Hi Alain, 2 questions: what do you put the odds at that Miami signs OBJ? If you were to bet, what position do you think Miami goes at 21, assuming they stay put?

Hey Jason, I’d put the OBJ signing at 70 percent right now, though I could see a scenario where it doesn’t happen until after the draft. As for 21, I’m thinking edge defender.

From OGHighway (@OGHighWay):

Miami has signed quite a few players even with the limited cap space. What do you think they will do with the post-June 1 money? Has Thompson shown enough in his development or do you think Miami should take a shot at a late-round QB?

My best guess is we’ll see a couple of post-June 1 signings, though nothing overly dramatic. As for a late-round QB, I’m always for taking a shot at one of those guys, particularly if there’s a singular trait that makes them stand out even if they have work to do in other areas.

From Prince-Bishop Militantly Aardvark (@MilitantlyA):

Are the Dolphins trying to set the record for total volume of DTs? I think they need a high-quality DT who is not yet on the roster. Do you agree, and if so, what would you do about it? It would make sense to bring in a new WR to replace the headache-causing Tyreek, but don't the Fins need to replace Wilkins first? Then there's the question of safeties for the future, little matters like the future left tackle... Are fans overrating the repair work done so far?

Hey PBMA, lot to unpack here. Can’t disagree with anything you wrote here, though I think you can give up on the idea of a big-name DT being brought in to replace Wilkins. It’s clear the Dolphins have chosen the volume approach here, and maybe there’s something to be said for not having your DTs play as many snaps as Wilkins and Zach Sieler played last season.

From Tr3yBallJam3s (@AJ_Killmonger):

Do you agree that we have filled enough spots vacated by last year's starters to where Chris Grier can draft BPA regardless of position except QB?

Because the roster is likely to undergo a lot of changes in the next couple of years, and even as a universal statement, going BPA always should be the approach. But I also would submit that we shouldn’t pretend like the Dolphins don’t have a few options where they could use an upgrade.

From Eugenio Tallone (@Ertallone):

Hi Alain, what do I need to apply to be a Dolphins DT this season? Thanks...

Hey Eugenio, thanks for the laugh. Are you 300 pounds?