Dolphins Get Former First-Round Pick to Help OL
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The long-anticipated Miami Dolphins move for their offensive line has arrived, and it involves a former first-round pick from the AFC East rival New England Patriots.
The Dolphins are signing former Patriots No. 1 pick Isaiah Wynn, as first reported by NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and now confirmed by a league source.
Wynn becomes the second veteran free agent the Dolphins have signed from another team this offseason, joining interior offensive lineman Dan Feeney, who came over from the New York Jets.
The 23rd overall selection in the 2019 draft, Wyn started 30 games for the Patriots over the past four seasons after he missed his entire rookie year with an Achilles injury that landed him on IR.
The St. Petersburg, Florida, native started a career-high 15 games in 2021, which came after the Patriots exercised the fifth-year option on his rookie contract.
In 2022, Wynn started seven of the nine games he played but finished the season on IR because of a foot injury.
WHERE ISAIAH WYNN FITS IN WITH THE DOLPHINS
Wynn, who was the 23rd overall pick out of Georgia in 2018, played left tackle early in his time with the Patriots before a surprise switch to right tackle last season.
That position switch could serve him well with the Dolphins because the starting left tackle spot is locked down with four-time Pro Bowl selection Terron Armstead.
The right tackle spot, however, has been the topic of much discussion among the media and fans, even after GM Chris Grier said recently that 2020 first-round pick Austin Jackson had the job.
The addition of Wynn will provide the Dolphins with another alternative if Jackson doesn't show his coaches what they want to see in training camp.
At the very least, Wynn should provide the swing tackle that was missing since veteran Brandon Shell became an unrestricted free agent in March after filling that role more than adequately in 2022.
Wynn, 27, has the advantage of being younger than the 31-year-old Shell, who remains unsigned.
Wynn also played some snaps at guard in a backup role last season, making him even more valuable.
ISAIAH WYNN LOOKING TO REBOUND AFTER TOUGH 2022 SEASON
The position versatility is all fine, but Wynn has to pick up his game a bit after what can only be considered a down year in 2022.
This was the rundown of his performance on SI Fan Nation sister site Patriots Country.
"Wynn went from a solid starting left tackle to a liability at right tackle after a surprising positional switch during training camp. A foot injury, which limited him to nine games, led to a season-ending injured reserve designation. He allowed 17 pressures and four sacks, while committing eight penalties. If he can return to form, Wynn has the necessary quickness and strength to win battles when going one-on-one against edge rushers, as well as creating openings for the running game. Wynn still has the talent to be an effective tackle."
This clearly is what the Dolphins are counting on.
