Monday Dolphins Mailbag: Running Backs, YAC, Tight Ends, and More

Part 3 of the latest SI Fan Nation All Dolphins mailbag:

From Mike Small (@realmikesmall):

The Twitter sphere seems to think the Dolphins are going to go after one of the high-priced running backs or draft one. Do you think they are finished at that position?

Hey Mike, I don’t think they’re done at the position because they’re not going to go into camp with only four running backs on the roster, but I do believe they’re done if we’re talking about a front-line back, such as a high pick or high-profile veteran such as Dalvin Cook or Derrick Henry.

From Shaun Braley (@shaunbraley):

Can we break the narrative that most of Tua’s passing yards came from yac? Many had a greater percentage than him.

Hey Shaun, whose narrative is that? While the Dolphins got their share of long touchdowns off short passes (Waddle vs. Green Bay, Sherfield vs. San Francisco), you’re right that most of the Dolphins’ long completions came on long passes.

From Harry @WellWhoopDDamDo):

Why does Miami seemingly have a blind spot when it comes to the OL? The plan can’t really be to run it back with Jackson, Eichenberg, and 11 or 12 games from Armstead, can it?

Hey Harry, can it? Yes, it can, with the caveat that the Dolphins want to protect themselves by bringing in competition for Eichenberg and Jackson and bringing in depth for Armstead.

From Dan Giunta (@Dan_B_Phin_Phan):

Alain, does Miami prioritize adding a TE or RT as their top two needs heading into 2023 or do they believe there are other areas that are of higher importance?

Hey Dan, I can speak for the Dolphins’ thinking because they’re not sharing that with me or any other member of the media, but it’s just logical when you look at the roster to say that tight end and right tackle look like the top two needs at this time.

From John Kerns (@yitwail):

If Sam LaPorta is available at pick 51, should they draft him then, hope he’s still available at 84, or trade down and try to take him somewhere between 51 and 84? Because I’m convinced he’s an ideal fit for the offense. Thanks.

Hey John, yeah, I’ve seen LaPorta mentioned in connection with the Dolphins, but scout opinions on him all over the place and he’s also kind of a pass-catching specialist — and isn’t it why Mike Gesicki was a bad fit for this offense? I’m tempted to say I’d just see if he lasts until 84 as opposed to taking him at 51, which seems high for him.

From FZB (@fzb3346):

What are the RT options available in free agency? ... I figure they will sign someone after the draft.

There are a lot of serviceable right tackles still on the free agent market who the Dolphins could bring in provide legitimate competition for Austin Jackson, and that lis would include: George Fant, Cameron Erving, Isaiah Wynn, Billy Turner, Cameron Fleming and Brandon Shell.

From Brice (@BricefromLA):

The TE with the most snaps in 2023 will be?

Hey Brice, I think the answer is going to be the same who had the most snaps at the position in 2022, and that’s Durham Smythe. I just have a hard time seeing the Dolphins landing somebody at this time who’s going to come in and take over the position.

From Mike Jones (@MikeJonesFla):

What's your true opinion on Chris Grier and his job performance? I'm still skeptical that the Ross/Grier power structure truly knows how to build a winner. Call me a scorned Fins fan if you must.

“Who? … Mike Jones!” Is that the famous Mike McDaniel joke on Zoom goes? Anyway, I digress, Mr. scorned Fins fan. Considering the Dolphins haven’t won a playoff game since Dec. 30, 2000, I can’t blame you for your skepticism when it comes to Ross/Grier, but it’s also important to note that Grier officially has been GM since 2016 but maybe in reality since 2019. So it’s a pretty small sample size, and there have been hits and misses in the draft, which is the case for every GM. The Dolphins sure have been able to land high-profile players in free agency and trades, but that speaks more to the willingness to spend money on Ross’ part. Let me put it this way: If the Dolphins don’t win a playoff game in the next two years, all bets are off and it would be time for a new GM.

From Zigmund (@zigmund_floyd):

Do you think we will take a RB with our first pick? Or would you rather take a guard/OT?

Hey Zigmund, it’s just not the Dolphins M.O. to draft a running back early and it would be even more surprising this year after they re-signed all four of their running backs from 2022. That said, I think somebody like Jahmyr Gibbs should be considered in Round 2 if he were available. But I do think an offensive lineman who could start if a bigger priority.

From Chris (@NKNG1305):

Would you swap Tua for L Jackson straight up?

Hey Chris, that’s a very interesting question, but one that comes with qualifiers. Under the current circumstances and contract situations, I absolutely would NOT make the trade right now because the Dolphins have Tua at a very cheap price over the next two seasons and Jackson will be very costly. Now, if you’re asking purely from a football standpoint regardless of contract, I’d have to think about it because Tua clearly is a better passer than Jackson and therefore a better fit for the offense when Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle are getting open downfield. But Jackson is the far superior quarterback at making something happen if nothing is there, in large part because of his ridiculous speed and quickness, and that would come in handy in those games when Hill and Waddle are being neutralized by the defense, such as the Chargers game last year.

From marc rainford (@marcrainford):

Just an observation but it looks to me during free agency there have been more 1 year contracts instead of multi year contracts, not just in Miami but leaguewide this year? Any thoughts on why?

Hey Marc, yeah, that’s a very good observation, and the logical explanation is that it allows teams more flexibility in roster-building from one year to the next. This allows teams to make sudden and quick turns in philosophy if they’re not tied into long-term contracts.

From Marco A. Briceño (@marco91090):

What would you say is the biggest hole on the roster (starter-wise)?

Hey Marco, if we’re talking strictly about starters, I think it’s hard not to look at tight end, as well as left guard and right tackle. If you’re asking me for one spot, I think I’d say tight end.

From Ben Reiss (@BenReiss1):

IF (realize it is far from certain) the Dolphins bring in another right tackle, what starting options are available in FA or draft?

Hey Ben, there are a lot of good options in free agency, and I think that’s where the Dolphins should go for a starting right tackle — or at least somebody to compete with Austin Jackson. And the list of available players there would include George Fant, Brandon Shell, Billy Turner and Cameron Erving.

From Dug-E-Fresssh (@fluflu3):

Thank you, Alain, for your continued hard work. Would you say that the O-Line is the position group that has the most draft "misses" across the NFL? If so, is this because there is such a difference in play/scheme from college to the NFL, or is it the toughest to evaluate?

Hey there, I’m sure there’s some research out there, but from my seat, yeah, I’d say offensive linemen are tough to evaluate and so are linebackers. And, yeah, I do think college schemes don’t always prepare prospects for the NFL.

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