Saturday Dolphins Mailbag: Cook, Rodgers, Higgins, DT Depth, and More

Part 1 of the latest SI Fan Nation All Dolphins mailbag:

From Flipper13 (@Flipper13):

If Dalvin Cook gets cut, do you think the Fins will go after him?

I understand the fascination with Dalvin Cook because he’s a really, really good player, but I wasn’t convinced the Dolphins would go after him (post-release) in the first place, and I think it’s even less likely now that the team selected Devon Achane in the third round. Sure, Cook is better than any running back on the Miami roster, but the Dolphins did bring back the four from last year for a reason.

From Big Ern McDolphin (@dana_buice):

In this man’s opinion special teams was unit that performed consistently bad last year. They were bad in coverage, returns, and kicking. They kept the coach and haven’t signed anyone to improve the unit. Can you give us Dolphins fans some hope that they’ll be better this year?

Hey Dana, yes, I will give you up the special teams will be better this year because, first off, it’s not a high bar to cross and also because this team has a bona fide returner this year with Braxton Berrios.

From Ted D’Alessio (@TeddyD13):

I feel that we are a backup Safety and DT short? Maybe even a ILB too! am I being nervous or I have legit reason? I count 43 NFL players on the team so far with 10 spots up for grabs. How many you count?

Hey Ted, first off, you being nervous is normal if you’re a devoted fan, but if your biggest concern is depth at a couple of positions, I’d tell there’s not one team in the league that doesn’t have those. As for your second question, would you believe me if I told you I also counted 43 locks or near-locks to be on the 53-man roster, though I didn’t classify it as “NFL players.” They have more NFL players than that.

From Gilbert Martinez (@Gilbert00669204):

Alain, who is your favorite draft pick? Love your podcast!!

Hey Gilbert, thanks much on the podcast shout-out, which can be found here or here. Since there were only four draft picks, it’s a pretty narrow choice, and I think I’d go with Cam Smith because cornerbacks are so important, even though Devon Achene likely will be the most exciting to watch as a rookie.

From Prince-Bishop Militantly Aardvark (@MilitantlyA):

Which team(s) do you think will be the Dolphins' kryptonite this year? Why?

The one team that jumps out here clearly is Kansas City and the reason is simple: Patrick Mahomes. Buffalo always is tough, in large part because of Josh Allen, even though the Dolphins did have a chance to win all three games against the Bills last season. And then there’s Philly, which will be a problem because of how good the Eagles traditionally are on both lines of scrimmage.

From Dave (@angryvet59):

Alain, is it me or has Aaron Rogers taken over the media's Senior NFL adoration mantle since Tom Brady retired? The Jets just get vaulted on top of AFC East over Buffalo all because of Rodgers?

Hey Dave, yes, Rodgers has earned himself a lot of admiration from old-school journalists, but that’s what four MVP titles will do for a player. But I’m not sure I buy your second point because I haven’t seen the Jets placed above the Bills in many places — actually can’t think of one right now. But, yes, Rodgers should make the Jets very dangerous if he’s anywhere near the player he was in 2021.

From mikethewreck (@mgcroteau):

Which positions do you think are most open to a UDFA filling? Backup DT certainly, but are there others? OL? LB? Safety? Also, am I wrong to see Higgins more as a replacement for Trent Sherfield than Gesicki?

Hey Mike, I still think the Dolphins could use some depth on the offensive line and at tight end, along with the defensive line. As for Higgins, I’m not ready to call him a replacement for anybody, but rather a prospect with a skill set that has intrigued head coach Mike McDaniel.

From Lmb (@lmballery):

Miami is in the second year of the same offense (finally)… do you think the entire offense will take a leap forward, especially the offensive line?

Hey there, I’m on record as saying many times that I think the issue of “another year in the same system” is overblown. Adjusting and learning a new system is what the offseason and training camp are for. Having said all that, I would say the goal for the offense is to be more consistent after being lights out at times last season but then really struggling down the stretch. And I do think it’s reasonable to expect that will happen.

From Crash Jensen (@Sngly):

Let’s say you’re Dolphins Coach Poupart. You’re in 2-minute drill mode at the end of the game and need a TD. Who’s in the game? What offensive package do you have on the field?

Hey Crash, I think I’m in my speed mode trying to put as much pressure as possible on the defense, so along with Tua and the offensive line, the guy on the field are Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Chosen Anderson, Raheem Mostert and Devon Achane. I send two guys deep on every play to loose the defense, and then have Waddle or Hill run crossers or throw screen passes to Mostert or Achane.

From Jordan Waldman (@JordanWaldman1):

Do we have any defensive tackle depth?

Hey Jordan, how’s this for a quick answer: no. OK, expounding on that a bit, there is practically zero proven depth among interior defensive linemen now that John Jenkins has left to join the Las Vegas Raiders as a free agent. I suspect that will change between now and the start of training camp in late July.

From Bob Curvelo (@curvelo13):

Which UDFA, if any, do you see having a Nik Needham/Kader Kohou showing this year? Keep up the great work.

Hey Bob, first off thanks, trying to predict UDFAs making an impact always is tricky, and the places to start trying to project would include the guaranteed money each player got (DT Brandon Pili, $100,000; CB Ethan Bonner, $80,000), any player who was invited to the combine (none), or anybody invited to the Senior Bowl (LB Aubrey Miller Jr., CB Keiondre Smith). So that’s four UDFAs right there I’ll be watching closely in camp.

From Earl Gottfried (via email):

Hello Alain, after being mostly disappointed with the second-and third-round picks because they didn't address TE or OL (until later), i have to expect the the Dolphins will add to those positions after June 1 when Jones' salary comes off the books. Do you see it the same? Could they have "whisper" deals with some of the players still unsigned that will be filled out and signed at that time but can't announce until then? If not, it seems like they are playing with fire and Tua's protection regardless how well he learned to fall. Better protection will lead to a better sense of security and fewer panic plays. maybe they just go OL and leave TE as it is since they weren't on the receiving end of many passes last year anyway and use the backs more on outlets. Make sense?

Hey Earl, lot to unpack here, so here are some rapid-fire answers: Don’t be overly bothered by not addressing TE and OL until later in the draft if Cam Smith and Devon Achane pan out. The goal always should be to draft good players who will contribute (hopefully sooner rather than later). Is it possible the Dolphins have agreements in place with free agents that won’t become official until June 1? Sure, but those tend to get out publicly, and that hasn’t happened. Yes, they could use more depth along the offensive line and tight end and, yes, you make a great point about the tight end not being vital for the offense after what we saw last season.

From Jeff (via email):

Hello Alain, I think we're at that very interesting point in the offseason where a lot of us sit and ponder who makes it. I can't help but remind myself of last season and how much changed between this current point in time and Week 1. Grier also didn't pull the trigger on trading down, which was highly speculated. Do you think Grier likely held off trading some of the "available players" we have on the roster due to wanting to pursue 2024 draft picks? Looking forward to that next podcast episode! Any chance you two will take a question or two there? (Maybe your favorite one since the last episode aired).

Hey Jeff, I’ll start with the last first and tell you that, yes, I think Omar and I will start discussing questions posed in the mailbag, particularly at a time when there isn’t necessarily a ton happening with the team. As for the idea of Grier waiting to trade “available players,” it’s more likely that no good offer came his way. And that applies to the idea of trading down as well. It’s one thing for a GM to be looking to trade, but it takes a willing partner to make it happen.

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