X's and O's with Omar: Should the Dolphins rush into a Christian Wilkins Extension?

Longtime Miami Dolphins columnist Omar Kelly tackles three pertinent questions submitted by fans.

Chances Christian Wilkins is a Dolphin in 2025? - @HeadSoRound

I believe it totally depends on Wilkins’ asking price moving forward, and how much he fits into Vic Fangio’s scheme.

I have been told by a veteran defensive lineman that Fangio’s scheme requires his defensive linemen to have a little more pass rush ability than the norm. That means defensive linemen need to be able to disengage from blockers consistently, the way Emmanuel Ogbah can.

We’ll see how Wilkins, who has recorded 11.5 sacks in four seasons, fits into the scheme this season. It would be wise to assess that before rushing to sign him to a multi-year deal, UNLESS the Dolphins need the cap space before Byron Jones’ money clears in June.

The one thing we know about Wilkins, who is making $10.7 million this season on his fifth-year option, is that he has improved every season. So it would be irresponsible to conclude this team captain won’t take another step forward this season, no matter the scheme.

This is also a money year for Wilkins. He’ll have an opportunity to set his family up for generations with a good season, so I expect him to have one.

Whether he’s with the Dolphins in 2025 depends on his preseason asking price, and where the team sets his value. If it’s too high, we could see another Davon Godchaux situation, where Miami lets a defensive tackle it groomed hit the open market and sign elsewhere.

There are currently 10 defensive tackles who make more than $14 million a season. At this point, $13 million a season is my price point for Wilkins. The only thing that would change that is a six or more sack season.

Time is on Miami’s side, and the organization would be wise to see how the 2023 season plays out. Ask yourself, what's the rush?

Are you scared about the depth at WR? If Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle get injured, are Cedrick Wilson Jr. and Braxton Berrios skilled enough to carry the squad? - @CertifiedSoto

If any team loses its top two receivers, it will lead to offensive struggles. Doesn’t matter the team.

A better question is, would I be comfortable with Wilson or Berrios being targeted 75-100 times a season, and the answer to that question is NO.

I was never impressed with Wilson. Not when Miami signed the former Cowboys No. 4 receiver as a free agent, and not when I watched him in training camp. And I doubt Berrios can handle a 700-plus-snap count physically.

That is why I love the signing of Chosen Anderson, who has started 86 games in his seven-year career.

Anderson, who changed his name from Robbie last year, has an NFL resume that says he can step up and become a front-line receiver if needed. I love that his addition should allow Waddle and Hill to play more snaps as slot weapons. And when Anderson is on the field the Dolphins shouldn’t lose any of their big-play potential.

Between Hill, Waddle, Anderson, Berrios, Erik Ezukanma and Wilson, who the Dolphins obviously would love to trade to avoid his $7 million salary ($5 million is guaranteed), Miami should have enough depth to withstand a couple of injuries.

What do you think Mike McDaniel learned in his first year as a head coach? - @LukeFader

Hopefully McDaniel has learned he needs to run a more balanced offense, calling more run plays than he did in 2022.

Last season only the Tampa Bay Buccaneers attempted fewer runs than the Dolphins (390). And that’s despite Miami’s 4.3 yards per attempt average, which hints that McDaniel should have attempted more runs.

McDaniel addressed his team’s habit of shying away from calling run plays during the offseason, and it seems as if getting back to his run-heavy 49ers roots is high on his agenda.

Keep in mind that six of the NFL’s top 10 rushing teams qualified for the postseason.

I get it, the Dolphins averaged 7.72 yards per pass play, which ranked Miami second in the NFL last season, behind only the Kansas City Chiefs (7.78). But just imagine how successful those pass attempts would be if defenses knew they had to respect the run like they had to for the Philadelphia Eagles, who averaged 7.66 yards per pass play (ranked third) and 147.6 rushing yards per game (ranked fifth).

I’m certain that the health of the Dolphins' tailbacks and the offensive line contributed to Miami’s pass-happy approach, which resulted in 99.2 rushing yards a game (ranked 25th). So let’s hope injuries don’t handcuff the running game again and force McDaniel to become a pass-play-obsessed play-caller in 2023.