Offensive Tackle

Marc Colombo was awful in 2010 at right tackle for the Cowboys so they cut him and drafted Tyron Smith 9^th overall. The Dolphins decided to sign him to play right tackle and, naturally, he was awful, allowing 9 sacks and 35 pressures, while struggling as a run blocker. Having the 9^th overall pick this year, the Dolphins could follow in the Cowboys footsteps and use the 9^th overall pick on a right tackle like Jonathan Martin or Riley Reiff.

Defensive End

Other than Cameron Wake and Jason Taylor, no one could get any sort of pressure on the quarterback for the Dolphins last year. Taylor has retired, so they now especially need pass rush help. Opposite Cameron Wake at rush linebacker last year was Koa Misi. Misi is a terrible pass rusher and way too small to play with his hand in the dirt as the Dolphins move to a 4-3. Misi probably is a better fit for the 4-3 than the 3-4, but as an outside linebacker and not a defensive end. They don’t have anyone to play end opposite Cameron Wake. Players like Quinton Coples, Whitney Mercilus, Melvin Ingram, and Courtney Upshaw will be considered at 9.

Quarterback

Matt Moore stabilized the quarterback position down the stretch, but is he really the long term solution, or just a major upgrade over Chad Henne (not saying much). The Dolphins have a good supporting cast and I think Moore could probably get them to the playoffs, but I don’t think they can make it deep into the playoffs with him. Besides, new regimes mean new quarterbacks. Joe Philbin is their new Head Coach coming over from Green Bay. He could easily bring Matt Flynn with him.

 

Tight End

Anthony Fasano is not very good, but he’s been starting at tight end for a few years because Tony Sparano had a man crush on him, bringing him over from Dallas. Joe Philbin had a pass catching tight end in Jermichael Finley in Green Bay and may be looking for his own version of Finley threw the draft. Or he could just sign Finley, a free agent, if Green Bay doesn’t resign him.

Safety

Reshad Jones was solid against the run, but really struggled in coverage. They could use some competition for them. If the value is right, I could definitely see them drafting a safety.

Cornerback

Vontae Davis and Sean Smith are solid young starting cornerbacks, but their depth behind them isn’t great. This is something that can be addressed through the draft.

Guard

Vernon Carey was solid in his first year moving from right tackle to right guard, but he’s a free agent. He needs to be resigned. If he isn’t resigned, John Jerry, who has struggled to this point in his career after being a 2010 3^rd round pick, would be next in line. I don’t think he deserves to go into 2012 as the undisputed starter.