5 takeaways from the Dolphins at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine
The NFL Scouting Combine has come to an end and Dolphins decision-makers are back in Miami as they continue to formulate their plans for free agency, which begins at 4 p.m. on March 15. Both head coach Mike McDaniel and general manager Chris Grier spoke in Indianapolis about a myriad of topics, while also meeting with dozens of prospects.
Here are five takeaways after a week at the combine:
The Dolphins’ messaging on Tua is clear(er).
A year ago, Grier was asked whether he believed Tua Tagovailoa could be an elite quarterback.
“I can’t say he can’t be,” Grier said. “It’s a situation now where this will be built around his skill set and what the offense can be and Mike’s vision of how he fits. So, I wouldn’t say he can’t be. It’s too early.”
Ahead of Tagovailoa’s first season with McDaniel, the Dolphins were in a wait-and-see approach after an uneven first two seasons. But after a breakout third season, Miami’s public support of Tagovailoa is stronger than ever. The Dolphins have committed to him as their 2023 starter and, when asked about reservations about a long-term commitment because of his injury history, Grier said it wouldn’t deter the organization.
“I can’t lie and say no,” Grier said when asked how much Tagovailoa’s injuries concern him. “But it’s not something that’s going to make us wait to do something long-term.”
Both McDaniel and Grier have said they are still working through their options regarding Tagovailoa’s fifth-year option, with a May 2 deadline to make a decision. McDaniel acknowledged the team is weighing many factors, with Tagovailoa’s injuries, which include a pair of concussions that sidelined him for five games in 2022, a top concern.
Tagovailoa’s standing with the team has seemingly been questioned since he was drafted No. 5 overall in 2020. The Dolphins have made it known that they want him to be the team’s quarterback for years to come but those questions won’t subside until that long-term commitment is made. Grier said everything, including a long-term deal, is on the table. But although Tagovailoa is eligible for an extension, the injury questions suggest that won’t be this offseason.
Miami could run it back in the backfield
The Dolphins don’t have any running backs under contract in 2023 but Grier said the team is “very open” to re-signing Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson Jr., who led the team in rushing this past season.
“We’ve talked about that scenario where they may be back, we may have the same backfield back next year. … We’d be very excited to have them back,” he said.
It wouldn’t be the splash move many desire but Grier’s history as general manager indicates he will once again look for inexpensive, but capable, runners in the backfield. Though the Dolphins ranked 26th in rushing, advanced metrics show they were closer to league average in efficiency — with the ability for more if they had improved blocking.
Miami will have to obtain better balance in Year 2 of McDaniel’s scheme and, with limited cap space and draft capital, maintaining continuity in the backfield could be the first step in doing so.
It could be a busy offseason for the defense
In the opening weeks of free agency last year, the Dolphins made it clear they sought to upgrade their offense. The team traded for wide receiver Tyreek Hill and signed left tackle Terron Armstead, among other moves.
With defensive coordinator Vic Fangio in Miami to usher in a new scheme, 2023 could mark an offseason of significant defensive additions. Grier acknowledged the team will need to add depth at safety and inside linebacker and his lack of commitment to Byron Jones being on the roster next season also makes cornerback a likely priority.
Thompson could be QB2 in 2023
The Dolphins found an experienced backup for Tagovailoa in Teddy Bridgewater, a player who was able to provide mentorship in a crucial year for Tagovailoa’s development. But McDaniel noted that “Tua is in a different spot,” as well as the team. McDaniel also praised the play of Skylar Thompson and said he showed enough as a rookie that will give him the opportunity to compete to be Tagovailoa’s backup in 2023.
Miami has been viewed as a potential destination for many notable backup quarterbacks. But McDaniel’s comments could be taken as the thinking of a team that won’t be bringing in a clear-cut backup but one to push Thompson for the spot through the spring and summer.
Dolphins will have options at positions of need
Miami won’t make its first selection until the back end of the second round after trading one of two first-round picks for outside linebacker Bradley Chubb and losing the other in the league’s probe into the organization tampering.
The lack of picks on the first night of the Draft may prevent the Dolphins from getting a blue-chip prospect. But leading up to the combine, NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah spoke highly of the draft’s cornerbacks, tight ends and running backs, all positions of need for the Dolphins. And players from each group backed up the praise with standout performances. Texas A&M running back Devon Achane and Iowa tight end Sam LaPorta were among the players who met with the Dolphins at the combine and impressed in testing.
Miami has three Day 2 picks — a second-rounder and two third-rounders — and should have many intriguing options when the team is on the clock.
This story was originally published March 6, 2023 at 5:00 AM.
