Draft O-line Focus: Dolphins must rebuild right side of offensive line
It’s easier to list the teams that don’t need offensive line help than it is to list those that do.
That’s the reason every team scavenges the league’s waiver wire year round, and surveys the practice squads when they need help in the trenches when the season’s going.
A major reason the Miami Dolphins offensive line had success last season was the poaching of Cole Strange off the Cleveland Browns’ practice squad. Strange got inserted into the starting lineup and helped the offense stabilize.
A stout offensive line is needed to have an effective running game and to protect the quarterback, providing a secure pocket for him to operate in.
Without it, the entire offense could crumble, and that has been the case for the Dolphins numerous seasons this past decade.
That’s why supplementing the offensive line, adding both offensive guard and offensive tackles, would be beneficial in this draft because the last thing Miami can afford is for tailback De’Von Achane to lack the runway to take off, or for quarterback Malik Willis to not have the time to find open receivers downfield.
Top 5 Prospects
Miami OT Francis Mauigoa: This right tackle’s motor is always running hot, and he loves to punish defenders in the run game. A back injury might lead to a slight side down the draft board.
Penn State OG Olaivavega Ioane: Ioane is one of the safest talents in this draft because he’s an aggressive, punishing drive blocker who is a Day 1 starter.
Utah OT Spencer Fano: He’s arguably the best space blocker in the class because of his athleticism. Because he wins with foot speed this college right tackle projects well to guard.
Georgia OT Monroe Freeling: Freeling has outstanding length (6-foot-7, 315 pounds) and movement skills, which hints he has a high ceiling. But the polish isn’t there yet.
Alabama OT Kadyn Proctor: Proctor is a hulking (6-foot-7, 365 pounds) physical tackle who moves well for his size. His footwork needs work, but he’s a mold of clay.
Best of the Rest
Utah’s Caleb Lomu is an athletic pass protector who has the ability to recover quickly. But he needs to develop as a run blocker. Clemson’s Blake Miller is a polished four-year starter at right tackle. Iowa’s Genning Dunker has a good combination of power, effort, athleticism and intelligence. Arizona State’s Max Iheanachor has fast feet for an offensive lineman who is 6-foot-6, 330 pounds
Oregon offensive guard Emmanuel Pregnon is a phenomenal drive blocker in the run game. Texas A&M’s Chase Bisontis. Kentucky’s Jalen Farmer is a well-built offensive guard who possesses an impressive anchor. Auburn center Connor Lew has strength, but is limited from a size standpoint at 6-foot-3, 300 pounds. A knee injury might impact where he’s drafted. Duke center Brian Parker II has a game that is built on movement, which makes him the ideal fit for an outside zone team.
This draft is full of offensive linemen who have developmental potential because they possess dominant traits. Either it’s size, length, strength or athleticism. Plenty of their success will come down to being in the right scheme, at the right time, and their health.
Class Grade: B
Teams in need: Raiders, Jets, Cardinals, Titans, Giants, Browns, Saints, Chiefs, Bengals, Dolphins, Cowboys, Rams, Ravens, Buccaneers, Lions, Vikings, Panthers, Steelers, Chargers, Eagles, Bears, Bills, 49ers, Texans, Broncos, Patriots, Seahawks, Falcons, Packers, Colts and Jaguars.
Dolphins focus: The Dolphins have instability on the right side of the starting offensive line, and it would be disappointing if Miami left the draft without addressing guard and tackle. Austin Jackson is playing out the final season of his extension, and needs to produce to survive and continue as a starter. There’s no guarantee that Jonah Savaiinaea, last year’s second-round pick, takes a step forward as Miami’s starting left guard. It’s possible he could be replaced there and enter the mix, competing for the starting right guard spot. Center Aaron Brewer is playing on the final year of his contract, but Miami has a capable backup center in Andrew Meyer.
