The Miami Dolphins don’t need another flashy headline. They don’t need another “win-now” offseason that mortgages the future for a temporary spike in hype. What they need is structure.
Every person in the organization, from the players to Stephen Ross himself, must take a look in the mirror. There is no reason an organization with as much history as the Dolphins should not have a strong, well-built culture. However, fans like myself are left to witness an organization that may be the textbook definition of incompetence and failure under pressure.
You know what’s great about sports, though. Any given Sunday, anything can happen. For that to happen, though, the Dolphins must re-stabilize the team through the draft and a strong offseason.
So far the start has been promising. Hiring former Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley as head coach signals a shift in tone. Releasing Tyreek Hill and Bradley Chubb cleared 35 million dollars in cap space and officially signaled something fans have been afraid to say. Rebuild. Yes, rebuild, and that is not a bad thing. This is how you reset a culture. Out with the old and in with the new.
Former head coach Mike McDaniel is an offensive genius, but he was never meant to lead; he’s not the guy. Hafley’s coaching style is the polar opposite of McDaniel’s. McDaniel had this quirky, but too cool for school attitude; Hafley reminds you of a drill instructor, a man who can set the tone.
Then there is Tua. The truth is harsh. The Dolphins must move on. His cap hit can be reinvested into building depth across the roster. The priority now must be rebuilding the offensive line and the secondary. The draft class is loaded at defensive back, so this year’s draft should be focused on rebuilding the secondary.
If either Safety prospect Caleb Downs (a physical jack of all trades) or Cornerback Mansoor Delane (a projected day 1 one starter by NFL analyst Lance Zierlein) falls to the Dolphins, it’s a must draft. Another prospect who would play well in the aqua and white is Cornerback Jermod McCoy (a more long-term project with Pro Bowl upside).
In free agency, the Dolphins will need a stable backup quarterback, and former Packer Mailk Willis is the perfect fit. A mobile gunslinger who can light up a defense through the air or by using his legs. In free agency, they must invest heavily in proven offensive linemen who can protect Quinn Ewers and open lanes for De’Von Achane. This rebuild will not be glamorous. It will require patience from fans. But if done correctly, with discipline and smart roster construction, the Dolphins can finally build something sustainable instead of chasing headlines.
The final piece of next year’s rebuild is for us, the fans. As a fanbase, be ready to watch subpar football. But know that in time, if the rebuild goes well, and the team stabilizes again, with the right pieces, new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan can reset the culture and lead the team back to the playoffs.
