For 2018, the Miami Dolphins will definitely have a new look on the defensive line, especially at defensive end. Most notably, on March 2nd, the Dolphins traded for Rams DE Robert Quinn, sending a 4th RD pick and swapped 6th RD picks to the Rams. What the Dolphins are probably hoping for is the 10.5 sacks he achieved in ’14 as a true DE, or the 19 sacks he got in 2013, but the Dolphins would love something in between the two. Cam Wake returns at the age of 36, but we all know and understand that Wake treats his body like a temple, and is in prime physical condition. Charles Harris will be entering his 2nd season, and although he won’t be a starter, the theme at DT also applies to DE, so there will be plenty of rotation going on, and Charles Harris will get plenty of opportunities to show some improvement. Also returning this season is Andre Branch, who had a down season last year as he was maligned by minor injuries. William Hayes also returns, and although he was also hampered by injuries last season, Hayes continues to be a productive player in run support and is probably our best edge setter.
Robert Quinn RDE – 6’4 250
Although we will be rotating players often, Robert Quinn will likely be starting on the right side. If Quinn is healthy, specifically his back, he could be a huge help to the Dolphins defense. Last season used as an OLB in the Rams 3-4 alignment, Quinn managed 8.5 sacks, along with 32 total tackles with 2 FF’s and 2 FR’s. If Quinn can give the Dolphins production like he had in 2013 or 2014, this defense will be significantly better than last year. Unfortunately, it’s been 4 years since he’s done that, but I admire the Dolphins gamble on the former All-Pro DE.
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William Hayes LDE – 6’3 278
Hayes played in 10 games for the Dolphins last season and although he didn’t start, he’s our best run defending end. Hayes will also play some DT, and he will do that on obvious passing downs to give the defense some more of a rush from the middle. Whether he starts or not is unimportant, Hayes will definitely be leaned on for help on the DL, whether it’s at LE or DT.
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Andre Branch RDE – 6’5 263
Branch had 14 starts last year, but as I previously mentioned, he is 2017 season was marred by minor injuries. Branch’s tackle total dropped from almost 50 to 23, and his sack total was down from 5.5 to 4.5. The Dolphins would be happy with his 2016 production or better, and if healthy, Branch may well be the starter, as they save Robert Quinn for pass rush duties.
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Charles Harris RDE – 6’3 250
Last year’s first RD pick showed some potential although overall it was not an overwhelmingly successful season. While the rookie showed some explosive get off, he managed only 2 sacks, but did get 23 QB hurries. This season, some of those hurries need to turn into sacks. The Dolphins have enough talent at DE that Hayes won’t need to be leaned on heavily, but there’s no question they need to bring him along from last season. The 23YO will definitely get his pass rushing chances, but he will also get some work in the run game too. It’s time for Harris to start developing into a complete player, and not just a pass rush specialist.
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Cameron Malveaux DE – 6’5 276
The big Houston Cougars DE showed some flashes last season, mostly in preseason action. He definitely has good size, and the 2 sport athlete (Basketball, Football) has the athleticism to play DE. The 2017 UDFA will get his shot to make the team, but the considerable depth after the Quinn trade will make it more difficult. At worst, Malveaux is a developmental player worthy of the PS.
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Jonathan Woodard DE – 6’6 271
Woodard was a 2016 7th RD draft pick of the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jaguars cut him, and then the Atlanta Falcons picked him up and put him on the PS only to release him from the PS which enabled the Dolphins to pick him up and place him on the Dolphins PS. Woodard recorded 15 sacks in 24 (16 starts) games at Central Arkansas, so he certainly made the most of his opportunities there. Another DE with the right size and athleticism who needs to be brought along and developed. Not to be repetitive, but with the current depth, Woodard faces a high climb to make the team.
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Claudy Mathieu DE – 6’6 250
The former California-Pennsylvania and Notre Dame (Ohio) Falcons player came into the NFL last season as a 25YO rookie. Another player will excellent physical traits, but a long way to go to being a finished product. The Dolphins picked up Mathieu as an UDFA this season. At the moment, Mathieu is a longshot to make the cut.
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Quincy Redmon DE – 6’5 240
Redmon was signed by the Dolphins as a 2018 UDFA. The former Fairmont College Fighting Falcon DE was a 2016 was named All-MEC 1st team defensive lineman with 52 total tackles and 12 sacks. Injuries sidelined Redmon in 2017 as a Senior as he missed the final 5 games. Another athletic specimen who faces an uphill climb to make the roster.
Finsmob Unleashed 
Man haven’t had this much Fins news in months!!!!!!!!
Herd, on our vacation this summer, hours before arriving in your town we had bbq blocks from UK, at the blue door smokehouse. It was exceptional, but get there early as they sellout.
For those guys hitting on you, I’m with D on this. Theres this misperception among young men that older women are easy. I see you put them in their place.
Ryan was always pretty solid athletically, but it seemed he was lacking something in the football knowledge category. After being out the past year plus I don’t get the feeling that’s true any longer. Cant wait to see him shred it this year.
He’s grown a lot from his rookie season, when every pass was thrown on a line as a fastball, and his pocket presence was poor, and his deep ball was mostly uncatchable.
It just feels different this year, the pundits who say we’ll suck have lame excuses, but those that gives us props seem to have detailed reasons why we’ll contend for the playoffs. The beat writers also seem to be on board, until they predict wins, but that’s expected, otherwise they’ll get killed on SM.
He’s a dad now too. Has to make junior proud.
Was checking out OTC
WOwwww
As of this moment
Come 2021
Only Rashad, TJ, Bobby Mc
And this year’s rookie class is under contract..
We’ll have a 5th year option on Harris too..
Guess we have a three year window,
Which happens to be the year Miami host the SB…
Though, of course,
The franchise between now and 2021 the will be gathering other parts toward keeping the window open beyond 2020!!!
GOFINS!!!
Take it one season at a time. We’ve seen how seasons can become good out of nowhere or fall apart for many reasons. One day at a time. 🙂
If Tannehill is the competitor we think he is regardless of the flaws some folks think he has, this needs to be the season he steps up big time. This is a great challenge for him not playing the last 20 meaningful games for the Dolphins. He knows he’s on notice. No way around it. Is the knee good to go? That’s the biggest thing for me. If that’s good I see him playing well as I have said many times we have plenty of skill players. Need that good old fashioned trench play.
Go Phins!!!
BOOM! I could not have said it any better.
Thanks! 🙂
If we can block we’ll be fine is what I believe. A good offense is key to an attacking defense. That’s Gase’s philosophy… he’ll live and die by it. He put his eggs in Tannehill’s basket and changes he felt had to happen. Ross is watching his HC work, another 6-10 season, not so sure that will fly.
Again… BOOM! 🙂
IMO, our O-Line will carry us as far as we can go… and if Tannehill is back to 100%, we CAN win.
I LIKE our current O-Line on paper (give them gel-time and NO INJURIES, please), and I DO believe that Tanny will be back to 100%… with a new mind, closer to a MR. Pennington.
GO PHINS!!!
Comeback player of the year: RT17
Let’s do it.
GO PHINS
That would be icing on the cake to his SB MVP award!!!!
Go RT!
Alriiiiight Miami!!!!
I will award him the golden 🐽
If we get good trench play and a good running game, I think RT will be a weapon! He will have plenty of options and should know this offense like the back of his hand. Should be exciting to watch!
NO EXCUSES!
You guys know damn well that no matter how Tannehill plays you’ll still blame the old line for everything! LOL
Now you’re just being silly…LOL
The OL just needs to do their job, they don’t need to be great, but they cant be last year’s line. The key for Ryan is making quick decisions and getting the ball out fast, if he can do that the D will adjust and defend the 2.5 second release (play cautiously) and everything else will open up.
When your QB is getting the ball out quick it alleviates a lot of stress from the OL, because they can relax and just play, and don’t have to worry so much about the speed/bull rushers that aren’t going to get to the QB anyways. When they don’t have to think too much, they won’t commit as many false starts.
The receivers can do their part by getting open for a change, and of course presnap penalties need to be reduced by all.
Reading the new faces article on ESPN, I was thinking how glad I was we didn’t stay status quo and keep the 3 high paid guys that didn’t change things. I mean if it isn’t working…
We had cap issues and wouldn’t have able to bring in the new faces we did without going in a different direction.
Who knows if it’s going to work, but I do know the old way wasn’t.
NEW BLOG UP!
Piggy sighting!