The Miami Dolphins struggled to a 6-10 record last season, in a year that saw head coach Joe Philbin fired mid-way through the season. Interim coach Dan Campbell provided a bit of a boost after taking over, but the team struggled late. Adam Gase is the new head coach, and he'll be tasked with getting the Dolphins back to the playoffs. In order for Gase and the Dolphins to make the playoffs, there are several areas they need to upgrade. Here are the four positions they should target in the draft to help them make those improvements:
4) Linebacker
Opposing running backs routinely gashed Miami's rush defense last season, making linebacker a big need for this team. They want to improve this area through free agency first, but adding some young talent - especially in the middle rounds - would be the smart thing to do.
3) Defensive End
Olivier Vernon is a free agent and Cameron Wake just turned 34 years old, leaving Miami with a big potential hole at the defensive end position. With the team committing a lot of money to the defensive line in Ndamukong Suh, adding a premier defensive end (Robert Nkemdiche?) in the draft to exploit the mismatches Suh creates makes a lot of sense.
2) Secondary
Reshad Jones was great last season and he's locked in at safety, and the other starter, Michael Thomas, is a free agent worth bringing back. Brent Grimes isn't what he once was, but is a solid starter - across from his, though, is a mystery. The Dolphins need to find a new starter at corner and get some depth as well, which they're expected to address early in the draft.
1) Offensive Line
The team didn't even wait until after the postseason to dump Jason Fox, in a move that saved salary and got rid of a liability on the offensive line. Branden Albert and Mike Pouncey are the only sure-fire starters up front for the Dolphins, and this unit is in desperate need of an upgrade if this team is going to reach their playoff expectations.