/Portals/2/logos/cropped-213dbc26-994b-468d-be36-c8fd21d3986f-viper logo wide.png en-us Copyright 2008 - All Rights Reserved. Sun, 19 May 2013 23:17:43 GMT 15 By Miguel Lorenzo/Sports Editor
Quarterback: The Dolphins have their starting quarterback for 2005 in A.J. Feeley, but they need to find a veteran backup and a young project to groom for the future. With a better offensive line and an actual running game, Feeley should have a much better season last 2004. This season will be his one and only chance to prove his worth to Miami, but the Dolphins would like to find a veteran like Kurt Warner, Brad Johnson, or Jeff Garcia to back him up for security. Running Back: This is the Dolphins biggest priority and luckily it is also the need that has the most options. Through free agency Miami could land elite running backs Edgerrin James, Lamont Jordan, Rudi Johnson, or Shaun Alexander while the possibility of trading for Travis Henry is available. Miami could also solve its running back woes through the draft by picking up Texas back Cedric Benson or Auburn back Carnell Williams, but the Dolphins would prefer to trade down from their number two draft pick instead of taking one of them in that slot. Wide Receiver: This is one of Miami deepest positions, but a decision will have to be made on the future of David Boston. If he is let go, look for Miami to pick up a cheap veteran on the market or draft a receiver in the later rounds of the draft. Chris Chambers, and Marty Booker will be the two starters and with a better offensive line and running game, both should have great seasons. Tight End: Randy McMichael is the starter but he is entering the final year of his rookie contract. McMichael is one of the best tight ends in the league and is an intrical part of Miami’s offense. If he wants to be the highest paid tight end, then Miami has to let him go, but if he just wants a justifiable raise, then Miami should pony up. Offensive Line: This will be Miami’s biggest project to fix because there are plenty of holes to fill along the line. Brining in offensive line coach Hudson Houck from San Diego will be a tremendous boost to this unit because he is one of the best in the league. In terms of players, Miami is looking primarily to acquire a stud left tackle to protect A.J. Feeley. The candidates are Seattle’s Walter Jones, St. Louis’ Orlando Pace, and Buffalo’s Jonas Jennings to name the elite. The offensive line is where Miami will have to spend the most money this off-season to be successful on offense next season. Defensive Line: While the Dolphins desperately need a young Defensive Tackle to replace the aging Tim Bowens, that priority will be in next year’s draft. For now, the Dolphins are still very formidable with Bowens and Larry Chester in the middle. Jason Taylor is a given to start on the outside and unless the Dolphins can find a cheaper replacement, they will stick with David Bowens. Linebackers: The Dolphins are set for the future at this position with the likes of Eddie Moore, Morlon Greenwood, and Derrick Pope, but for now the unit is still anchored by Zach Thomas in the middle. If Miami can find a steal in the draft at this position, or a cheap veteran through free agency, then they might make a move, but this unit won’t change much. Secondary: Miami will have to two holes to fill if and when the Dolphins officially let go of safety Sammy Knight and cornerback Patrick Surtain. Knight is getting old and head coach Nick Saban wants his defense to become younger so expect Yeremiah Bell and Arturo Freeman to get some looks for the position or for Miami to go young through the draft. Miami can also shift cornerback Reggie Howard into that spot and fill the possible void of Patrick Surtain with Will Poole. Special Teams: Punter Matt Turk will remain a Dolphin, but the same cannot be said for kicker Olindo Mare who is one of the highest paid kickers in the league and he has been on a steady decline over the years. With the Dolphins looking to cut from the cap, Mare could become a casualty. Miami is looking for a possible replacement in Ohio State kicker Mike Nugent. As for fan favorite return man Wes Welker, all signs indicate he will remain in Miami for 2005. ]]> Wed, 16 Feb 2005 17:32:00 GMT