NFL: Breaking down the 2015 Miami Dolphins

Offensive line

Starters: Branden Albert (LT),Dallas Thomas (LG), Mike Pouncey (center), Billy Turner (RG), Ju’Wuan James (RT)

Depth: Jeff Linkenbach, JD Walton, Jacques McClendon, Sam Brenner, Jamil Douglas (rookie), Mickey Baucus (rookie), Dionte Savage (rookie), Aundray Walker (rookie), Michael Liedtke (rookie)

Losing Branden Albert, as I said above, set off a chain reaction which made this line Pro Football Focus’ worst. The Dolphins went ahead and made some changes this offseason, putting Billy Turner (who was inactive for the first 14 games of rookie season) as a starting right guard for now while shifting Dallas Thomas away from right tackle (which he was ill-suited to play) and back to guard where he will hopefully bounce back.

If the interior play is better, that should make life easier for Mike Pouncey, who can move back to center from guard, where he struggled. He also should be healthier, after hurting his hip in OTAS last season, an injury with seemed to linger a bit.

Ju’Wuan James is going to be key to this line though, as all three of the other AFC East teams will attack the right side and try to bring pressure away from Albert. James was terribly overmatched at left tackle when he had to step in there after Week 10 and should be much better on the right side.

While there are some shaky spots among the starters, if injuries hit again, it could be just as bad this year because the depth is equally shaky. J.D. Walton was one of the worst centers in the NFL last season and had a hard time with the New York Giants. Jeff Linkenbach can play either guard spot but is average, at best. The same is the case for Jacques McLendon, a guy who can play all along the offensive line but is average in equal measure at any of them.  Both are steps up from Sam Brenner who the Dolphins have already cut once in his career.

After that it’s a bunch of undrafted free agent rookies and fourth rounder Jamil Douglas. A better interior lineman than anything else (though he too can play multiple spots on the line), Douglas needs to develop more of a mean streak on the field and see if he can gain more strength (and power) in an NFL weight room.

The starters here could be solid, but injuries are a concern. If Albert or someone like him drops, the season could go downhill again.

Next: Defensive line