Off-Season Overview: Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins are an interesting case study. They got rid of two big name players in Jarvis Landry and Ndamukong Suh, which would usually point to lower expectations the next year.
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But not so fast!
Last year’s 6-10 team gets its starting quarterback, Ryan Tannehill, back from injury. And the front office has subtly transitioned the wide receiving corps into a quicker group.
The Dolphins add speedy receivers Danny Amendola and Albert Wilson, while elevating Kenny Stills and DeVante Parker. Along with the addition of rookie TE Mike Gesicki, who I think has potential to be the next Jimmy Graham, Miami could have a formidable air attack in 2018.
I Gotta Get Me One Of Those!
It’s not often I’m going to put a rookie in this category. Especially a non running back. But I can’t ignore the measurables of Mike Gesicki. He’s got no competition, he should walk right in and be the number one tight end in Miami. The guy is 6’6, 240 lbs., runs a 4.5 40, and has huge soft hands. He’s not known for his blocking prowess, but so what? You don’t get fantasy points for blocking. Especially if you’re in a keeper or dynasty league, but even if you aren’t. Gesicki should be a terror for defenses for years to come.
Buyer Beware
I know that Frank Gore has, like, defied science and nature and football sense by falling just short of a 1,000 yard season at age 34. He’s had a great career, and at one time he was worth taking in the middle rounds, even. But he’s not moving piles anymore. He was down to 3.7 yards per carry last season, and only scored four times. He won’t be a serious option for Miami. So he shouldn’t be an option for you.
Stay Woke
When Jay Ajayi was traded to the Eagles last season, the starting running back became Kenyan Drake‘s to lose.
And he will.
I don’t think that Drake is going to be the man to carry the load in Miami. My sleeper for the Dolphins is rookie running back Kalen Ballage. The Texas Tech product who once scored eight touchdowns in one game should factor largely in the Dolphins’ running game. His size, speed, power and versatility make him at the VERY least, a 50/50 split candidate, and 3rd down back. I believe he can be more.