Fansided

Every NFL team’s roster, ranked by preseason potential

By Rucker Haringey

SEATTLE, WA - DECEMBER 03: Quarterback Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles in action against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on December 3, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - DECEMBER 03: Quarterback Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles in action against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on December 3, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images) /
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KANSAS CITY, MO – DECEMBER 24: Miami Dolphins defensive end Cameron Wake (91) before a week 16 NFL game between the Miami Dolphins and Kansas City Chiefs on December 24, 2017 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO. The Chiefs won 29-13. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO – DECEMBER 24: Miami Dolphins defensive end Cameron Wake (91) before a week 16 NFL game between the Miami Dolphins and Kansas City Chiefs on December 24, 2017 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO. The Chiefs won 29-13. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

27. Miami Dolphins

The key to the Dolphins season is probably going to be their offensive line play. If this group meshes well and plays to their potential, they should be able to keep Ryan Tannehill upright and productive. If they don’t, this group is going to struggle to score points.

The biggest need the team has is for Laremy Tunsil to play like a first round pick. If he can become a league average starter it will really elevate the rest of the group. Josh Sitton and Ju’Wuan James both have Pro Bowl potential. They just need three average guys to play beside them every week.

If the offense can hold up its end of the bargain, the defense could play average football as well. Cameron Wake is one of the best pass rushers in the NFL. It would be nice if Miami could find one other standout to play with him in the front seven, but perhaps Raekwon McMillan can become that guy at linebacker.

The drafting of Minkah Fitzpatrick should really help this secondary become competent. The Dolphins are still weak at corner, but his ability to patrol the middle of the field should take the pressure off guys like Cordrea Tankersley and Xavien Howard. It might take Fitzpatrick a few weeks to get up to speed, but expect him to be a solid contributor by season’s end.

If everything breaks right for the Dolphins they could stay in playoff contention for most of the season. There are too many “ifs” on this roster though. They need another good draft (or two) to really become a dangerous postseason threat.