Fansided

Miami Dolphins free agency 2019: Top 5 targets

By Russell S. Baxter

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 14: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Bilal Powell #29 of the New York Jets in action against the Indianapolis Colts on October 14, 2018 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Colts defeated the Jets 42-34. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 14: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Bilal Powell #29 of the New York Jets in action against the Indianapolis Colts on October 14, 2018 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Colts defeated the Jets 42-34. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 5
Next
TAMPA, FL – NOVEMBER 11: Washington Redskins linebacker Preston Smith (94) during the second half of an NFL game between the Washington Redskins and the Tampa Bay Bucs on November 11, 2018, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. (Photo by Roy K. Miller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL – NOVEMBER 11: Washington Redskins linebacker Preston Smith (94) during the second half of an NFL game between the Washington Redskins and the Tampa Bay Bucs on November 11, 2018, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. (Photo by Roy K. Miller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

1. OLB Preston Smith (Washington Redskins)

A close look at the Miami Dolphins’ defense shows that this unit failed in a variety of ways. Only five teams in the league allowed more points. The club surrendered 48 offensive touchdowns, 17 on the ground and 31 through the air. The club gave up the fourth-most total yards per game, as well as the second-most rushing yards in the league. In eight of their final 13 outings, the ‘Fins permitted at least 160 yards on the ground. In losing their final three games, the club gave up exactly 100 points.

As previously mentioned, Miami defenders managed only 31 sacks – with 25 of those coming during the team’s 4-9 finish. Earlier, it was suggested that both current Philadelphia Eagles’ defensive end Brandon Graham and New England Patriots’ interior presence Danny Shelton be signed to bolster the front seven. Could the Dolphins, with not a great deal of salary cap room to play with (via Spotrac), make their biggest splash with a four-year pro from the Washington Redskins?

More fansided.com: Every NFL team’s best game ever played

Outside linebacker Preston Smith has been a 16-game starter each of the past three seasons. He has 24.5 career sacks in 64 regular-season outings. But as is also the case with Graham, another player that can get to the quarterback, Smith’s grades from Pro Football Focus (subscription required) show that he has even higher marks as a run defender than a pass rusher. And that kind of overall ability is what the fourth-worst defense in the league in 2018 needs in a big way.

Home/Miami Dolphins