NFL free agency 2019: Best offensive linemen available

2. T Ja’Wuan James (Miami Dolphins)

In recent years, it’s safe to say that the Miami Dolphins have dedicated their share of first-round selections to fixing their offensive line, with very mixed results. In 2011, it was University of Florida product Mike Pouncey. He spent seven seasons with the organization and was named to three Pro Bowls with the club. A year ago, the Dolphins’ front office opted to release him and he latched on with the Los Angeles Chargers – where he was named to a fourth Pro Bowl.

In 2016, it was tackle Larmey Tunsil, a product of Ole Miss who the club spent the 13th-overall selection. But in between then, the organization selected University of Tennessee tackle Ja’Wuan James at No. 19. The staff at Pro Football Focus actually has the latter (70.8) graded slightly ahead of the former (70.4). But the issue to date for the 6-foot-6, 312-pound performer has been the failure to consistently stay on the field. He was a 16-game starter as a rookie and in ’16 and took the field for all but one game this past season. But he missed nine games in his second year and eight contests in 2017.

While James is PFF’s 34th-ranked tackle, his name is much further up the list when it comes to the top run-blockers (19th) at his position. All told, the Dolphins could use all the help they can get on the offensive front. But it also wouldn’t be a surprise to see James get the opportunity to see what he’s worth on the open market.

Next: No. 1