Here’s the latest installment of our Miami Dolphins Q&A, where South Florida Sun Sentinel writers David Furones and Chris Perkins answer questions from readers.
Q: David, [General manager Chris] Grier can’t be serious putting that level of faith in Austin Jackson to label him the starting RT from this far out without bringing in starting caliber competition for camp. How concerning is this considering that is Tua’s blindside? — Alfonso S., via email
A: It was a bit surprising for Grier to flat-out deem Jackson the starting right tackle this week.
It seemed to be going that way with the Dolphins not bringing in a competitor in the first wave of free agency, but one would think the team would at least make the 2020 first-round pick earn the spot in 2023 after a disappointing first three NFL seasons and 2022 campaign where he ended up on injured reserve in each of his two starts.
“Yes, the expectation is Austin is the starter at right tackle,” Grier said Wednesday. “We’re excited for him. I know he was frustrated with some of the injuries last year, but he’s been working hard. He’s been doing a lot of stuff here in the offseason.”
The idea does fall in line, though, with what Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said at the NFL annual meeting in Phoenix weeks ago. With the constant changing of offenses Miami has seen in Jackson’s first three years — and the first two seasons for left guard Liam Eichenberg — he feels it’s vital for the young blockers taken with high draft picks to get this second year in the same system.
“If you talk to any offensive lineman, the major growth in their game within the system that they’re playing, 100 percent of the time, Year 2,” McDaniel said. “So, what’s the best Year 2 that Austin or Liam have had thus far in their career that people are judging them on, Year 2 of a system? The answer is: It hasn’t happened.”
That said, McDaniel also said the Dolphins are not done bringing in competition on the offensive line.
Expect a move to be made, whether in the draft or later in free agency. But that acquisition will be more about providing depth this season rather than pushing Jackson for his starting spot. Jackson will get his chance in a contract year.
Q: What’s 1 thing the Dolphins can do right now that immediately makes them a Super Bowl Favorite? — @CoachJimFuller on Twitter
A: It’s probably got to be a combination of things and not just one, especially since oddsmakers still see the Dolphins with significant ground to make up behind last year’s top three in the AFC of the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals.
But, if one move could immediately put Miami in the same category, it would probably be bringing in Minnesota Vikings star running back Dalvin Cook.
Remember: Odds are based on bettor perception. Although the Dolphins can be very effective with the combination of Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson Jr. (both who averaged at least 4.7 yards per carry in their time in Miami’s backfield last season), throwing Cook into this offense would move the needle immensely from the outside.
But I also need to see the Dolphins address tight end and offensive line in the draft. And if Alabama running back Jahmyr Gibbs is there at 51, like I have happening in my mock draft, Miami has to snag him.
Q: Who’s going to surprise everyone this year? — Gary Huang on Twitter
A: I guess to surprise the player has to enter with relatively low expectations from the fan base. If onlookers are down on the aforementioned Jackson and Eichenberg, I’m going to say one of them has a standout 2023 season that puts them in good graces of the fans.
I’m going to hold out hope for 2022 rookie wide receiver Erik Ezukanma. I’m thinking back to last training camp and how good he looked, and this current offensive coaching staff liked him enough in the past draft to take him as who the organization believed was the best player available when Miami made a fourth-round selection. He didn’t see the field at all, nearly, but with a full year of learning the system, he has a chance.
Q: Unpopular idea: if Zach Sieler isn’t going to be re-signed due to contract commitments, could you see him as a trade chip to add picks? — Edgar Rodriguez on Twitter
A: Unpopular. You’re right. The Dolphins have a good thing going with the defensive tackle combination of Christian Wilkins and Zach Sieler.
Problem is, both are going into the final year of their deals. Ideally, Miami can reach agreements with both and maintain a strength of the defense going forward. Regardless, having Sieler on the D-line in the 2023 season is too valuable for the immediate win-now goal to let him go for future picks. If one can’t stay, it would be best to find that replacement either in this rookie class or using a high draft pick in 2024.
Have a question?
Email David Furones, or tag @ChrisPerk or @DavidFurones_ on Twitter.
Previously answered:
Dolphins free agency priorities, offseason checklist
Why no change at special teams coordinator?
Will Miami pursue a quarterback this offseason?
Should Tua consider retirement after latest concussion scare?
Should Mike Gesicki have been shopped in trade talks? Why so many penalties?
