The Miami Dolphins came into the offseason with the most cap space in the NFL and were determined to reshape their roster. Now after spending heavily on their defense and with three first-round picks in the 2020 NFL Draft, there’s some belief in the NFL that the Dolphins can win the AFC East in 2020.
In Mike Sando’s column for The Athletic on Wednesday, an NFL executive suggested that the Dolphins might deserve to be the favorite to win the AFC South next season. Between their collection of draft picks, one of which will likely be used on a quarterback, the executive argued this is a team ready to compete.
“You can honestly say the Dolphins, based on how they finished up the year, could be a favorite to win that division,” an exec said, via The Athletic. “They have some good picks. They will get a quarterback, whether it is Tua Tagovailoa or one of those other guys. They signed some guys on defense who fit their scheme. They are going to be right in it. If you are Miami, who are you scared of in the division?”
The Dolphins bolstered their offensive line by signing guard Ereck Flowers and center Ted Karas. Miami also added some needed talent to its backfield, signing Pro Bowl running back Jordan Howard.
Of course, the biggest additions came on the defensive side. The Dolphins used their immense cap space to sign shutdown cornerback Byron Jones and improved their pass rush with Shaq Lawson and Emmanuel Ogbah. Miami also reunited Kyle Van Noy, one of the New England Patriots best defensive players, with head coach Brian Flores.
The defense is expected to be significantly improved next season thanks to the additions. The Dolphins also have the No. 5 overall pick, which they could use on Tua Tagovailoa or Justin Herbert. Even more talent can be added with two additional first-round picks and two more second-round picks.
It still might be a stretch for this team to win the division. The Buffalo Bills are poised to take a step forward next season and the New England Patriots remain a threat even with Tom Brady gone.
However, it’s clear that the Dolphins’ plan for rebuilding is off to the right start and is receiving praise from across the NFL. This team might still be a year away from contending, but football fans in Miami could soon have a fun team.