Espn Defense Rankings

Defensive Line

"23. Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins will be making the transition from an even front to a 3-4 defense, and it will take time for the players to learn a new scheme. Bringing in NT Jason Ferguson will give them a powerful presence on the inside, while DEs Matt Roth and Vonnie Holliday should fit the new scheme nicely. Roth is a high-motor type who plays with intensity and good technique but will need to gain strength. Holliday, who played both end and tackle in Miami's four-man front, should make the transition quickly. First-round pick Phillip Merling could be an impact player as a rookie, and his contributions will be needed if the Dolphins hope to improve what was the worst run defense (153.5 ypg) in the NFL last season."

Linebackers

"31. Miami Dolphins
While the Dolphins have done an awful lot to change the look of their franchise and revamp their ailing roster, linebacker is a position that doesn't look set for the time being or the future. A year ago, Miami spent big money to bring in Joey Porter from the Steelers. He has extensive experience in the 3-4 scheme and did progress as the season went along, but he had to be considered a disappointment and offers little upside for the future. Jason Taylor still is a great player opposite Porter, but a lot of doubt surrounds his future in Miami, and he very well could be playing elsewhere. For the sake of these rankings, we will include him, but it is difficult to predict how this will play out or how Taylor will produce going forward. One thing we do know is that Taylor still can wreak havoc. Miami did add two outside linebackers, Reggie Torbor and Charlie Anderson, who look to be excellent depth and special teams players. If Taylor were out of the picture, Anderson would get the first crack to replace him. Torbor also could factor in on the inside. Channing Crowder returns on the inside, and the Dolphins acquired Akin Ayodele from Dallas to be the other starter. In Zach Thomas' absence, Crowder must step up. This isn't an exceptional pairing, particularly in their ability to play the pass, but both players have good size and will show toughness against the run. The Dolphins' depth here is solid, but true playmakers might be hard to come by in this present crop by the time Miami becomes a contender again."

I can't believe how low they rank our linebackers. Yeah, we are rebuilding, but 31st?!? The defensive back rankings aren't up. I'm starting to agree more with Matty that ESPN Insider is a waste.