Following an AFC East championship and arguably one of the most memorable seasons in franchise history the Dolphins still had many areas that needed improvement headed into the off-season. They did have a great year and all Dolphin fans should be very proud of the turnaround, but they benefited from several factors. First of all, to be honest, they most likely would not even have had the opportunity to compete for the division if Tom Brady didn't go down in week one. Secondly, they enjoyed a very easy schedule. They played the AFC and NFC West divisions which are arguably the two worst divisions in the league. The schedule thing might not be as big of deal if it were not for the fact that they struggled to pull out wins against teams that most playoff bound clubs blew out, like the Seahawks, Rams, Raiders, Chiefs, and 49ers. Yeah, a win is a win, but it does show there is vast room for improvement. Some of the main areas that needed improvement headed into the off-season were as follows:
1. Secondary: The pass defense was the biggest weakness of the Dolphins all season long. The unit ranked 25th in pass yardage surrendered and was torn apart on several occasions by, Matt Schaubb, Tyler Thigpen, and Matt Cassel.
2. Wide-Receiver: Though second year wide out Ted Ginn Jr. finally showed some promise, veteran Greg Camarrillo continued to over-achieve, and undrafted rookie free agent Davone Bess emerged into a solid starter they seriously lacked a go to threat or a red-zone target.
3. Offensive-Line: This group had a pretty good year but, the running game lacked the ability to run the ball effectively out of base formations.
4. Nose-Tackle: Jason Ferguson had a solid 2008 campaign, but the only problem is he is'nt getting any younger. Ferguson is now 34 and the Dolphins needed to add some youth to the position.
So, Bill Parcells, Jeff Ireland and staff had some work to do this season to continue the turnaround of one of the most storied franchises in league history. They did not make a huge splash in free agency, as far as any big name signings, but they did make some very solid moves. They re-signed linebacker Channing Crowder, safety Yeremiah Bell, and offensive tackle Vernon Carey. All three played a huge role in winning the AFC East and Channing Crowder led the team in tackles. They also, signed gaurd Joe Berger, center Jake Grove, outside inebacker Cameron Wake, free safety Gibril Wilson, safety Ethan Kilmer, cornerback Eric Green, and welcomed back outside linebacker Jason Taylor. The Dolphins clearly improved their offensive line with the pickups of Grove and Berger which shoud impove the running game this season. The secondary was clearly starting to be rebuilt with the free-agent signings but, the Dolphins were waiting for the draft to find the future of the defensive backfield. The signing of Jason Taylor was a suprise for a lot of people but, really the Dolphins had nothing to lose. He wanted back in Miami so the Dolphins got him for pretty cheap. Sure, he is up there in age but, he is just two years removed from the Defensive MVP season and him and Joey Porter together have the potential to cause all kinds of havoc for quarterbacks this season. After a solid free agency the Dolphins had a somewaht controversal draft.
Dolphins Draft:
Round 1: CB Vontae Davis, Ilinois
Round 2: QB Pat White, West Virginia
Round 2: CB Sean Smith, Utah
Round 3: WR Patrick Turner, USC
Round 4: WR Brian Hartline, Ohio State
Round 5: TE John Nalbone, Monmouth
Round 5: FS Chris Clemons, Clemson
Round 6: OT Andrew Gardner, Georgia Tech
Round 7: LB J.D. Folsom, Weber State
So, the Dolphins defenately answered there need at corner with Vontae Davis and Sean Smith. Vontae Davis is a very strong, physical corner who might be the shutdown guy Miami is looking for and Sean Smith was the tallest corner in the draft who should match up well against some of the tall, lengthy recievers of the AFC East. The suprise pick, Pat White, who no one really expected to go to the Dolphins with Chad Henne being picked up in the second round last year. But, White is the dream prototype to run the wildcat. The dissapointing thing about this years draft however, is that they did not pick up a go-to reciever. Patrick Turner and Brian Hartine could be soid players but Miami aready has solid, with Ginn, Camarrillo, and Bess. The only positive is that Turner could develope into a potent red-zone target with him being 6-5. However, at the end of the day no one really knows how these kids will translate into the pros so it really is an inexact science. After the draft and free agency the Dolphins did address some of thier needs but will have to count on guys like Ted Ginn or Devone Bess to emerge into a number one reciever if the offense can go to the next level.
Off-Season Grade: B

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