Miami Dolphins Ceiling and Floor Player Analysis: Randy Starks

Moving along from Paul Soliai, we remain inside as we look at Randy Starks. Starks has played DE in Miami's 3-4 defense the past few years, but he was a 4-3 DT for his first four years in the NFL with the Tennessee Titans. Starks has arguably been Miami's best, and most consistent, defensive lineman for the Dolphins. He may suffer a statistical drop in sacks as he moves back inside, but he may remain just as important to Miami's defense.

Floor: It remains to be seen how Miami juggles their defensive line, but it's likely Starks will remain inside entirely and will remain on the field on passing downs to provide an inside pass rush. Starks had his best seasons as an edge rusher in Miami's 3-4 scheme, but he was a solid contributor as a Titan DT despite lower statistical totals. His 2012 campaign could be similar to some of his Tennessee seasons. Stats: 25 tackles, 2 sacks, 0 FFs.

Ceiling: Starks may benefit greatly from having Paul Soliai playing next to him. Soliai's tremendous size and strength could allow Starks to take advantage of attention given to Soliai by being able to make more tackles on the RB and generate an inside pass rush. Before you get to excited, remember that Starks' solid, but less than stellar seasons with Tennessee came with Albert Haynesworth playing next to him. Haynesworth was a much better DT than Soliai will ever be, yet Starks didn't exactly excel when playing next to the one of the best DTs at the time. Stats: 45 tackles, 5 sacks, 3 FFs.