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The Miami Dolphins, and all of the NFL, completed a dizzying 72 hours span, as the 2013 NFL Draft coursed its way through Thursday to Saturday. After nine draft picks, along with the signing of undrafted free agents, the Dolphins have done a great job of answering their needs this offseason. But, not everything is done yet. What are the Dolphins post-draft needs? We have the answer.
- Offensive Tackle - This really should not surprise anyone. This was a need heading into the draft, and it still is coming out of the selection process. The team drafted Tennessee offensive tackle/guard Dallas Thomas in the third round, and could look to him to be a starting tackle in the NFL, but more likely, he is destined to be either a starting guard, or maybe even hold a Nate Garner-type reserve, utility role. Miami likely will still look to address the tackle position in free agency, and word that talks with Eric Winston have resumed are already surfacing.
- Receiver - The Davone Bess trade to the Cleveland Browns during the draft freed up the depth chart a little, and Miami really could just go forward with the seven players they currently have on the roster (not counting any undrafted free agent signings like Jasper Collins, Chris Denton, or Taylor Stockemer). The top of the depth chart, Mike Wallace, Brian Hartline, and Brandon Gibson, seems pretty well set. Behind those three, Armon Binns, Rishard Matthews, Jeff Fuller, and Brian Tyms, will all look to set themselves up for playing time.
- Defensive Tackle - Okay, we're reaching here. A need at defensive tackle is really more about 2014 than 2013. Pro Bowl defensive tackles Paul Soliai and Randy Starks will both be free agents after this year. Miami could be considering re-signing one, or both, of them, they could be trusting the potential seen last year in Kheeston Randall to continue to come through, and for Chas Alecxih to continue his development, or they could be counting on production coming from free agent signing Vaughn Martin, but the addition of another defensive tackle this year could give the team time to develop him under both Soliai and Starks.
The Dolphins really are in good shape for the season. With all of the new talent the team has, quickly developing the chemistry needed for success in the NFL is really the team's biggest need at this point. A signing or two in free agency could help the team, but, on paper, Miami should be a dangerous team in 2013. It's just a matter of putting it all together now.