The return of Phinsider Mailbag: Offensive line, Jarvis Landry, Jay Ajayi and more!

Thank you to everyone that participated in this week’s mailbag. Things went pretty damn good and I will absolutely do this again in the near future. If anyone ever has questions, feel free to hit me up on Twitter @Houtz or email me at PhinsOrDie@Gmail.com. Without further ado, the May 31^st Phinsider Mailbag.

Question:

Answer: When the Dolphins begin their season against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the team’s starting guards will be Jermon Bushrod and Isaac Asiata. I believe Bushrod will continue to play average, but his familiarity with Gase’s offense gives him the advantage. He will play at right guard, between Mike Pouncey and Ja’Wuan James. On the other side of the offensive line, rookie Isaac Asiata will win the starting job in training camp. He looks the part of an aggressive, hole-opening juggernaut that will fit nicely next to Laremy Tunsil on the left side.

From: Paul Bailey

Question: Good evening, I am most concerned about the center position. Pouncey is great as along as he remains healthy but I’m concerned he won’t be able to play much, if at all this season. It doesn’t seem to be something the team is prepared to deal with. I’m not concerned with LT, RT or even Asiata, but what do the Dolphins plan to do at RG and center this season?

Answer: I believe Asiata will be just fine at left guard, and think that as long as Pouncey is healthy, he’s the starting center for the immediate future. What we fail to remember is in Pouncey’s absence, Steen played pretty well last year. Added competition with Urbik and the others on the offensive line, and I see the unit as more of a strength, than a weakness.

Question:

Answer: Defensive ends rarely translate to the NFL seamlessly. In fact, it’s often the opposite with most rookies struggling in year one. I don’t expect Harris to be the starter in 2017, and believe that is in his best interest moving forward. His skill set is better suited as a situational pass rusher, with his primary goal to be hitting the quarterback. This is how I see him contributing this season. If I’m going to predict his statistics, I’d say 48 tackles, 7.5 sacks and 1 forced fumble.

Question:

Answer: By now, everyone knows Jay Ajayi rushed for three 200-yard games last season. He showcased a rare set of skills that allowed him to run over a defender, and then outrun him on his way to the end-zone. There are very few backs that can do what Ajayi does and I expect him to have an equivalent season in ‘17. Ultimately, he will have FIVE 200-yard games, eclipsing over 1,000 yards in those five games alone. Any other answer would be boring and as a big Jay Ajayi fan, I had no choice but to give this answer.

Question:

Answer:

Now that my wife is pregnant, I must start making decisions to better my family. However, if another dumb Jets’ fan talks the kind of **** they did at our last meeting, I might try once again to scruff with the enemy. No promises can be made, but I don’t plan on getting in any type of argument Week 3 in dirty Jersey.

Question:

Answer: I think it’s a smart way for Matt Burke to approach the defense. However, I believe it is in the Dolphins’ best interest to utilize Reshad Jones as a strong safety. At times, Reshad Jones drops into the box, acting as a linebacker. I think this is what makes him special and something Miami should account for when when considering a left/right safety concept. I’m not sure the team is talented enough to view the positions as interchangeable, but I’m no expert on the subject.

From: Earl Gottfried

Question: Can the Dolphins afford to sign Landry to big $$$ ($10-12M) and keep Stills and Thomas? They also have to pay big $$$ to Ajayi and Parker. What are your thoughts?

Answer: In all honesty, I would have to believe Jarvis Landry makes more than $12M a year. He’s too valuable to the team and currently ranks among the league’s best at wide receiver. He will be rewarded handsomely, just like the team will be forced to do so with Ajayi and DvP sooner than later. No matter what happens, I think Landry is the team’s top priority and should get a new deal before the beginning of the 2017 season. I also believe the Dolphins would do whatever it takes to keep Ajayi and Parker with the team. Yes, the cap might not be right, but they’d find a way to make things work, one way or another.

PHOTOSHOP OF THE WEEK

I had quite a few people request Photoshops, but unfortunately I’m contracted to only do one per week.

I present you with the G.O.A.T Jarvis Landry.

POLL OF THE WEEK

Lastly, we discussed Jarvis Landry vs Amari Cooper on Phinsider Radio this week. Let us know who you would take as your team’s No.1 wide receiver. If you have any further questions or concerns, feel free to let us know in the comments.

This article was written by Josh Houtz. Follow him on Twitter!

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