Specifically, the Miami Dolphins’ offensive line has been an unstable position group. Miami’s O-line has plagued an already unstable franchise over the past decade. In particular, that has been the case for the past five NFL odds seasons. To show, Miami has produced six offensive line coaches but only one Pro Bowler. So far this offseason, Miami got off to a familiar start. The Dolphins fired and hired yet another position coach. While the Dolphins hope the cycle ends here, much is at stake. Injury-prone QB Tua Tagovailoa requires maximum protection.
NFL Future Odds Post Draft 2023-24 Miami Dolphins
| Super Bowl Championship SBG Odds: | +2500 |
|---|---|
| AFC Championship SBG Odds: | +1400 |
| AFC South Division Championship SBG Odds: | +290 |
| 2023 Over/Under Win Total: | 9.5 |
Fortifying Tua’s Protection
At the onset of the offseason, there was rampant sportsbook speculation that Tua Tagovailoa would have to retire. Tua has already suffered multiple concussions in his brief career. And he has struggled to stay in the Miami lineup. That is why the development of a competent offensive line is so important. Tua’s career could immediately end with his next injury. Thus, the offensive line is the most important position group on the team.
Last season, Miami added Pro Bowl left tackle Terron Armstead and center Connor Williams to its starting lineup. And that led to a slight uptick in productivity. However, any improvement was undone by injuries to right tackle Austin Jackson and left guard Liam Eichenberg. As a result of the shorthanded lineup, the Dolphins were forced to plug and play linemen throughout the season, And that resulted in the ninth-worst pass block win rate in the NFL.
Ironically, Miami general manager Chris Grier said the position wasn’t necessarily an area of concern. Also, Greer claims that the team was more focused on adding depth. Miami focused on getting healthy and developing the players they already had.
Correlate there weren’t any additions of the magnitude of the last offseason. On the whole, the Dolphins made several signings that have improved their offensive line over the past few months. Former first-round picks Isaiah Wynn and Cedric Ogbuehi should push Jackson for the starting right tackle job. Additionally, they give the Dolphins a viable backup should Armstead miss any time. Dan Feeney has starting experience at offensive guard and could replace Eichenberg if he’s injured or ineffective.
Also, the Dolphins are looking for continuity on the sideline after firing first-year offensive line coach Matt Applebaum. Subsequently, they hired former Denver Broncos offensive line coach Butch Barry. Head coach Mike McDaniel said the move was made to take pressure off offensive coordinator Frank Smith.
Barry has nine years of NFL coaching experience. Including one season with the San Francisco 49ers. While at San Francisco, Barry worked with McDaniel, Dolphins tight ends coach Jon Embree and running backs Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson Jr. Accordingly, Barry made an impression on Mostert. Enough for his vote of confidence heading into OTAs.
Last season a lack of depth buried the Dolphins’ offensive line. And questions about the line’s future remain with Williams and starting right guard Rob Hunt set to enter free agency next offseason. But this front office hopes it learned from previous mistakes. And it appears to be prepared if the Dolphins have another rash of injuries in 2023.
For Miami to become a serious NFL betting odds Super Bowl contender, Tua must stay in the lineup. And that means Miami must have a reliable O-Line.