The Miami Dolphins had one of the most aggressive offseasons in recent memory.  They emptied their pocket book to sign big name free agents to fill some of the glaring holes in the roster.  Their aggressive approach continued into the draft.

The Dolphins shocked the football world when they traded up to select the defensive end out of Oregon Dion Jordon.  Most people including many draft experts predicted the Dolphins trading up to take one of the top three left tackles.  The move signaled that the Dolphins are content with their current left tackle situation or that they have other plans to fill this need.

The Dolphins did a great job of filling other holes on the team with this draft class.  They had a good mix of offensive and defensive players.  The team is aggressively trying to close the gap on the perennial powerhouse New England Patriots.  Did they do enough in free agency and the draft to finally take down Tom Brady?  Only time will tell but for now let’s dive in and take a look at the Dolphins projected depth chart. 

Quarterback

1. Ryan Tannehill
2. Matt Moore
3. Pat Delvin

Analysis:  The Dolphins believe they have found their franchise quarterback.  This is evident by the amount of money they spent this offseason to get weapons around him.  He is still learning the position and should see improvement with more talent around him.  The Dolphins will live or die with Tannehill, all the offseason moves hinge upon Tannehill’s success.   

Moore is one of the best backup quarterbacks in the league.  He is a veteran and can be called upon if Tannehill goes down.  Delvin made huge strides this past year and is a good guy to have in the locker room.

Running Back

1. Lamar Miller
2. Daniel Thomas
3. Mike Gillislee
4. Marcus Thigpen
5. Jonas Gray

Analysis:  The departure of Reggie Bush left many questioning who would fill his spot.  As far as the Dolphins were concerned the man was already on their roster.  Miller did a great job in spot duty last season.  His blocking improved as the year progressed.  The coaches are confident he can take the lead role this season.
Thomas has had a history of injury problems.  The team addressed this concern in the draft by drafting Gillislee.  Gillislee will battle Thomas for short yardage and goal line carries.

Fullback

1. Jovorskie Lane
2. Charles Clay

Analysis: Lane had an outstanding year for the Dolphins last season and there are no indications that anything will change.  Lane has to keep his weight down in order to be most effective.  He is a load to take down in the open field.

Clay is used in a less tradition fullback role.  He is more of an H-back than anything else.  He excels in the passing game and after a subpar campaign last year he is looking to rebound with a better performance in the 2013 season.

Wide Receiver

1. Mike Wallace
2. Brian Hartline
3. Brandon Gibson
4. Rishard Mathews
5. Armon Binns
6. Jeff Fuller

Analysis:  The Dolphins added a much needed deep threat when they signed Wallace.  This will open up the passing game for newly resigned Hartline who is an elusive number two receiver.  The Dolphins also signed Gibson away from the St. Louis Rams.  Gibson upgrades the slot position by adding athleticism and speed. 

The wide receiver overhaul made Davone Bess the odd man out.  He was traded to the Cleveland Browns for a couple of draft picks.  Mathews emerged late in the season last year but will likely play a smaller role this season.

Tight End

1. Dustin Keller
2. Charles Clay
3. Dion Sims
4. Michael Egnew
5. Will Yeatman

Analysis:  Keller is big upgrade in the passing compared to last year’s starter Anthony Fasano who signed with the Kansas City Chiefs.  Keller needs to work on his run blocking to become a better all around player.  Clay in not a true tight end and is only used in situational passing pays.  The Dolphins are high on the rookie Sims and he will battle with last year’s third round pick Egnew for playing time.

Left Tackle

1. Jonathan Martin
2. Nate Garner
3. Dallas Thomas

Analysis:  The Dolphins surprised many people when they did not select a left tackle with their first pick.  The Dolphins have showed confidence in Martin playing on the left side.  Martin played well at times filling in for Jake Long but will need to be more consistent and protect Tannehill’s blind side.

Garner is a versatile backup but the Dolphins will struggle if he has to play for an extended number of games.  The Dolphins drafted Thomas in the third round but he will need time to develop.  Most experts see him as a guard and not a tackle.  His addition gives the Dolphins depth and versatility along the offensive line.

Left Guard

1. Richie Incognito
2. Dallas Thomas
3. Nate Garner

Analysis:  Incognito has a reputation for being one of the dirtiest players in the NFL and rightfully so.  Incognito brings a mean streak to the Dolphins’ offensive line.  Thomas will likely win the backup guard spot a position he is better suited for than tackle.  The versatile Garner can fill-in in an emergency situation. 

Center

1. Mike Pouncey
2. Josh Samuda

Analysis: Pouncey is one the leagues best young centers.  He is durable and he plays fast when getting to the second level when run blocking.  He is the Dolphins’ best offensive lineman.  Samuda is an adequate backup.  He has not seen much playing time sitting behind Pouncey but Dolphins fans hope it stays that way.

Right Guard

1. Lance Louis
2. Dallas Thomas
3. John Jerry
4. Nate Garner

Analysis: The Dolphins signed former Chicago Bear Louis because they were unhappy with Jerry.  Louis is coming off an ACL injury but should start the season as the starting right guard.  Jerry will likely start the season as the backup but look for the rookie Thomas to win the job sometime during the season.

Right Tackle

1. Nate Garner
2. John Jerry
3. Dallas Thomas
4. Will Yeatman

Analysis:  Garner filled in nicely last season in spot duty but if Martin moves to left tackle, this presents a huge problem for the Dolphins on the right side.  Garner is a marginal starting right tackle and is better suited for backup duties.  The Dolphins have been rumored to be courting free agent Eric Winston.  If the Dolphins can sign Winston, it would fill a big hole at this position.

Defensive End

1. Cameron Wake
2. Jared Odrick
3. Dion Jordan
4. Olivier Vernon
5. Derrick Shelby

Analysis: The Dolphins made a huge splash in the draft by selecting Jordan with the number three overall pick.  The plan is to use him much like the 49ers used Aldon Smith in his rookie year.  He will be a situational pass rusher on passing downs.  The Dolphins are hoping to groom him into an every-down player quickly.

Wake is one the best pass rushers in the league but last season he was often double-teamed.  The addition of Jordan should leave Wake with more one-on-one opportunities.  Odrick is stout against the run but does not pressure the quarterback much.  He was most disruptive on third and longs when he moved inside to rush the passer.  Vernon flashed at times but will need to be more consistent to earn the coaches trust.

Defensive Tackle

1. Randy Starks
2. Paul Soliai
3. Vaughn Martin
4. Kheeston Randall
5. Chas Alecxih

Analysis:  The Dolphins have a solid pair of starting defensive tackles.  Starks and Soliai are the anchors of the Dolphins impressive run defense.  The loss of Tony McDaniel will hurt the overall depth of the defensive line but Martin and Randall are decent backups and can be part of the rotation when called upon. 

Outside Linebacker (SLB)

1. Koa Misi
2. Jason Trusnik
3. Dion Jordan

Analysis:  Misi is a solid contributor to the Miami defense.  He is not an elite playmaker but he will get the job done.  Misi will start in front of Trusnik.  Trusnik needs to improve on his pass coverage skills but he is solid against the run.

Jordan can fill in when the Dolphins play the hybrid 3-4 defense.  Oregon used him a lot in this type of formation.  How the Dolphins use him remains to be seen but having him on the squad gives the offensive coaches flexibility. 

Outside Linebacker (WLB)

1. Philip Wheeler
2. Jelani Jenkins
3. Jonathan Freeny

Analysis: The Dolphins got younger and faster with the free agent acquisition of Wheeler.  His signing spelled the end for incumbent Kevin Burnett who was released shortly after.  The Dolphins drafted Jenkins to add depth to the position.  Jenkins will also fill in on special teams.

Inside Linebacker

1. Dannell Ellerbe
2. Austin Spitler
3. Jelani Jenkins

Analysis:  Much like the Wheeler signing, the signing of Ellerbe was to get younger and faster on defense.  The Dolphins were paying Karlos Dansby a lot of money but were not seeing the results they wanted.  Releasing Dansby cleared room in the cap to sign Ellerbe.  Ellberbe will need to prove he can be productive on a consistent basis.  Spitler and Jenkins can fill-in if needed but the Dolphins paid top-dollar to Ellerbe to stay on the field.

Corner

1. Richard Marshall
2. Brent Grimes
3. Jamar Taylor
4. Dimitri Patterson
5. Will Davis
6. Jimmy Wilson
7. DeAndre Presley
8. Nolan Carroll
9. Julian Posey

Analysis:  If Grimes can return to level of play prior to his ACL injury and Taylor lives up to expectations, the Dolphins will have a great pair of corners for a long time, but that’s a big “if.”  The Dolphins struggled in pass coverage last year and coming into this offseason, filling this hole was a huge priority.  The Dolphins addressed this need by signing Grimes and drafting Taylor and Davis.  Marshall and Patterson are solid backups when healthy.  The Dolphins are hoping Taylor can win the starting spot opposite of Grimes during training camp.

Safety

1. Reshad Jones
2. Chris Clemons
3. Jimmy Wilson
4. Don Jones
5. Kelcie McCray

Analysis: The Dolphins did not feel the need to address the safety positions this offseason.  They got good production from Jones and Clemons last season.  There is no indication their production will decline in the upcoming year.  The Dolphins did add depth by drafting Jones on the third day of the draft.  Jones may not end up making the roster but may stick around simply because of the lack of depth at the position.

Special Teams

K: Dan Carpenter, Caleb Sturgis
P: Brandon Fields
LS: John Denney, Patrick Scales
PR: Marcus Thigpen
KR: Marcus Thigpen

Analysis: The Dolphins sent a clear message to Carpenter that his job is in Jeopardy.  The Dolphins drafted the kicker Sturgis in the fifth round a move that signaled the likely departure of incumbent Carpenter.  Carpenter struggled last season and the Dolphins coaches lost faith in him.  Cutting Carpenter would also free up much needed cap space for the Dolphins.

Fields is a quality punter and should remain that way for a long time.  Thigpen will likely take over punt return duties now that Bess is gone and he will continue to be the primary kick returner.