Well said. The offense surrounding Tua is flat out bad. On paper they came into the season with Parker, Preston Williams, Gesicki, Howard, Brieda. Tua finishes that game with Lynn Bowden as his leading receiver and Patrick Laird at RB again.
No, Tua is not perfect and he’s still learning, but to say he’s the issue is a bit of a joke. Give him Ja’Marr Chase, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and Najee Harris this offseason and we’ll see how much he’s the problem.
Agreed. Miami's two big RB additions -- Breida (47 carries) and Howard (28 carries) -- have combined for 75 rushes on the season, for a combined 201 yards. Preston Williams, who I like, is an undrafted 2nd-year player who started immediately this season, despite clearly not being 100% "back" from his ACL injury. Williams played in 8 games, totaling 18 receptions for 288 yards. 4 catches for 108 yards came in one game vs. the 49ers.
It's surprising to me that Jakeem Grant (28) is older than DeVante Parker. Grant's a fun, talented player, but has continued to be inconsistent (drops). His small stature also translates to a miniscule catch-radius. Grant's due to make 4.8, 4.9, and 5.07 million the next 3 seasons. Dead-cap hits would be 1.8, 1.2, or 600k, depending on the year he was cut. I'd like to see the Dolphins keep him for at least another year; however, he should be more of a 4th/5th WR option, return specialist, similar to how the Chiefs are presently utilizing Mecole Hardman. Because of his price tag, however, I think there's a shot he's not back.
I like Lynn Bowden
a lot and could easily envision him entrenched as the team's primary slot receiver going forward. I'm elated that he's finally gotten his opportunity. It hasn't been stated explicitly anywhere in the media, but there were signs that he was struggling a bit following the events of being drafted, suddenly traded, and then buried on Miami's depth chart.
I'm not sure of what to make of Albert Wilson coming back next year, after opting out this season. He's due to make about 5.1 million, and Miami could save just over 1/2 of that by cutting him. Parker, Preston, Bowden, Grant, Wilson, Perry, Callaway, Hurns. A free agent acquisition like Juju and a draft selection such as Waddle or Smith is likely to be followed by a few of these men moving on.
Last offseason, I think the FO focus was two-fold: Defense and offensive line. These areas are vital to having a shot at winning with a rookie QB. This offseason, I think the plan will be to enrich offensive environment to best capitalize on Tua's potential.
I think for the Fins you have 3-4 good fits: Etienne for gap power and outside stuff, Harris as an all around back who has elite power, and Javonte Williams who isn’t as big as Najee but almost as powerful and more athletic.
I’d also add junior Keaontay Ingram as someone to look at. He’s a really good zone runner (outside or inside). Edit: Ingram reminds me of Lev Bell with how patient he is and how good his vision and anticipation of blocks are. He hasn’t declared and I haven’t followed him this season but I liked his 2019 work quite a bit.
Personally I’d go for Etienne at the end of round 1 or preferably Williams or Harris in round 2. Flores wants a tough team. Williams has that power and explosiveness that you want in an RB. Harris has power and good vision. I think Williams and Harris give you the between the tackles runner with upside that Miami needs.
SMU, thanks for this info, man. I always appreciate your draft analysis. I'm definitely going to spend some time looking at all those RB.