In the 20th of a 32-part series, we are featuring all National Football League teams with a prediction of where each team will finish within their division, key off-season acquisitions and their top fantasy stars. Here are the Miami Dolphins.
Key Off Season Acquisitions
In free agency, the Dolphins had two significant free agent signings. They came to terms with linebacker David Long of Cincinnati, Ohio on a two-year deal worth $11 million, and quarterback Mike White of Pembroke Pines, Florida to a two-year deal worth $8 million.
Long has played the last four seasons with the Tennessee Titans. In 2022, he had 86 combined tackles (52 solo tackles and 34 assisted tackles), seven tackles for a loss, three quarterback hits, two interceptions for four yards, and five pass deflections. Long Jr.’s interceptions came in a 21-17 Titans win over the Washington Commanders on October 9 and in a 19-10 Titans win over the Indianapolis Colts on October 23.
White is slated to be the backup quarterback behind Tua Tagovailoa of Ewa Beach, Hawaii. Last year with the New York Jets, he completed 103 passes in 175 attempts for 1192 passing yards, three touchdown passes and four interceptions. White also had six rushes for nine rushing yards and one touchdown run.
The Dolphins also made a trade with the Los Angeles Rams on March 12. Miami acquired cornerback Jalen Ramsey of Smyrna, Tennessee from the Rams for tight end Hunter Long of Exeter, New Hampshire and a third round pick in the 2023 National Football League Draft (77th overall). Ramsey is joining his third NFL team after four seasons each with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Los Angeles Rams.
This past season, Ramsey had four interceptions for 53 yards, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery for 12 yards, two sacks, 88 combined tackles (64 solo tackles and 24 assisted tackles), four tackles for a loss and two quarterback hits. Ramsey is also a four-time Pro Bowler who won the Super Bowl with the Rams in 2022.
Fantasy Stars
The Dolphins have the luxury of having two wide receivers in the top 10 in fantasy. Tyreek Hill of Douglas, Alabama had 119 catches for 1710 receiving yards and seven touchdown catches in his first season in Miami after six seasons in Kansas City. He is ranked third. Meanwhile, Jaylen Waddle of Houston, Texas is ranked seventh. Last season he had 75 catches for 1356 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. Waddle also led the NFL with 18.1 yards per catch.
Projected Finish
There is no doubt that the Buffalo Bills and New York Jets are the top two teams in the AFC East. However, the Dolphins could be considered one of the best third place teams in the NFL. They will definitely be in contention for a playoff spot in the AFC. Miami should contend with the New England Patriots for third place. While the Patriots have the much better defense, the Dolphins have the much better offense, so I give the slight edge to Miami.
