AFC East Roundup: What to know about Miami Dolphins heading into NFL Draft
We had a chance to talk with Brian Miller of PhinPhanatic about the Miami Dolphins offseason and what to expect heading into the 2020 NFL Draft.
The AFC East is shifting with the departure of the Tom Brady and the division is likely going to be as competitive as it has been in nearly two decades. Recently, we had a chance to talk with Brian Miller to get insight about all things Miami Dolphins from the Bills’ latest signing to how the offseason has been and what to expect in the NFL Draft.
1. What can you tell about Bills fans about their recent signing of Evan Boehm? Is this a player Dolphins are going to miss?
I like Boehm. I actually was surprised that the Dolphins didn’t target him with another one year deal this off-season. While he wasn’t a dedicated starter last year, I thought he did well when put in. He has some growing to do and the Dolphins simply need to get better along the offensive line. Boehm was a fill in it appears so it’s hard to say where his ceiling is.
2. What free agent signing by the Dolphins do you think will have the biggest impact?
Kyle Van Noy is my favorite signing this off-season. He knows the Brian Flores defense well and I think he becomes the defensive leader on that side of the ball. He has terrific range and and can play well in coverage and attacking the passer. He also does well with setting the edge. He is obviously familiar with the AFC East so this is a rare inter-division signing that makes a lot of
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sense.
3. Who do you think is going to be the starting QB for the Miami Dolphins in Week 1?
Ryan Fitzpatrick is the starter for 2020 and I don’t believe any QB drafted will change that. He took the team on his back last year and will at least start the first six to eight games before the job is handed to Josh Rosen or an incoming rookie. The QB situation in Miami is odd as we are not sure what they plan to do at the position.
4. Who are some draft prospects that you have seen that you think are perfect fits for the Miami Dolphins?
I really like Isaiah Simmons who more than likely will not be a Dolphins draft pick at five. I also really like Mechi Becton but he too will be gone by the time the Dolphins select at 18. Safety Xavier McKinney is a player I have been paying attention to. He fills a big need for the Dolphins after the release of Reshad Jones and also fits in well with Brian Flores who covets players in the secondary. I think this is a player that Miami will try and draft with one of their first round picks. The only thing that would make me think otherwise is that they have such huge needs along the offensive line.
5. What are realistic expectations for the Dolphins in the second season under head coach Brian Flores?
I think the Miami Dolphins will be better than five wins but we are talking about 7 or 8 wins at best. Some predict the Dolphins to only win two games but I don’t see that as reasonable. The Dolphins are still young and they had a lot of coaching changes this off-season including both coordinators and a bunch of assistants as well.
I think this off-season situation with the quarantine stuff is going to have a big impact as well. Flores is a coach that players like to play for but if they can’t be with him this off-season to learn what he expects from them, it might be difficult to find a rhythm early in the season.