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This is Part VI of an ongoing look at Miami's options in free agency. Due to the fact that free agency starts at midnight tonight, I won't have time to provide a full write-up for every ...

Miami Dolphins Free Agency Preview: Defense

by Sam L (Columnist)

0

505 reads

Sports

February 28, 2008

NFL, AFC East, Miami Dolphins
This is Part VI of an ongoing look at Miami's options in free agency.  Due to the fact that free agency starts at midnight tonight, I won't have time to provide a full write-up for every defensive position like I did for the offensive side of the ball.  Instead, I'm just going to highlight a handful of guys at each position that Miami should target (or avoid). For the previous installments, see:

Part I: Quarterbacks

Part II: Running backs

Part III: Wide Receivers

Part IV: Tight Ends

Part V: Offensive line 

 

The Current Situation

After finishing as a top-five unit in 2006, the Dolphins defense absolutely collapsed in '07.  The main reason for such a monumental change was the defense's complete inability to stop the run.  Add in the fact that the unit seemed to get old overnight and the new Dolphins' personnel evaluators have a load of work in front of them. 

With Miami's likely transition to more of a full-time 3-4 scheme, the team must look to add a nose tackle and some bigger linebackers.  An upgrade at safety and corner can also be used.

Free Agents

Defensive Line 

1. DE Marques Douglas

Douglas isn't a big sack guy, but he is built to play DE in a 3-4 alignment and he is excellent against the run—Miami's biggest weakness last season.  At 30 years old, he's a little older than I'd like, but there isn't much to choose from in this free agent pool.

2. Antwan Odom

Odom had a solid season as a pass rusher, notching eight sacks, but he wasn't a big presence in the run-stopping game.  I have to wonder how much his successes last season were a result of playing next to the disruptive force of Albert Haynesworth.

Linebackers

1.  Mark Simoneau

Miami needs another interior linebacker after cutting ties with Zach Thomas.  There's been some speculation that they will target Simoneau to fill that hole.  The only problem is that Simoneau really isn't that great.  Sure, he's a solid player who is starting material, but he's not a playmaker and is a liability in pass coverage.  I'd rather see Derrick Pope, who is six years younger, get the chance to step up and start, rather than handing a big contract to what is essentially "just another guy."

2. Landon Johnson

Johnson has put up two good seasons in a row for the Bengals and he is still just 26 years old.  He may be a little on the small side for Parcells' taste, but I think his upside is worth giving him a look.

Cornerbacks

1.  Asante Samuel

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About the Author Sam L (columnist)

  • 42 articles written
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