New England Patriots: Grading AFC East opponents offseason

Miami Dolphins 2020 offseason

I previously dubbed the Miami Dolphins as the “Patriots, South”. They have former New England Patriots defensive coordinator, Brian Flores as their head coach. “Flo” is well-liked. Really well-liked.

Flores has been a magnet for defecting Patriots players evidently seeking sanctuary from the dictatorial regime of Bill Belichick. This offseason, they signed one of New England’s top defensive players, Kyle Van Noy and Elandon Roberts a serviceable linebacker (and former Patriots captain) and their valuable back-up center/guard Ted Karras to boot in free agency.

So, with these fine additions at New England’s expense in the bank, let’s explore how Miami fared in the draft.

The Dolphins rolled the dice on their first selection in the first round. Not on the talent, but on health. They selected quarterback Tua Tagovailoa from Alabama. Tua has had injury issues at Alabama.

But, one has to assume that Miami did their due diligence on his health before investing the 5th pick in the draft on Tua. It’s a great pick. Period. And if his injuries derail things … it’s still a good pick. A great pick.

Miami’s other picks, including 2 in the first round were to this writer, uninspiring. All of them. And they had a bunch.

But, they had one pick late that I really liked and had hoped New England would draft, late. It was Malcolm Perry, the quarterback projected to wide receiver from Navy.

Perry was a tailor-made pick for Bill Belichick with his affinity for Midshipmen. He blew it. If he wanted Perry, he waited too long. A shame. He may be terrific. A missed opportunity? Indeed.

So, to take a tally on Miami’s draft, I’d have to say B+, simply based on the selection of Tua and Perry. If any of the other numerous picks pan out, they could rise to an A in an instant.

But, the quarterback is the most important position on the field. They drafted a terrific one. Once again, New England didn’t.