Miami Dolphins 23.0 PPG, Sacks 56: 3rd

The Miami Dolphins were a set of extremes last year. They had one of the best offenses in the NFL, but the defense was lacking. Several injuries decimated a veteran roster, and there was no depth in the secondary to recover. 

Despite giving up 23 points per game, the Dolphins did record 56 sacks, the third most in the NFL. The defensive line deserves credit, but so does Vic Fangio, who is no longer with the team. Rumors circulated that several players did not get along with Vic Fangio, and others have stated ‘he didn’t want to be there’.

Fangio is no longer there, nor is Christian Wilkins but there are some new faces that should have great IDP seasons.

2024 Projections: 28th

A dip in production is expected for the 2024 Miami Dolphins, and it’s not all their fault. Miami should have another productive offensive season, with the same playmakers, plus the addition of tight end, Jonnu Smith. It is feasible the Dolphins improve their offensive points per game again, even at a lofty 29.2 PPG. This will force an old defense to play with pace, and lacking a pass rush could allow more points per game to be scored.

Vic Fangio is one of the best defensive coordinators of this decade, and earning 56 sacks will be difficult for this roster. There is also a large turnover on defense, including first round pick Chop Robinson. There will be pressure on draft picks and vets alike to aid an elite offense with timely stops, and big plays.

BEST FF IDPs: In Order of Ranking

LB – Jordyn Brooks
DB – Jevon Holland

DL – Jaelan Phillips

Jordyn Brooks is an under the radar IDP, who really shouldn’t be. He has over 100 tackles in each of his last three seasons, and in 2021 led all the NFL with 109 solo tackles. He recorded 184 combined tackles that season, and could get near or over that amount this season.

No disrespect to one of the all-time greats but Calais Campbell is a downgrade from Christian Wilkins. Jalen Ramsey and Jordan Poyer were elite defensive backs at one point, but are becoming old, particularly for defensive backs. This defense should funnel to Brooks, and he should be near the league top in combined tackles this season.

Brooks will more than likely not be in the top ten linebackers drafted, although he has a strong probability to be a top ten linebacker in almost all formats. Draft him after the first ten IDPs have been taken off the board, and know the only week you need to worry about is his bye week.

Jevon Holland experienced an injury last year and it hampered his numbers. In 12 games he earned 74 tackles, 4 passes defended, 3 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery, and a 99 yard interception for a touchdown. He should earn about 100 tackles this season playing next to Poyer.

He is going undrafted in standard leagues, and truthfully there are better options at defensive back. However in a league with multiple back requirements or bonuses for defensive backs he is worth a late round draft selection. Look for Holland to outperform more popular names in the Dolphins secondary.

Jaelan Phillips is in his fourth year, a prove it year on a rookie contract. His sack numbers have gone down every year, although he was injured last season. Phillips is also expected to be a leader with Miami taking two outside linebackers in the 2024 NFL draft… even more reason to prove it.

He is still injured but the demand for him to be great is obvious, and if the Dolphins are going to be anywhere close to their sack total from last year Phillips must be a double-digit sack presence. Phillips’s draft stock is everywhere, but sit on him as there are other great linebackers available at or beyond his average draft pick.

Tomorrow the Detroit Lions.
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Bet Smart, Be Lucky – Iggy

All statistics come from pro-football-reference and Sleeperbot.