Dolphins Q&A: What would be the perfect offseason for Miami?

Here’s the latest installment of our Miami Dolphins Q&A, where South Florida Sun Sentinel writers Safid Deen and Omar Kelly answer questions from readers.

<mark class="hl_orange">Q:</mark> What would be your perfect offseason for free agency and the draft? — Kyle Hostetter

<mark class="hl_tblue">A:</mark> Sure, the thought of Deshaun Watson paired with the Miami Dolphins defense is intriguing, but building around Tua Tagovailoa may be the best option for the franchise moving forward.

The Dolphins, while filling many holes on the team last season, still have several pieces to fill to ensure they can reach the playoffs in Brian Flores’ third season.

The perfect offseason for the Dolphins would include doubling up on playmakers at running back and receiver, adding a new member or two to the offensive and defensive lines, and at least two other positions on the team.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

— Running back: The Dolphins may not pay big money for players like Aaron Jones or Chris Carson, but Packers free agent backup Jamaal Williams would be a nice asset to the run game. Still, the Dolphins should draft a running back and draft one relatively high to double up at the position.

— Wide receiver: Chris Godwin may stay in Tampa Bay and Allen Robinson may be too expensive for Miami’s taste, while Marvin Jones worked with George Godsey before in Detroit and could be a reliable addition.

The Dolphins should also double up here, signing one in free agency and ensuring they come out of the draft with at least one pass catcher like DeVonta Smith, Ja’Marr Chase or Kyle Pitts in the first round.

— Backup quarterback: Bring back Ryan Fitzpatrick. He may not be guaranteed playing time with Tua Tagovailoa as the starter, but he’ll be guaranteed to play some if Tagovailoa is injured or the Dolphins want to continue exploring the closer/relief role.

Tagovailoa must outplay him during training camp and during the season to avoid the quarterback divide the Dolphins may have experienced last season. But, Fitzpatrick’s presence and his ability to call his own plays streamlines a team trying to install a new offense.

— Offensive line: Penei Sewell may not be a sexy pick at No. 3, but the Dolphins could fortify their offensive line for the next decade with him as a starting left or right tackle.

Still, Miami’s biggest need is at center where Ted Karras could be re-signed. However, drafting a player such as Alabama’s Landon Dickerson or Oklahoma’s Creed Humphrey will keep Tagovailoa protected and help the running game prosper.

— Defensive line: I could see the Dolphins taking another tackle to add to Christian Wilkins and Raekwon Davis, but they desperately need another young pass rusher to set the edge and help the run defense.

Michigan’s Kwity Paye and Miami’s Gregory Rousseau are big names to watch, unless the Dolphins uncover another option in addition to Emmanuel Ogbah, Shaq Lawson, Andrew Van Ginkel and Kyle Van Noy.

— Linebacker: The Dolphins need another steady middle linebacker to play alongside Jerome Baker. Lavonte David would be an ideal fit, but he may want to pursue a repeat with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The draft has a loaded linebacker field, where the Dolphins saw many of the players at the Senior Bowl, such as LSU’s Jabril Cox, UNC’s Chazz Surratt and Ohio State’s Justin Hilliard and Baron Browning.

<mark class="hl_orange">Have a question?</mark>

Email Safid Deen, or tag @OmarKelly or @Safid_Deen on Twitter.

<mark class="hl_tblue">Previously answered:</mark>

How close are the Dolphins to having another ‘Unicorn’ offensive line?

Which QB could come to Miami to be Tua’s backup?

Why are the Dolphins always used as pawns by agents?

Should the Dolphins trade for Lions QB Matthew Stafford?

Is the return of Davon Godchaux and Vince Biegel enough to improve Miami’s defense?

What should Miami’s approach be to improve the run game?

Which Dolphins player had the best rookie season?

What’s a fair trade offer for Texans QB Deshaun Watson?

Would you rather build around Tua and draft picks or Deshaun Watson?

Which position should Miami draft with its top-five pick?