Dolphins Have Holes On Offensive Line
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – The Miami Dolphins have addressed several of the team's needs in free agency, but there are still holes on the roster that will have to be filled either through free agency or the 2013 NFL Draft.
One of the more glaring holes is likely to be exposed Wednesday when left tackle Jake Long is expected to sign with the St. Louis Rams. Once Long signs with the Rams, the Dolphins are expected to make second-year pro Jonathan Martin the starting left tackle.
With Martin getting shifted to left tackle, the Fins will once again have an opening at right tackle and possibly right guard. The free agent market has two solid players available in Eric Winston and Sebastian Vollmer.
Winston, a former University of Miami Hurricanes star, has been one of the best right tackles in the game over the past few years and is only 29 years old. Vollmer, before suffering injuries at the end of last season, has also been discussed as one of the best right tackles in the game and is also available.
The zone-blocking scheme the Dolphins utilize would be relatively easy for Winston to get accustomed to as he played in a similar situation to start his career in Houston.
Past those two, the Dolphins may look at the NFL Draft for offensive line help. Among the players who could be available near where the Dolphins pick in the first round are: Alabama guard Chance Warmack; Oklahoma tackle Lane Johnson; Alabama right tackle D.J. Fluker; and North Carolina guard Jonathan Cooper.
The Dolphins may also wait until the second round when a player like Alabama center Barrett Jones, who played all positions on the offensive line, may be available.
