How many players away are we?

[StL FinFan]

It seems as though some people think we are a good quarterback away from being a championship caliber team.  I beg to differ with those people.  I think we need to beef up the O-line, get another speedy receiver and probably another running back as well.  The defense is pretty good as it is, but I wouldn't mind another good DB, either.

What do you guys think?

[masterfins]

The answer to your question is six, eight if you count special teams.  I completely agree with your analysis.

[EKnight]

I think we need help at linebacker too. Dansby can't do it all by himself. -EK

[tepop84]

We are one average qb away from being a playoff team, and 1 good qb away from being an elite team.  I hope thigpen is given a chance to start next year, I think he will turn this team around.

[StL FinFan]

I think we need help at linebacker too. Dansby can't do it all by himself. -EK

Good point.

[masterfins]

^^^ I'm sure Thigpin will be given a shot to compete for the starting role in the preseason.  Along with whatever third QB the Fins bring in.

[Pappy13]

^^ I'm pretty sure that Thigpen won't even be on the Dolphins come spring training.

[masterfins]

^^^ Just curious, why do you  feel that way??

[CF DolFan]

^^^^ I would guess because he isn't under contract and they made no attempt to sign him. Usually you wouldn't let the season end before you re-signed a player you wanted to keep.

For the record this is also the same position they are in with Ronnie.

[Pappy13]

^^^^ I would guess because he isn't under contract and they made no attempt to sign him.

^^ Yup.

[Tenshot13]

I think we need help at linebacker too. Dansby can't do it all by himself. -EK

I like Misi, Wake, Dansby and Alma-Francis.  We have yet to see Edds. One more ilb  couldn't hurt.

[Dave Gray]

I don't know about a specific number, but I think that if you can find a good QB, he can actually make his other players better.  So, players that look like a problem area now, will be improved via competent play.  I think that a QB can make a big, big difference in the way an entire offense works, including the running game and blocking.

[dolfan13]

^^^ bingo

doesn't have to be elite qb (for now), just good play from the qb position. something like 20 tds 9 ints, middle of the pack type production and this current team in in the playoffs contending.

[fyo]

I'm fine with our receivers. We have one elite "big" receiver, one elite "small" possession receiver and some decent (but not great) speed. That's plenty. I'm even okay with the receiving talent of our tight end, although that is certainly an area where improvement would be possible.

My biggest areas of concern (in no particular order) are middle linebacker, offensive line, cornerback, and safety.

Then, following those, quarterback and defensive end.

Given the relative inexperience of our backfield, I'd be willing to give them time to develop. Still there's no depth behind those young guys and depth is critical if you want to compete year after year.

So, in terms of "players away from being a contender", I'd say about a handful, plus a few special-teamers. To clarify, I'm not talking about replacing existing players with better ones... we'd need to keep the existing ones for depth.

[MikeO]

On Offense
QB
Speed WR
TE
RB
Couple O-line spots

On defense
CB


I'm not even that worried about LB really, 3 of the 4 we have are damn good. We can find a 4th LB somewhere. Maybe even AJ Edds is the guy for the job.