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The Miami Dolphins made a bold move up in the first round of the NFL Draft on Thursday night, moving up from No. 12 to No. 3 overall to select Oregon defensive end/outside linebacker Dion Jordan. Jordan is a versatile talent that could be used all over the field, but Miami surely sees him as a pass-rush option opposite defensive end Cameron Wake. The Dolphins were seventh in the league last season with 42 sacks, but Wake had 15 and no one else had more than five. Jordan’s presence should bring some balance to Miami’s pass rush, and perhaps make things easier for Wake as well.
The Dolphins fielded a decidedly mediocre defense in 2012, finishing 21st in total defense (356.8 yards per game), including 13th against the run (108.4 yards per game) and 27th against the pass (248.4 yards per game). They also had just 10 interceptions (tied for 27th in the league), so it was not surprising to see some changes made this offseason.
Miami got younger at linebacker by signing Dannell Ellerbe and Philip Wheeler in free agency to replace Karlos Dansby and Kevin Burnett. Top cornerback Sean Smith chose to sign with the Kansas City Chiefs as a free agent, and Brent Grimes was signed to fill that void.
As could be expected, the Dolphins’ defense was not great for fantasy football owners in 2012. In ESPN standard leagues they ranked just 18th with 102 total fantasy points, with only five total turnovers forced from Week 9 on.
It can be dangerous to analyze strength of schedule, but Miami is in line to face some of the league’s top offenses in 2013. The Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans Saints and Baltimore Ravens are on the slate early, and two games with the New England Patriots within their division are always imposing. But half of their games will come against teams that finished 2012 ranked in the bottom half of the league in total offense, with four total against the New York Jets and Buffalo Bills.
After a favorable-looking matchup in Week 1 against the Cleveland Browns, Week 2-Week 5 looks tough for Miami’s defense, starting with the Indianapolis Colts and followed by the Falcons, Saints and Ravens. But after their Week 6 bye the only particularly tough-looking matchups come in Week 8 and Week 15 against the Patriots with a Week 12 matchup against the Carolina Panthers in between.
Overall Miami’s defense may again finish as a middle of the pack fantasy defense in 2013, with an even split of difficult and favorable matchups based on last season’s results, but the potential for more impact plays and sacks creates some definite upside potential. There will be a lot of better options during the weeks they face a top-tier offense, but fantasy owners that can deploy the Dolphins’ defense effectively could find a lot of value.
Brad Berreman is a contributing writer at Rant Sports.com. Follow him on Twitter @bradberreman24.
