Miami Dolphins stock up, stock down

With the draft in the rearview mirror and most high-profile free agents snatched up, teams continue to assess their rosters in preparation for the 2023 season. Here's how the stocks of four Miami Dolphins fare amid ongoing organized team activities (OTAs):

Stock Up

Jaylen Waddle, wide receiver: Waddle, the No. 6 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, has developed into a premier wideout, ranking ninth in receiving yards (2,371) and 13th in receptions (179) since entering the league. 

After playing last season at 183 pounds, Waddle made it a goal to be bigger, faster and stronger this coming season and the early results were noticeable at Tuesday's OTA practice. While he declined to reveal how much he gained in the offseason, he told reporters, "You see me run somebody over, then you'll know."

If QB Tua Tagovailoa's health allows him to play an entire season (which he hasn't done since 2018, while at Alabama), Waddle could enjoy a career year in 2023. In the 13 games Waddle played with Tagovailoa last season, he averaged 85.2 yards per game and 19.1 yards per reception and scored eight touchdowns. The figures are significantly higher than the 62 yards per game and 14.6 yards per reception and zero touchdowns he recorded over four games without his franchise signal-caller.

Vic Fangio, defensive coordinator: Although Miami boasted the fourth-best run defense in the NFL last season, adjustments were necessary after it generated the second-fewest turnovers (14) and subsequently allowed 423 yards in a wild card loss to Buffalo. As a result, Miami fired defensive coordinator Josh Boyer and replaced him with former Broncos HC Fangio, who served as a consultant for Philadelphia last season. 

Fangio's Denver teams might have underperformed, but in 2021, his final season in charge, the Broncos were third in points per game allowed (18.9) and eighth in total defense (326.1 yards).

To ensure Fangio has a smooth transition, the Dolphins have invested heavily into their defense this offseason, with their most notable acquisition being All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey. 

Miami also signed linebacker David Long Jr. (Tennessee's second-leading tackler last season) in free agency and selected cornerback Cam Smith, a first-round talent, in the second round of April's NFL Draft. In a division that features elite quarterbacks (Aaron Rodgers and Josh Allen) and skill players, adding someone with the experience of Fangio will be invaluable for Miami's Super Bowl ambitions.

Stock Down

Austin Jackson, offensive tackle: The Dolphins hoped their second 2020 first-round draft pick would flash potential last season, given that his first two years as a pro were plagued by injuries and inefficiency. Unfortunately, the same pattern repeated itself and Jackson suffered an ankle injury in Week 1 that limited him to one additional appearance for the rest of the campaign.

2023 will be a career-defining season for Jackson after the Dolphins declined the fifth-year option on his rookie contract. Though he told reporters he's "angrily excited" to return to action, there is no guarantee that he'll earn a starting role this summer. 

Earlier in May, Miami signed Cedric Ogbuehi and Isaiah Wynn to compete for the team's starting right tackle spot. Considering the draft capital Miami spent on him, Jackson should have the inside track for the position. However, because Ogbuehi and Wynn have made more career starts, Jackson may have a short leash with HC Mike McDaniel.

Xavien Howard, cornerback: Despite earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2022, the two-time NFL interceptions leader arguably had his worst season to date. Howard allowed six touchdowns and a career-high 910 yards in coverage and made only two interceptions last season.

Miami has a potential out in Howard's contract next offseason,and it appears that CB Smith's selection might mean that the 29-year-old is set to play his last season as a Dolphin. By releasing or trading Howard after June 1, 2024, Miami can save $18.5 million in cap space but will incur $7.4 million in dead money, per Over The Cap.