The Sports Xchange

DAVIE, Fla. — The Miami Dolphins’ crowning achievement during the offseason was signing defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh (five years, $114 million, $59.995 million guaranteed). He’s a game-changer.

But the Dolphins also shored up their special teams by re-signing safety Michael Thomas and linebacker Kelvin Sheppard, and signing cornerbacks Brice McCain (Pittsburgh) and Zack Bowman (New York Giants), and linebacker Spencer Paysinger (New York Giants). And while they re-signed backup quarterback Matt Moore, they also added quarterback Josh Freeman (Minnesota), a Tampa Bay draft choice when Miami general manager Dennis Hickey was in the Buccaneers’ front office.

They also added wide receiver Kenny Stills (New Orleans) and tight end Jordan Cameron (Cleveland), and re-signed safety Louis Delmas.

Still, the Dolphins have lots of holes to fill as they enter the draft.

Guard is a need. Wide receiver is a need. Power running back is a need. Cornerback and linebacker are a bit uncertain.

The Dolphins jettisoned more talent than they acquired in the offseason. So far.

Among key players from last year’s 8-8 team, the Dolphins won’t bring back tight end Charles Clay (departed via free agency), wide receivers Mike Wallace (traded to Minnesota), Brian Hartline (released) and Brandon Gibson (released), linebackers Dannell Ellerbe (traded to New Orleans) and Philip Wheeler (released), defensive tackles Jared Odrick (free agency) and Randy Starks (released), safety Jimmy Wilson (free agency), left guard Daryn Colledge (free agency), and cornerback Cortland Finnegan (released).

That’s a lot of veteran talent walking out the door.

On the other hand, it was talent that contributed to a 23-25 record the last three seasons.

The Dolphins could go a lot of directions with their first-round pick.

Conventional wisdom suggests wide receiver DeVante Parker (Louisville). But there’s also cornerback Trae Waynes (Michigan State), running back Todd Gurley (Georgia), offensive tackle/guard La’el Collins (LSU), or, in what would be a surprise on a couple of levels, guard Brandon Scherff (Iowa).

Whatever the Dolphins do in the first round, expect them to select a guard, wide receiver and linebacker.

BEST FIT: G Brandon Scherff, Iowa

Miami needs two starting guards, and if they could secure one in the first round, that’s one step closer to a successful draft. Of course, No. 14 is pretty high for a guard. A wide receiver, running back or cornerback might be more fan-friendly, and more likely. But Miami needs a guard, and Scherff is expected to be a darn good one.

TEAM NEEDS

1. Guard: Right now, Dallas Thomas and Billy Turner are being counted on as starters. Mike Pouncey is moving back to center, and Shelley Smith was released. The Dolphins have big problems on this front. It’ll almost certainly be addressed in the draft. Realistically, Miami has to assume it is looking for starters and reserves. Thomas and Turner aren’t reliable, returnee Sam Brenner is so-so, and there’s question as to whether center J.D. Walton, signed from the New York Giants, will try to play guard.

2. Wide receiver: The Dolphins have replaced Mike Wallace (traded), Brian Hartline (released) and Brandon Gibson (released) with Kenny Stills (acquired via trade). They need veteran help. As things stand now, Stills, a third-year player, joins Jarvis Landry, a rookie last year, as the main wide receiver targets. And depth is thin. Miami hosted Minnesota’s Greg Jennings and Denver’s Wes Welker on free-agent visits. They’ll likely sign a veteran and draft a youngster. However, it’s questionable whether they’ll be better than a year ago in this area.

3. Linebacker: Miami traded Dannell Ellerbe (New Orleans) and released Philip Wheeler. Middle linebacker Koa Misi returns along with outside linebacker Jelani Jenkins, but neither is a proven playmaker. This is the biggest weakness on the defense, ahead of cornerback, and must be addressed. Miami has cycled through a lot of high-priced veteran free agents in the last four years (Karlos Dansby, Kevin Burnett, Ellerbe, Wheeler) and it still hasn’t found solid answers. Expect outside linebacker Chris McCain, an undrafted rookie last season, to be a projected as a starter alongside Jenkins and Misi. But also expect the Dolphins to look for upgrades.