With the rookie minicamp now behind them, the Miami Dolphins are gearing up to kick off Stage 3 of their offseason training program, which features organized team activities (OTAs) starting Monday. This phase includes a series of OTAs lasting 10 days, leading up to a mandatory minicamp scheduled for June 4-6. These crucial training sessions are designed to enhance team cohesion and strategy as they prepare for the upcoming season.

While there was initial turmoil surrounding the record-breaking contracts signed by Christian Wilkins and Robert Hunt elsewhere, the Miami Dolphins have successfully navigated the offseason with a well-rounded roster. They have made strategic free-agent signings and drafted talented players, all aimed at building a stronger and more competitive team for the future. This proactive approach showcases their commitment to improving the team’s overall performance.

Although live contact is not permitted during OTAs, fans and analysts alike have burning questions as the Dolphins embark on 7-on-7, 9-on-7, and 11-on-11 drills this week. This period is critical as it sets the tone for the teams and helps identify which players are stepping up as potential starters.

1. What is the Dolphins’ Strategy for Replacing Zach Sieler at Defensive Tackle?

Last season, no defensive tackle played more snaps than Wilkins’ impressive total of 968, but Zach Sieler also made his mark with 924 snaps, ranking fourth. With the Dolphins’ new defensive coordinator, Vic Fangio, relying heavily on this dynamic duo, it is essential to determine how Miami plans to fill the void left by Wilkins, should he be unavailable. Expect the Dolphins to explore multiple options rather than relying on a single player to take over.

In the first half of March alone, Miami bolstered their defensive line by signing 13 players, including five defensive tackles. Notably, they also brought in former Tennessee Titans and Houston Texans defensive tackle Teair Tart, who joined the team in early April. This influx of talent and depth on the defensive front signals a strategic effort to enhance their defensive capabilities.

Now under the guidance of Anthony Weaver, who has transitioned from years with the Baltimore Ravens, the Dolphins’ defensive strategy aims to utilize rotational players effectively. Last season, Justin Madubuike from the Ravens ranked No. 11 with 849 snaps, but Miami’s new approach may allow them to maximize player efficiency while maintaining a high-caliber defensive performance.

As OTAs commence, fans will get their first glimpse of which players are emerging as strong contenders for starting positions alongside Sieler, making this an exciting time for Dolphins supporters eager to see how the roster evolves.

2. How Will the Dolphins Manage Jalen Wright’s Development Amidst a Packed Running Back Roster?

Following a standout season where Raheem Mostert led the league with 18 rushing touchdowns, the Dolphins are now looking at a competitive running back room. De’Von Achane contributed significantly during his rookie year, racking up over 100 rushing yards in four games and scoring 11 touchdowns. Meanwhile, veteran Jeff Wilson Jr. has proven reliable, especially in Miami’s last three regular-season games.

Salvon Ahmed is returning on a one-year deal after demonstrating potential with at least three targets in six of eight games prior to his injury last season. Chris Brooks also showcased his skills with an impressive average of 5.6 yards per carry before injuries hindered his first season. With five players vying for touches, each brings unique attributes to the table.

The Dolphins even traded up to select Jalen Wright in the fourth round of April’s draft, who averaged an impressive 7.4 yards per carry at Tennessee and is known for his consistency in pass protection. Balancing the talent within the running back group will be a challenge, as Miami navigates how quickly Wright can rise through the ranks and secure valuable playing time.

While having too much talent at running back presents a positive problem for the Dolphins, the pressing question remains: how swiftly can Wright outpace established players to earn his share of the workload in the upcoming season?

3. What Are the Next Steps in Tua Tagovailoa’s Contract Negotiations?

Recent reports from CBS Sports indicate that Tua Tagovailoa has been “mostly absent” from the Dolphins’ optional training program, and there are whispers that he has turned down a contract offer from the team, adding a touch of drama to the situation. This development raises eyebrows among fans and analysts who are closely monitoring the quarterback’s future with the franchise.

While these reports may not be cause for alarm, as OTAs and training camp approach, more players will be present at the facility, creating an environment ripe for discussions and potential resolutions. The question looms: will the Dolphins and Tagovailoa reach an agreement before contract talks become a distraction?

General Manager Chris Grier expressed optimism in February, stating, “I think we’re hopeful,” when asked about the possibility of signing Tagovailoa to a long-term deal during the offseason. He emphasized that such agreements rarely come together quickly due to the numerous moving parts involved but assured that positive conversations have occurred and will continue throughout the offseason.