Fantasy football breakdown of Dolphins roster following free agency

NFL free agency started on March 18th, but technically does not end until the end of the season. However, after a firehose of news the first week, and another run the second week, things quiet down to a trickle. There are still big names out there, but it’s going to take some time to get them signed, sealed and delivered.

With that in mind, it’s time to take a look at where teams stand after the early rush of free agency and what it means for fantasy football. We’re going to take a look at the skill positions, breaking down what the starting lineup and reserves will look like to assess fantasy value heading into August drafts.

Today, we’re taking a look at the Miami Dolphins. The Dolphins made some major additions during the first wave of free agency. They have plenty of cap space, and used that to sign Byron Jones, Kyle Van Noy on the defensive end. The offensive side of the ball got Ereck Flowers and Jordan Howard. This isn’t the end for Miami though, as they have a ton of draft picks that could drastically affect its depth chart and the fantasy impact of players on its roster.

Quarterback

Starter: Ryan Fitzpatrick
Backups: Josh Rosen, Jake Rudock

Fitzpatrick ranked in the middle of the pack among signal callers across multiple fantasy football formats, but he could very well not see the field in 2020. It’s clear that Miami will use its first pick in the draft on a quarterback, and whoever it gets will have franchise player potential.

Most believe the Dolphins are targeting Tua Tagovailoa, who could sit for all of next season to recover from the hip injury that ended his college career. But the young signal-caller told NFL Network’s Steve Wyche that he’s 100 percent, and could play today. Fitzpatrick has been known to step in and perform well as a backup, so expect average numbers from him with some big games along the way if he does play. Don’t expect consistency from him throughout the year.

Running Back

Starter: Jordan Howard
Backups: Kalen Ballage, Patrick Laird, Myles Gaskin

Miles Sanders beat out Howard in Philadelphia last season, and Howard could be beaten out by a rookie for a second consecutive year in 2020. Miami ranked last in rushing yards (1,156) in 2019 and has enough draft capital to get a young playmaker with one of their three first round picks. Howard was RB39 behind Sanders and could find himself in a similar position or worse if he has real competition.

Wide Receiver

Starters: DeVante Parker, Preston Williams, Jakeem Grant
Backups: Andy Isabella, Trent Sherfield, Johnnie Dixon

Parker had a breakout year in 2019, tallying 72 receptions for 1,202 yards and nine scores. He was the sixth best wideout in standard leagues and 11th on DraftKings last season. If he gets an upgrade at quarterback, he should be a lock to be a top 15 receiver and has the potential to be a top 10 target again.

Tight End

Starter: Mike Gesicki
Backups: Durham Smythe, Chandler Cox, Michael Roberts

Gesicki was outside the top 10 for tight ends after racking up 51 receptions for 570 yards and five scores. He too could see his numbers jump with a new signal caller. Miami’s receiving corps is underwhelming behind Parker, so Gesicki could be the second best option for whoever is under center through the air.