Miami Dolphins would be smart to keep Laremy Tunsil on the bench

Robert Molnar
Updated
Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Laremy Tunsil (Mississippi) is selected by the Miami Dolphins as the number thirteen overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Laremy Tunsil (Mississippi) is selected by the Miami Dolphins as the number thirteen overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

They say that as time goes one, opinions change. That is the very case of what I have experienced in the last couple of months since the 2016 NFL Draft. Though I believed that the Miami Dolphins should start Laremy Tunsil at guard this season, I now believe that this is a bad idea for both the team’s present and future.

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In the present, I think this type of move could actually weaken the Miami Dolphins offensive line this season. As much as we all dislike the idea of potentially seeing Billy Turner or Dallas Thomas starting again for the Miami Dolphins, choosing them over Tunsil — a player that never played the guard position — may better for the team’s present.

Before we would even get to that stage though, Turner and/or Thomas would have to beat out new signings Kraig Urbik and Jermon Bushrod. Both are veterans of the NFL and would give the Dolphins some experienced players along the interior of the offensive line, something Tunsil could not give the Miami Dolphins.

As far as the future goes, I would rather not corrupt the play of Tunsil by moving him to the guard position. As the tackle and guard positions require two different styles of play — and at times two different physiques — Tunsil’s future as the Dolphins left tackle could crash and burn thanks to him being rushed into the starting lineup.

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Also of note was the problems that Tunsil has had during and following the draft process. Some growing up will definitely be in order for the former Ole Miss tackle. Keeping him out of the spotlight his rookie season could do a world of good for Tunsil as he begins to mature into a quality NFL player.

After all, we don’t want another Dion Jordan on our hands here. Though the two situations are different, all it will take is a piece of the party life in Miami to set Laremy Tunsil down the wrong path. Should this happen, it will leave a sour taste in the mouth of this new regime in Miami and would be something they would have to fight against for the rest of their tenure with the Dolphins.

Overall, my opinion has done a full 180. I did originally think that Laremy Tunsil should be rushed into a starting role. Not anymore though. With my change of heart, I think that the Miami Dolphins would be smart to hold off on starting Tunsil this season and keep him at his more comfortable tackle spot.

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