Five questions for the Dolphins during OTAs, from Tua Tagovailoa to defensive tweaks

On Monday, the Dolphins begin the third and final phase of their offseason workout program: organized team activities. It marks the most extensive work the team can do before training camp starts in late July, consisting of 10 days of 7-on-7, 9-on-7, and 11-on-11 drills between the offense and defense.

Practice will be made open to local reporters for the first time on Tuesday, and while veterans aren’t required to attend until mandatory minicamp from June 1 to 2, this will be the first comprehensive look at the myriad additions the Dolphins made during the offseason.

Here are five questions for the Dolphins as they start four weeks of OTAs:

How does Tagovailoa look in the new offense?

The Dolphins spared no expense this offseason to see tangible growth from quarterback Tua Tagovailoa in his third season. The team hired an offensive-minded coach in Mike McDaniel and devoted its focus in free agency to the offense, most notably bringing in wide receiver Tyreek Hill and left tackle Terron Armstead.

While social media and sports talk shows over the last week have debated Tagovailoa’s infamous underthrow to Hill in a video posted to Twitter by the team, coaches have praised Tagovailoa’s command of the offense during the offseason workout program. OTAs will begin to show the lengths of Tagovailoa’s chemistry with returning and new teammates.

Who lines up with the starting offensive line – and where?

The Dolphins significantly upgraded an offensive line that was arguably the league’s worst unit last season, signing Armstead and former Dallas Cowboy Connor Williams. However, an important question remains regarding who will start at center, which could have a ripple effect on the rest of the offensive line. Michael Deiter was last season’s starter but the Herald reported Williams has taken snaps during the offseason workout program. Offensive coordinator Frank Smith later rationalized it by saying the team trains all linemen to snap the ball.

Meanwhile, Austin Jackson and Liam Eichenberg appear to be the favorites to start at right tackle but offensive line coach Matt Applebaum didn’t rule out playing Robert Hunt at tackle after he started 17 games in 2021 at right guard. The only position Applebaum and McDaniel have committed to on the offensive line is Armstead at left tackle. The five players who line up with the first-team offensive line – and where they line up – could give insight into the coaching staff’s early view of the unit.

Is there a pecking order at running back yet?

McDaniel made his mark with the San Francisco 49ers as run game coordinator before being promoted to offensive coordinator and he’s quickly left his imprint in Miami. The Dolphins signed Chase Edmonds and Raheem Mostert in the opening week of free agency then added Sony Michel last week. It’s a complete facelift for a running back group that ranked 31st in yards per attempt last season. Each of the team’s additions has different strengths, and the next few weeks of practice could show McDaniel and Smith’s plan to incorporate them all, along with returning players Myles Gaskin and Salvon Ahmed.

How much progress has the 2021 Draft Class made?

It’s only been one season but the Dolphins’ 2021 rookie class gave flashes of being a foundational group that can spearhead the team for years to come. Defensive coordinator Josh Boyer noted the growth of outside linebacker Jaelan Phillips and safety Jevon Holland this offseason. McDaniel didn’t hide his excitement to scheme up touches for wide receiver Jaylen Waddle. And the team is still bullish on Eichenberg, who had growing pains but played invaluable snaps as a rookie. All are expected to continue taking positive steps forward in their development and the Dolphins will need them to if they want to break a five-year playoff drought.

Are there any noticeable defensive changes?

The Dolphins made it a point to keep last season’s defense intact, retaining all 11 starters that finished the season. The team then added a pair of potential major contributors in the offseason, drafting Georgia inside linebacker Channing Tindall in the third round and reaching an agreement on a deal with veteran outside linebacker Melvin Ingram.

Boyer will have full reins of the defense with Brian Flores gone and while he said the core of the unit’s philosophy will stay the same, he’s looking forward to adding his own wrinkles. What does that entail? Boyer hasn’t given any definitive answers but he said his mind is constantly racing with new ideas for the defense.