The Miami Dolphins finished their 2023 campaign with an 11-6 record and made the postseason for the second time in as many years under head coach Mike McDaniel. Unfortunately, it came to an end with a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the wild-card round.
While other teams are in the midst of their playoff run, it’s time to do some reflecting on the team in South Florida.
Over the next couple of weeks, we’ll be reviewing and evaluating different positions for the Dolphins in 2023. Today, we’ll look at the offensive linemen.
Connor Williams: A
Williams looked like a natural at center in his second season at the position. He was a great run blocker and strong in pass protection, as he finished as Pro Football Focus’ second-best center behind only Detroit’s Frank Ragnow.
Unfortunately, Williams suffered a torn ACL against the Tennessee Titans, ending his impressive campaign. The loss of his physical presence and mental preparation and fortitude was a big loss for Miami’s offense that could be responsible for their drop off later in the year.
Terron Armstead: B+
Armstead, once again, battled injuries all season, which resulted in him playing in just 10 games this season. However, when he was in, he was good.
He finished the year as PFF’s 16th-best offensive tackle (79.3) just behind Baltimore’s Morgan Moses (79.6).
While the veteran may have made his mistakes, as any player does, he was among the best left tackles in the league when he was on the field.
Austin Jackson: B+
Miami opted not to pick up Jackson’s fifth-year option prior to the 2023 season, which made sense considering injuries and poor play plagued the offensive lineman through the first three years of his career.
The former first-round pick played well, starting 16 games in the regular season. He was PFF’s 42nd-graded tackle (66.9), but 28th in run-blocking (69.5).
Robert Hunt: B
Hunt has been Miami’s most consistent offensive lineman since entering the league, and although he dealt with injuries for the first time in his professional career, he was really good when he was on the field.
PFF graded him as the sixth-best guard in football (76.4), and it was clear the Dolphins were a worse team without him.
He’s set to enter free agency this offseason, and if the Dolphins don’t give him a massive contract, someone will.
Kendall Lamm: C
Lamm was brought back in 2023 to be the swing tackle, and he performed admirably in the role. He graded as a starter, according to PFF, who gave him a 64.3, which was 50th overall. As he’s set to enter free agency again, Lamm should expect another call from Miami.
Isaiah Wynn: C
The Dolphins took a risk and bet on the former New England Patriots tackle moving to guard and staying healthy for really the first time in his career.
While Wynn looked okay at guard, injuries once again shortended his season to just seven games.
During that time, was graded as a backup – the 65th guard in the league – with a 47.8 grade.
Liam Eichenberg: C-
Eichenberg had been one of the league’s worst offensive linemen over the past two seasons, as he moved all around the offensive line.
In 2023, he was thrust into playing center for the first time in his career. And, while he wasn’t great, he fought through injuries and did everything he could to keep Miami from finding and playing a third-string center.
So, while his performance was probably deserving of a “D+,” let’s give him a small bump for the toughness and versatility.
Robert Jones: D+
Jones entered his third season as a depth piece for the offensive line, but an MCL injury during the preseason landed him on injured reserve to start the year.
When he returned he was eased back into the lineup, but he certainly looked rusty and struggled for some time. He was thrust into the starting lineup with both starting guards injured and eventually didn’t look terrible.
PFF graded him as a starter – the 44th guard in the league – with a 57.6 grade.
Lester Cotton: D-
Cotton was supposed to be a last resort option for Miami’s offensive line, but, due to the number of injuries the big men up front suffered, he was forced to play in all 17 games and start eight.
The former Crimson Tide offensive linemen played the majority of his snaps at left guard (472) but still played some on the right (144) while filing in for Hunt.
Cotton graded as the 69th guard (46.4) out of 78 qualifiers.
The Dolphins would be smart to look for better backup options in 2024.
