NFL

2017 NFL Power Rankings: Preseason Edition

Brandon Gdula  —  @gdula13 Jul 20th, 2017
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24. Miami Dolphins, -0.80 nERD

The Miami Dolphins graded out okay across the board in 2016 by our metrics: 14th in offense, 15th in passing offense, 4th in rushing offense, 18th in defense, 16th in pass defense, and 29th in rush defense.

The rush defense is obviously the red flag, but that factor doesn't matter nearly as much as the others when racking up wins. Despite a 10-6 season last year, the Dolphins maintained a point differential of -17 and a nERD of -2.03, so expecting them to repeat their win-loss record is a bit optimistic.

Miami selected five defensive players with their seven draft picks, including their first three.

The primary concern is that Ryan Tannehill has never once graded out as even an average NFL passer by our metrics. Unless he makes the jump, Miami could struggle to make the most of a prime situation against the league's eighth-toughest schedule.

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