The Miami Dolphins need to improve in a key area of team building

If there is anything the Miami Dolphins can take solace over for their 2022 campaign, it's that they are part of the modern NFL movement in team-building. What all contenders and growing contender continue to do to bolster their rosters. Instead of seeing a 4-5 year re-build to create a conference contender, nowadays moves can […]

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Miami Dolphins General Manager Chris Grier waits for his team to come off the field after defeating the Cleveland Browns 39-17 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Nov. 13, 2022. Photos Cleveland Browns V Miami Dolphins 43

If there is anything the Miami Dolphins can take solace over for their 2022 campaign, it's that they are part of the modern NFL movement in team-building. What all contenders and growing contender continue to do to bolster their rosters.

Instead of seeing a 4-5 year re-build to create a conference contender, nowadays moves can be made for a complete turnaround for 2-3 seasons. Acquiring talent in all three phases: Trades, free agency and the draft.

Obviously the trade route has worked. Adding All Pro WR Tyreek Hill and edge Bradley Chubb to improving units. Free agency gave the Dolphins players like OT Terron Armstead, C Connor Williams, FB Alec Ingold and P Timas Morstead.

But what about the draft? The Miami Dolphins only had four picks in the 2022 event and none made a full impact.

LB Channing Tindall was almost entirely used as a special team's player. Registering only three tackles on the season.

WR Erik Ezukanma only appeared in on game all season, largely due to a sustained eye injury. Only having one catch on the season.

LB Cameron Goode was a practice squad member for the entirety of the year. Now on a future's deal with the Dolphins for next season.

QB Skylar Thompson, the second to last quarterback drafted, actually made the biggest impact for the Dolphins. Filling in for both QB's Tua Tagovailoa and Teddy Bridgewater in eight games with three starts.

57.1% of his passes for 534 yards and a touchdown. Leading the Dolphins to a Week 18 win to clinch the playoffs.

The Dolphins need to continue their aggressive approaches in the trade market and free agency. Teams like Kansas City, Cincinnati, Philadelphia, LA (Rams) and San Francisco are doing the same.

The main difference being how well they draft and elevate their homegrown talent. If Miami wants to continue this type of success, they need to hit on and develop their draft picks.

Mandatory Credit: JIM RASSOL of THE PALM BEACH POST part of the USA TODAY NETWORK