The most obvious solution to the Miami Dolphins’ most pressing offensive issue would only create a different kind of problem
The Miami Dolphins’ right tackle situation hasn’t been good enough through the first two weeks — but there’s one option to fix it that needs to be left alone.
The Miami Dolphins are 0-2 to start this season. And, everywhere you look, there are reminders of the growing pains that await the rest of the way.
Offensively, we’ve seen some promising flashes — just not enough of them. The offensive line has seen rookie guard Kadyn Proctor come in and make an impact. Second-year guard Jonah Savaiinaea has looked improved. But the right tackle position, manned by Austin Jackson, has been a sore spot. But in the quest for answers, there’s one question that needs to be left alone. No — the Dolphins shouldn’t be considering moving Proctor over to right tackle.
Why moving Kadyn Proctor to right tackle would be a mistake for the Miami Dolphins amid Austin Jackson’s play
Proctor has been up and down with assignment execution through his first two NFL starts. That’s expected for any rookie. But make no mistake about it. He kicks some butt over there at left guard. And you can see the confidence brewing with how he’s handling combinations with Aaron Brewer. Or how he’s chipping to help Patrick Paul maintain the pocket.
Watch him get out into space, too. What isn’t debatable is the physical impact he makes on the game. Asking him, after roughly five months of training at a new position, to learn on the fly how to kick over and play right tackle would be a disservice to his development. It’s the kind of short-sighted, instant-gratification move that sacrifices a player’s steady progression.
The Dolphins need to stay the course with Proctor at left guard. Even if the long-term plan is for Proctor to play tackle. They need to be focused on building a confident football player — and that’s happening now at guard. Yanking him around the offensive line because the right tackle spot is struggling doesn’t solve your problem. It just moves it — and increases the risk of a long-term issue.
There are other levers to pull instead
Instead of rearranging the puzzle, Miami needs to do what it can to support Jackson with extra help. Head coach Jeff Hafley conceded the team can do more. He also acknowledged that Jackson has drawn two of the best pass rushers in the NFL to open the season in Maxx Crosby and Nick Bosa. The Dolphins fell behind in both games, putting Jackson in unfavorable situations against elite talent. Jackson, for the record, has never been a consistent true pass set protector.
The play hasn’t been good enough — as I’m sure anyone would concede. But the answer shouldn’t be to waffle on a rookie’s year-one plan. The Dolphins committed early to have Proctor be their left guard. The organization has stated this offseason they believe switching sides is as big of a challenge as an offensive lineman can face. Don’t ask Proctor to tackle that unless he absolutely has to. We’re playing the long game here, remember?
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