New Look for Dolphins Offensive Line
The Miami Dolphins are making significant adjustments to their offensive line as they prepare to face the New York Jets in Week 4. After experimenting with two different right guards the previous week, the Dolphins have turned to Cole Strange, the former first-round pick of the New England Patriots. This marks Strange as the fourth different player to occupy the right guard position for Miami this season, following James Daniels, Kion Smith, and Daniel Brunskill.
Strange’s journey to this pivotal role has been swift. Signed off the Cleveland Browns’ practice squad just over two weeks ago, he has quickly made a name for himself within the Dolphins’ offensive scheme. Head coach Mike McDaniel noted the impact Strange has had, stating, “He’s really attacked the technique and fundamentals that we use. And he’s made himself part of the crew just by his buy-in and bold attack at the things that we do. So he’s had a good week.”
Adjustments After a Tough Loss
Strange’s ascension to the starting lineup is a direct response to the struggles of the previous game against the Buffalo Bills, where the Dolphins fell 31-21. Smith’s performance led to his benching, while Brunskill allowed a quick pressure that resulted in quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s late-game interception. Given these circumstances, McDaniel has remained non-committal regarding the starting right guard for the upcoming game, hinting at a competitive environment within the team. “We’ve had a good work week and there has been competition,” he remarked. “After today and on Monday night, you’ll find out who was the leader in the clubhouse to start the game.”
The Strange Scouting Report
Cole Strange entered the NFL as a first-round draft choice in 2022, a selection that raised eyebrows among analysts who viewed him as more of a Day 2 prospect. Despite a strong senior season and a solid performance at the Senior Bowl, the Patriots’ decision to draft him in the first round was perceived as a significant reach.
In his rookie season, Strange started at left guard and logged a career-high 982 snaps, but it was far from a flawless debut. He allowed 23 quarterback pressures and five sacks, statistics that reflected a challenging transition to the professional level. The 2023 season proved even more difficult, as he played only 564 snaps, giving up 22 pressures and two additional sacks. A torn patellar tendon sidelined him for most of the 2024 season, but upon his return, he demonstrated resilience by starting the final two games at center, allowing just one pressure on 75 pass-blocking attempts before being released and subsequently signing with the Browns.
Navigating Guard Challenges
The Dolphins’ offensive line issues are compounded by injuries, notably the absence of James Daniels, who has been placed on injured reserve due to a pectoral injury sustained during the season opener against Indianapolis. Offensive coordinator Frank Smith explained the ongoing adjustments, emphasizing the need to find the right fit for the team’s evolving circumstances. “I think it’s just all overall, OK, you lose James early and you’re working through that process, hopefully to have him back at some point,” Smith stated. “You just want to make sure that we’re having the right guys, right situation, and we want to put guys in the best position to be successful.”
In addition to Daniels, right tackle Austin Jackson is also on injured reserve due to a toe injury. Both players are eligible to return after the Week 5 game against the Carolina Panthers, although the timeline for their return remains uncertain.
As the Dolphins prepare for their matchup against the Jets, the focus will be on how the newly configured offensive line, led by Strange, can rise to the challenge and bolster the team’s performance on the field.
