As the NFL free agent period began this off season many Dolphin fans expected certain and drastic changes. However, the changes were to the surprise of many Dolphin fans. Before free agency, it was almost a fact the Dolphins would address several areas:

1. The secondary; one of the worst in the NFL, the Dolphins were expected to be in the running for top free agent Asante Samuel. Not only did the Dolphins not pursue him, they didn’t add much to the secondary either in free agency or the draft.

2. The linebackers; with the release of Zach Thomas the Dolphins were sure to draft or sign a big name linebacker. While the Fins did sign several solid linebackers to add depth and contribute on special teams, they did not bring in a big name. Instead they felt they would also address this with in house talent, Channing Crowder and Joey Porter.

3. The Wide Receivers; a glaring need the Dolphins needed to improve on quickly. The only free agent signing of relevance was Ernest Wilford, who appears to be on his way to the free agent ranks once again. The Dolphins didn’t even address this need in the draft and still managed to find a potential diamond in the rough. Davone Bess has impressed in camp and in the preseason and appears to not only have won a roster spot, but perhaps the 3rd receiver spot as well. The 3rd receiver will be crucial to the Dolphins because they will give Ted Ginn Jr. plays off after returns.

Then there were the areas that didn’t seem as critical for the Dolphins to address, but they actually focused on more.

1. Offensive line; One strength the Dolphins did have last season was the running game despite the injuries to Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams. However despite the success the new Dolphins front office wasn’t impressed and added 3 new starters, including 1st overall pick Jake Long, and free agent Justin Smiley. The two biggest contracts of the off season for the Dolphins went to the left side of the offensive line.

2. Running backs; Truly the Dolphins strength last year, and the one area people knew wasn’t going to be touched, the Dolphins have actually made several moves. Lorenzo Booker who was expected to fit perfectly as a 3rd down back was traded just before the draft and the Dolphins used 2 draft picks on tailbacks.

3. Kicker; Jay Feeley had a solid year last year. But an early camp injury and the emergence of free agent rookie Dan Carpenter lead to Feeley getting the ax after the 1st preseason game.

So the fins needed to make changes, but they went a different route. Areas of strength were reevaluated and in most cases revamped. The moves they made this off season certainly were a surprise, the signings, trades and the draft. But among the confusion of sports reporters and fans you can see a method to the madness. Let’s just hope it equals wins, and not more madness.