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Ranking Dolphins' top offseason needs: No. 3 guard

The 2015 season is officially in the books with the Denver Broncos winning the Super Bowl on Sunday. That means every team starts fresh for 2016, and it's time to begin the offseason.

With that in mind, ESPN.com's Miami Dolphins page will rank the team's biggest needs this week.

No. 3 need: Guard

Pending free agents: Shelley Smith, Jacques McClendon

Analysis: How many years will this be a huge issue in Miami? The Dolphins' offensive line had another rough year, and the two guard positions were major weak spots. Dallas Thomas is not the long-term answer but continues to get chances. Second-year player Billy Turner and 2015 fourth-round pick Jamil Douglas still needs seasoning. It's been a revolving door at guard, and it's up to the front office to finally solve this problem. The Dolphins must spend resources via the draft and/or free agency to upgrade guard this offseason. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill hasn't had good protection in any of his four seasons. It's going to be hard for the offense under new head coach Adam Gase to take the necessary steps forward until the offensive line makes quality improvement.