THE EXTRA YARD: Solid Day 2 for Miami.

After the splash of day 1, the Miami Dolphins followed up with a pretty solid day 2. They continued to covet younger players with “arrow up” trajectories, and in one instance, seemed to fall back into a pretty good plan B. With the departure of Tom Brady to Tampa Bay, the Miami Dolphins in the last 2 days, have built a challenger to what is now a weakened AFC East. It’s been a while since we can say this, but it looks like the Buffalo Bills, are the new leader in the division.

But first, how did Miami do in Day 2?

EMMANUEL OGBAH DE, $15 Million for 2 years, $7.5 Million Guaranteed.

Ogbah, was the sack leader with 5.5 when he got injured for the Champion Kansas City Chiefs. Ogbah had a Torn Pectoral in November, and is expected to have a full recovery, and return for OTA’s (if they are held). A Long and lean end, with active hands, Ogbah has always had a reputation for a quick first step toward the QB. Capable of playing every End position from 5 to 9 tech. Heavy-ish hands and active feet have produced pretty good film on him setting the edge and being generally difficult against the run. The snap counts have filled up in a hurry on the edge for the Miami Dolphins, and this signing is an ominous one for former 1st rounder Charles Harris. Three thumbs up from the 3YPC crew.

KAMU GRUGIER-HILL LB, 1 year deal, undisclosed.

The Dolphins had already signed special teams demon and Bengals captain Clayton Fejedelem. Now they signed special teams demon and Eagles captain Kamu Grugier-Hill. On defense, he is a bit undersized for the Fins scheme, but it didn’t hurt Jerome Baker too much when he looked his best in a few games this past year. Drafted by the New England Patriots in 2016 (6th round), Grugier-Hill was cut in camp, and later picked up by Philadelphia where he has excelled since. The Dolphins now have not 1, but 2,former Special Teams captains.

JORDAN HOWARD RB, $10 Million for 2 years.

You do get the sense this was plan B at the RB position during this free agency period. it is a certainty that they explored signing Melvin Gordon, and it seems as if it proved difficult. The appeal to Gordon was his perfect fit for Chan Gailey’s system, age, and complete skill set. The appeal to Howard is that you get a reasonable facsimile at a reduced price. Jordan Howard is a very good one-cut runner, but not the cleanest of pass catchers. While being very good in pass pro, Howard improved his route running and passing game awareness this past season in Philly. After having a monster year in his rookie year in 2016 (Chicago), Howard has had some injury issues he has dealt with that led him to sign a “prove it” deal with the Eagles this past year, and he more than flashed with his opportunities. Only 25 years old, with a career 4.3 YPC average to go with his 3,895 yards in 4 years. Highly productive, cheap, with a monster upside. What’s not to like with this signing?

Alfredo Arteaga (@Alf_Arteaga) is one-third of the trio that does the Three Yards Per Carry (@3YardsPerCarry) podcast.