Miami seemingly will leave second-year tackle Jonathan Martin, who filled in for the injured Long down the stretch last season after starting at right tackle, with the responsibility of protecting second-year quarterback Ryan Tannehill's blindside.
At least one Dolphin -- the team's best offensive lineman -- is confident Martin will be OK.
"I think Jonathan Martin will do a great job," Dolphins center Mike Pouncey told NFL Network, via the Miami Herald. "Left tackle is his position. He played it all throughout college. I think he is more comfortable on that side of the football and he has a year underneath his belt in the NFL.
"I think this year he is going to go out – he has put on 20 more pounds – and do a great job for us."
Miami signed veteran tackle Tyson Clabo earlier this month to a one-year deal, so while Clabo will almost certainly be the starter on that side with Martin on the left, things could again change next offseason.
If Martin doesn't impress, the Dolphins could move him back to the right side and try again in the left tackle sweepstakes. If he does succeed on the blindside, it'll be much easier for Miami to find a longer-term solution at right tackle.
Either way, Martin at left tackle was at one time considered a last resort. But for now, it's the only way.
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