The Dolphins ended their playoff drought last year making the playoffs but Ryan Tannehill went down with an injury causing a quick playoff exit. The Dolphins will once again be in the thick of the playoff race as they compete for a wild card spot with teams like the Texans, Ravens and Broncos. If Tannehill takes the next step forward and the defence improves this team could do some damage in the playoffs.
Arrivals/Departures:
Arrivals: Nate Allen, Anthony Fasano, TJ McDonald, Julius Thomas, Lawrence Timmons
Departures: Jelani Jenkins, Dion Sims
Offence:
Ryan Tannehill had the best season of his career leading the team to the playoffs where he did not appear because of injury but Tannehill should continue to improve in the upcoming years. Jay Ajayi broke out last season producing multiple 200-yard games but consistency is still the biggest problem for the future star. Damien Williams is a solid pass-catching backup and Kenyan Drake adds speed in the backfield. Jarvis Landry is one of the best receivers in the league playing out of the slot producing an impressive 288 receptions in his first three seasons. Kenny Stills adds breakaway speed but needs to work on not dropping passes while DeVante Parker will be the other starter after struggling in his first two seasons. The primary backup wide receivers will be Jakeem Grant and Rashawn Scott. After dominating in Denver but struggling in Jacksonville, Julius Thomas got traded to the Dolphins for Branden Albert and if he can regain his form he produces like the elite tight ends in the NFL. Former Dolphin Anthony Fasano returns after a stint with the Chiefs and Titans as the backup. Mike Pouncey is the leader of the offensive line at center with solid tackles Ja'Wuan James and Laremy Tunsil protecting the edges. The guards need some work as Jermon Bushrod and Anthony Steen start.
Defence:
Ndamukong Suh is one of the best defensive lineman in the NFL as he controls the trenches with his size and strength but sometimes people question Suh's effort and commitment after getting his massive contract in free agency. Former CFL star Cameron Wake is still an elite pass rusher giving the Dolphins a perfect one-two punch on the defensive line. The other starters will be former Ram William Hayes and Jordan Phillips with Andre Branch getting in the rotation too. Kiko Alonso is the star of the linebackers core as he remains a tackling machine while healthy. Lawrence Timmons joins him from the Steelers with Koa Misi as the other starter. The Dolphins have depth at linebacker with Raekwon McMillan and Neville Hewitt. Byron Maxwell and Xavien Howard start at corner back but former college wide receiver Tony Lippett and Bobby McCain will compete for starting time. Reshad Jones missed much of last season but when healthy remains a great safety and he has a new safety alongside him in Nate Allen. When TJ McDonald finishes serving his suspension he will also compete to get time at safety.
Special Teams:
Matt Darr was OK as the punter last season so he returns as does average kicker Andrew Franks after a decent season. The return game looks good once again as star slot receiver Jarvis Landry will return punts while speedy Jakeem Grant and Kenyan Drake will compete to return kickoffs.
Starters:
Offence
|
Defence
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DeVante Parker
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Cameron Wake
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Kenny Stills
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Ndamukong Suh
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Jarvis Landry
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Jordan Phillips
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Laremy Tunsil
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William Hayes
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Anthony Steen
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Kiko Alonso
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Mike Pouncey
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Lawrence Timmons
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Jermon Bushrod
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Koa Misi
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Ja'Wuan James
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Byron Maxwell
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Julius Thomas
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Reshad Jones
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Ryan Tannehill
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Nate Allen
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Jay Ajayi
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Xavien Howard
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22. Charles Harris
54. Raekwon McMillan
97. Cordrea Tankersley
164. Isaac Asiata
178. Davon Godchaux
194. Vincent Taylor
237. Isaiah Ford
Top 10 Players:
10. Laremy Tunsil
9. Julius Thomas
8. Mike Pouncey
7. Kiko Alonso
6. Ryan Tannehill
5. Reshad Jones
4. Jay Ajayi
3. Cameron Wake
2. Jarvis Landry
1. Ndamukong Suh
Season Prediction: 8-8 (2nd in AFC East)
Last Year: 10-6
Photo credit for Julius Thomas and Cameron Wake goes to http://www.foxsports.com/. Jarvis Landry goes to http://www.muthead.com/. Jay Ajayi goes to http://www.tsn.ca/.
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