Pro-Bowl Worthy Miami Dolphins

Miami’s defense is one of the league’s best against the run. Therefore it should be no surprise that many of the players on this list are in Miami’s front seven…

Aug. 24, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Paul Soliai (96) heads toward the sidelines during the first quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE

Defensive Tackle – Paul Soliai – Although Soliai only has 11 tackles on the season, including a half a sack, it’s not Soliai’s stats that deserve recognition….It’s what the big guy means to one of the league’s best run defenses. Soliai is as unselfish as they come. Week in and week out, he forces running backs to bounce runs outside – which is why Miami’s linebackers are so good against the run. In order for Soliai to have a shot at making the Pro-Bowl, his sack total must increase – which probably will not happen. Soliai may not receive a Pro-Bowl nod, but he deserves recognition as one of the league’s elite run stopping defensive tackles.

Sept 23, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez (6) is pressured by Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Randy Starks (94) during their game at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE

Defensive Tackle – Randy Starks – Big Ol’ Randy Starks deserves a trip to the Pro-Bowl this season. Starks is the one who applies the interior pressure for this stout Miami defense. So far, Starks has 16 tackles 3.5 sacks 2 passes defensed and one interception. For number 94 to make the Pro-Bowl this season, he must continue to get pressure on the quarterback and be one of the league’s better run stuffing defensive tackles. Starks may not only be up for Pro-Bowl consideration, but he also may be Miami’s MVP six weeks into the season.

Oct 14 2012; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; St. Louis Rams quarterback Sam Bradford (8) under pressure by Miami Dolphins defensive end Cameron Wake (91) in the second half at Sun Life Stadium. The Dolphins defeated the Rams 17-14. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-US PRESSWIRE

Defensive End – Cameron Wake – After being held without a sack for the first three weeks of the season, Cameron Wake has come ALIVE! Wake has gotten of his 6.5 sacks in the past three weeks – including a 4.5 sack game against the Arizona Cardinals. Wake also has 22 tackles on the season. Although he is not racking up tackles, he is currently on pace to have his best seasons sack total wise. All Wake has to do is get to the quarterback for the remainder of the season – as long as he does that, he will make the Pro-Bowl.

Oct.14, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins middle linebacker Karlos Dansby (58) stands at the line of scrimmage during a game against the St. Louis Rams at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE

Middle Linebacker – Karlos Dansby – The man in the middle of this stingy Miami defense has been putting together quite a season so far – 46 tackles 1 sack 3 passes defensed. Miami’s middle backer has been one of the league’s best linebackers against the run, according to Pro Football Focus. He could do a little more against the pass, though. Dansby should receive Pro-Bowl consideration if he can continue his high play against the run, and add in a few more sacks and interceptions.

Oct 14 2012; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins cornerback Sean Smith (24) breaks up a pass to St. Louis Rams wide receiver Chris Givens (13) in the fourth quarter at Sun Life Stadium. The Dolphins defeated the Rams 17-14. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-US PRESSWIRE

Corner Back – Sean Smith – Mr. Smith has been a baller for this Miami defense so far this year. Smith had his best game against Larry Fitzgerald – Yes, the one who is always on highlight reels for touchdowns. Smith was able to intercept two passes in that game AND contain Fitzgerald for the entire game! He has 27 tackles 9 passes defensed 2 interceptions and 1 forced fumble. Although Smith has a nice stat line, he needs to elevate his game for the remainder of the season (he is very inconsistent). 6 interceptions and a few more forced fumbles should get him a Pro-Bowl nod.

Sept 8, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Miami Dolphins punter Brandon Fields (2) punts against the Houston Texans during the first half at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Campbell-US PRESSWIRE

Punter – Brandon Fields – The lone special teams player…Fields has solidified himself as one of the NFL’s best punters. 29 punts 1,479 yards 51.0 average 9 downs inside the opposing team’s 20 yard line. Fields is a god. After being under-rated for much of his career, Fields is close to being a lock.

My Pro-Bowl picks from this list:

-Left Tackle – Jake Long

-Center – Mike Pouncey

-Defensive Tackle – Randy Starks

-Defensive End – Cameron Wake

-Corner – Sean Smith

As always, Keep Your Fins Up!!!

—–ALL STATISTICS TAKEN FROM NFL.COM—–