Which Dolphin Rookies Are Most Needed To Succeed?

There is no denying that the upcoming NFL season may be the most anticipated season for Miami Dolphin fans in a long time. It seems like everything is riding on this season. General Manager Jeff Ireland went on an offseason rampage and spent millions bolstering this young team with weapons on both sides of the ball. It is no secret his job rests on the outcome of this season. Many fans eagerly await the promising progress of sophomore QB Ryan Tannehill, who has one of the league’s best offensive arsenals at his disposal. There is no question that this team is Tannehill’s, and the majority (if not all) of the pressure leading up to week 1 against the Browns is on his shoulders. While I agree the success or failure of the team rides on Tannehill’s back, I believe the performance of the following rookies will influence this year’s season. Here our my Miami Dolphin rookies who are most needed to succeed.

1. DE Dion Jordan: Defensive leader Cameron Wake had 15.0 sacks and 3 forced fumbles with relatively no help on the other side of the ball. Imagine what he and Jordan could do together. I believe this could be the best defense in the league; a lot of that will depend on how Dion Jordan progresses through the year. If he can stay healthy and be the nightmare he was in college, Cam Wake and the Miami Dolphins could have the best pass rushing attack in the NFL, which is exactly what you need when you play Tom Brady twice a year.

2. CB Jamar Taylor: Miami spent their first second round pick on Taylor in this year’s draft for a reason. Taylor is a physical corner who plays with fire. If you watched the Dolphins last year, you could spot the glaring holes in their secondary from miles away. Assuming Brent Grimes continues to thrive in camps, it looks like Taylor will be battling Richard Marshall and fellow rookie Will Davis for the other starting job. If Taylor plays up to his potential, this Miami secondary led by S Reshad Jones just got a lot better.

3. K Caleb Sturgis: I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Miami didn’t use a fifth round pick on Sturgis for nothing. The last thing this team needs is to lose more close games on missed kicks. I love Dan Carpenter but it doesn’t take a genius to know that the cheaper Sturgis was drafted as his replacement. The ‘Phins will need Strugis to perform this season and handle the in-game pressure that accompanies being an NFL kicker. The Dolphins should be in every single game this season, and whether they win or lose close games may come down to this rookie’s leg.

While it would be easier just to say every Dolphin rookie must succeed, I believe the three rookies listed above will have the most impact on Miami’s success this year. This Dolphins team is the most anticipated in a while for good reason. There is a lot to be excited about in Fins Nation!

Which Dolphins rookies do you think will influence this team’s success/failure the most?

FINS UP!

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