Miami Dolphins: 5 Observations From Monday Night

Nov 23, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver

(14) carries the football after a reception the first quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Ja’wuan James and Jarvis Landry are two of the best Dolphins draft picks in 17 years

In 1998 the Miami Dolphins drafted Jason Taylor and Sam Madison and both players made long lasting impacts on the franchise and still do today. I’m not saying that tackle Ja’wuan James or Jarvis Landry will ever be that good but there is no question that in the last 17 years these two players have a great shot at becoming that good. James has been nothing short of spectacular during his rookie season and Landry is electric. Both players have played far above their rookie projections and James is so good that he made an almost seamless transition to the left tackle spot.

In many cases players tend to fall off successful rookie seasons with sophomore slumps, especially at wide receiver. I’m of the opinion that there are two reasons for these slumps if all things are equal. One, players have tendencies that are picked up by opposition that lead to a drop in production because they are no longer surprised and two, the players themselves take a step back in their preparation. There should be no drop for Jarvis Landry. Landry has no on-field tendencies and his work ethic is one of the best in the locker room. Landry prides himself in preparation so there should be only improvement from year to year.

James has proven he can play both left and right tackle and when Branden Albert comes back next season he will slide back to the right side and once again the Dolphins will have the edges locked down.