50 best players in the AFC East
By Brian Miller
Olivier Vernon
Dec 1, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith (7) is sacked by Miami Dolphins defensive end Olivier Vernon (50) during the first quarter of a game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Olivier Vernon didn’t venture far from his college days. The University of Miami product was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the 3rd round of the 2012 NFL Draft. In his career with the Dolphins he has 135 tackles, 3 forced fumbles, and 21.5 sacks playing defensive end opposite Cameron Wake.
In 2012 Vernon did not register a start during his rookie season but contributed 18 tackles and 3.5 sacks for the Dolphins. In 2013 he took on the starting role, starting 14 of the 16 games he appeared in. In 2014 he started all 16 games for the Dolphins.
Statistically his best season thus far was in 2013 when he contributed 11.5 sacks and 52 combined tackles from the right defensive end spot. The Dolphins believe that 2015 will produce bigger numbers. Miami is set to start Ndamukong Suh next to Vernon in the hopes that Vernon will face less double teams on the season.
AFC Special Teams Player of the Week (2012, Week 8)
AFC Defensive Player of the Week (2013, Week 13)