Dolphins top 20 2016 moves: number 5
By Brian Miller
Today we continue Looking back at the 2016 off-season for the Miami Dolphins and the 20 moves that could impact not only the 2016 season but beyond.
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Number: Can the 2016 draft picks make a contribution?
During the Joe Philbin era as head coach for the Miami Dolphins one thing was almost a certainty. If you are a rookie you likely won’t play. If you are not a favorite selection of Philbin, your chances are even worse.
Dion Jordan hardly saw the field his rookie season. Lamar Miller not much. Jay Ajayi, Jordan Phillips, etc…etc…etc… In fact during the four years of Joe Philbin, only Ryan Tannehill, Jarvis Landry, Ja’Wuan James, and Jonathan Martin saw a lot of playing time their rookie seasons. The rest had to wait for the turn or an injury.
This year’s draft class is interesting in the sense that Miami didn’t target obvious needs but instead kept to their board and drafted based on talent. Laremy Tunsil will likely start despite rotating in camp. Jakeem Grant should win the return job if he can hold on to the football. Once Xavien Howard returns he will likely see a lot of the first team action.
In additon Leonte Carroo should see increased work as the season progresses and Kenyan Drake if he can stay healthy should be a reliable third running back.
What the Dolphins need here is for the draft class to get on the field. Miami can’t afford players to sit on the bench and wait. It’s more crucial given the fact that Miami opted to not draft linebackers or more corners but instead draft two wide-receivers where there was no obvious need.
How well these young players adapt to the NFL will determine their value in 2016 and beyond but the continual non-use of the teams drafted players needs to come to an end.