Phin Phanatic
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Miami Dolphins: 7 rookie class predictions for the 2021 season

By Brian Miller

CINCINNATI, OH - NOVEMBER 07: Gerrid Doaks #23 of the Cincinnati Bearcats runs the ball during the game against the Houston Cougars at Nippert Stadium on November 7, 2020 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH - NOVEMBER 07: Gerrid Doaks #23 of the Cincinnati Bearcats runs the ball during the game against the Houston Cougars at Nippert Stadium on November 7, 2020 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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September 1, 2018; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins linebacker Jaelan Phillips (15) reacts after a defensive play against the Cincinnati Bearcats during the first half at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
September 1, 2018; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins linebacker Jaelan Phillips (15) reacts after a defensive play against the Cincinnati Bearcats during the first half at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

The Miami Dolphins drafted Jaelan Phillips to be their bookend pass rusher opposite Emmanuel Ogbah.

Phillips is considered by many to be the steal of this draft but almost every accolade comes with the “if he can stay healthy” statement immediately afterward. That being said, his health is a concern and if he can, stay healthy, Phillips will be in for a huge 2021 rookie season.

Prediction: I can get this one out of the way now. While Waddle won’t get the attention he will deserve, Phillips will be in the Defensive Rookie of the Year talk and I believe he will have a  good shot of getting it.

Phillips has every tool you want from an edge rusher. He has immediate burst off the line, power, quickness, and more than one move against offensive tackles and tight ends. He is a player that has to be accounted for by the offense. With Ogbah on the other side, Phillips will have help collapsing the pocket and forcing errant and untimely throws.

The Dolphins defense is already good and Brian Flores has molded that unit to his liking so there is no doubt he will get the most of his top rookie on defense.

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