Miami Dolphins: 3 potential breakout players on offense

Lynn Bowden Jr.

If second-year playmaker Lynn Bowden Jr. can continue his development and capitalize on his opportunities in 2021, then he has a chance to have a different type of breakout.

Typically, a breakout player is defined by his large leap in statistical output and tangible, on paper results. But in this case, it may be the little things that help the Miami Dolphins win football games that will make Bowden become a breakout guy for the team.

A Swiss army knife of offensive talent, Bowden has the ability to be a threat at all three skill positions. He is listed as a wide receiver and caught 28 balls on 37 targets last season in limited opportunities. He is a threat out of the backfield as well, at times lining up as the shotgun running back as well as wide receiver sweeps. And while he never lined up behind center, the Dolphins ran multiple plays designed for Bowden to throw a pass. He completed one of his two throws. But the arm talent is there, given his history of playing quarterback in college for Kentucky.

One barrier that Bowden Jr. will face next season is a crowded wide receiver room. The Dolphins’ depth chart will list 11+ players at the position, but Bowden’s experience with the team and coaching staff could give him the upper hand in certain training camp battles. He will likely be listed as the fourth or fifth wide receiver, but it will be his versatility that will give the offensive coordinators plenty of options. If some of the other “high profile” wide receivers demand the attention and coverage from the defense, it could leave Bowden with an open field to work with, and the opportunity to rack up yards and hopefully his first NFL touchdown.