Miami Dolphins: Ranking the 15 most important Dolphins in 2021

3-1 most important Miami Dolphins.

3. Xavien Howard

If Howard is traded, obviously, he would not be on this list. But he is still a Dolphin, and he is the most important defender on the roster. Howard had 10 interceptions last season, and without those turnovers, Miami’s defense would not have looked as good as it did.

You can’t count on him to have 10 interceptions again, but he needs to be the shutdown, lockdown cornerback fans love again this season. If he takes away the receiver he is covering, and so does Jones, paired with the pass rush and linebackers, Miami will have arguably the best defense in football.

2. Matt Skura

There may be a ton of people who do not understand how Miami’s worst offensive lineman is the most important for 2021. Well, that is because even though Skura isn’t the most talented, he is the guy that needs to keep it all together, literally and figuratively.

If Skura would go down with an injury, the Dolphins’ offensive line will be in shambles. Skura has no one behind him that can take over and be counted on. He is all Miami has at center, and he is crucial for their 2021 success.

1. Tua Tagovailoa

No. 1 was obvious, but let’s talk about it. Starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa may have the most pressure on him out of any player in the NFL. It feels crazy typing that because he is only entering his second year, but if he stinks in 2021, this will get interesting in Miami.

Tagovailoa needs to play good football. He needs to show that he is why Miami can win games, not just the reason Miami can lose games. The Dolphins do not want a game manager; they need an elite quarterback, so Tagovailoa is obviously the most important player for Miami this season.