Miami Dolphins: 3 players with most to prove in 2021

Andrew Van Ginkel

Andrew Van Ginkel has given the Dolphins plenty of  reasons to make him a starting outside linebacker, but he will need to make some big plays this season in order to further solidify his spot.

Van Ginkel’s fellow starting linebackers are both proven commodities. Jerome Baker got paid recently and will anchor the unit for years to come, and Benardrick McKinney brings a Pro Bowl pedigree as one of Miami’s free agent signings. So, unlike Gesicki, Van Ginkel won’t be trying to prove his worth for a pay day (yet). For the upcoming season, he’ll be doing his best to hold down the edge in hopes of being a long-term starter.

So what does Van Ginkel have to do to keep kosher with the coaching staff? There will be a new edge rusher on the opposite side in rookie Jaelan Phillips, and the veteran will have to do his best to keep up with the new beast. Van Ginkel was a big part of Miami’s defensive turnover success, forcing three fumbles and returning one for a 78 yard touchdown against the Rams. He finished the season with 5.5 sacks, a number that he should look to replicate or surpass in 2021.