Phin Phanatic
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Miami Dolphins: Ranking all 9 positions from worst to first

By Anthony Cardenas

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 13: (L-R) Xavien Howard #25, Nik Needham #40, and Jerome Baker #55 of the Miami Dolphins celebrate and interception against the Kansas City Chiefs at Hard Rock Stadium on December 13, 2020 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 13: (L-R) Xavien Howard #25, Nik Needham #40, and Jerome Baker #55 of the Miami Dolphins celebrate and interception against the Kansas City Chiefs at Hard Rock Stadium on December 13, 2020 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /
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Emmauel Ogbah Miami Dolphins (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /

3. Defensive Line

One underrated unit on the Miami Dolphins is the defensive line. They have used valuable draft assets to address it, having spent a first round pick on Christian Wilkins in 2019, and a second rounder on Raekwon Davis in 2020. Both players have been productive early on in their careers, and Miami will need them both to continue to improve if they want the defense to remain one of the top in the league.

The real gem of the line, however, is Emmanuel Ogbah. In his first season with the Dolphins, Ogbah led the team in sacks and QB hits while forcing three fumbles and defending five passes. Depending on the development of rookie linebacker Jaelan Phillips, Ogbah could see some of the attention taken away from his side, giving him further opportunities to cause disruption in the backfield. Zach Sieler was impressive as well last season, and don’t be surprised to see him start a few games for Miami this year.

2. Defensive Backs

The Dolphins’ defense faced a potential crippling issue during the start of training camp when it looked as though All-Pro cornerback Xavien Howard would be traded away. The situation has since resolved itself, and Miami should once again have one of the best secondaries in the league this coming season.

Lining up on opposite to the league leader in interceptions will be Byron Jones, who took a step back last season but was one of the premier corners just a couple of years ago. Jason McCourty is a veteran addition who will bring a winning pedigree to the defense, and any signs of life from Noah Igbinoghene will only be icing on the cake (for this season, anyway).

The real X-factor will be rookie Jevon Holland. The ball-hawking safety out of Oregon has the makings of being one of the most talented players on the team, and should easily make up for the loss of Bobby McCain. Reports out of training camp regarding Holland were positive, and he should make an already-elite unit even more talented.

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