Miami Dolphins: 3 reasons to be optimistic about the future

Reason #1: Rookie class of 2021

Liam Eichenberg has looked like yet another failed offensive line project, but many of the other rookies on the Miami Dolphins roster are giving fans hope and optimism for the future.

The Dolphins’ offense has been stagnant due to a multitude of reasons, but 6th overall pick Jaylen Waddle has managed to put up solid numbers despite. His 56 catches is 6th best in the entire league, and has more yards than the likes of Adam Thielen, DeAndre Hopkins, and Cole Beasley. If the Dolphins are able to open up the offense in the second half of the season, then Waddle could be one of the top-20 wideouts in the league in his rookie year.

On the defensive side of the ball, two top-35 picks are beginning to showcase their skill sets and have made big plays over the last few weeks. Safety Jevon Holland has been highly touted and has the potential to become one of the better secondary players in the league someday, and has showed glimpses of just that. He has made big plays in coverage, including pass deflections and interceptions, and has shown his hitting ability with forced fumbles and hits on the quarterback.

Fellow rookie defender Jaelan Phillips is also showing glimpses of his potential. The freakishly athletic edge rusher has been progressing visibly, becoming more of a regular fixture in the opposing team’s backfield. And the coaches seem as though they are starting to trust him more. Phillips played over 75 percent of the defensive snaps in 4 of the last 5 contests, after being below 60 percent for each of the first four games of the season.