Phin Phanatic
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Miami Dolphins: 10 most important players for the future of the franchise

By Anthony Cardenas

Tua Tagovailoa (1), shakes hands with Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) during pregame action against the New England Patriots during NFL game at Hard Rock Stadium Sunday in Miami Gardens.New England Patriots V Miami Dolphins 07
Tua Tagovailoa (1), shakes hands with Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) during pregame action against the New England Patriots during NFL game at Hard Rock Stadium Sunday in Miami Gardens.New England Patriots V Miami Dolphins 07 /
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Jaelan Phillips
Miami Dolphins Jaelan Phillips Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

Miami Dolphins’ important player #8: Jaelan Phillips

Like the aforementioned Tindall (and the soon to be mentioned Baker), Jaelan Phillips is an important piece for the future of the Miami Dolphins linebacker unit.

The second-year player will look to improve on his impressive 8.5 sacks from a season ago, and figures to be the #2 pass rusher on the team behind Emmanuel Ogbah. He has the talent and intangibles to help him become a feared presence in the league, something that the Dolphins will need if they hope to keep up with the young quarterbacks in the AFC East and the rest of the NFL.

Year 2 will be an important one for Phillips, as he will look to solidify a starting spot not only for this season but for the foreseeable future as well.

#7: Jerome Baker

Jerome Baker already signed the big contract that made him a big part of the Dolphins’ future. Aside from Ogbah, he will be the defense’s highest-paid player in 2022 and has been one of the team’s most consistent players over the last few years. He has led the team in tackles in each of the last three seasons, and his performance in December 2021 was good enough to earn him AFC Defensive Player of the Month honors.

Miami is counting on him to be the leading, veteran presence that it badly needs, and they should get it from now until his contract expires in 2025.

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