Miami Dolphins: 10 most important players on the roster for 2022

#2 most important Miami Dolphins player: Xavien Howard

There is much commotion around the Dolphins’ offense this offseason, and rightfully so. But it has been the defense that has kept the team afloat over the last couple of years, and it has been Xavien Howard who has been the heartbeat and playmaker of the unit.

An interception machine two seasons ago, Howard didn’t put up the gaudy numbers in 2021, but he made game-changing plays that helped the Dolphins win the number of games that they did. His forced fumble late in the game during Miami’s Week 1 matchup with the Patriots was the play that secured what would be the only victory in the first eight games.

If the Dolphins’ defense hopes to continue its solid play and be a unit that can be counted on, Xavien Howard is going to play a big part in making that so. He is the number 2 guy on our list, and arguably the best overall player on the team.

#1: Terron Armstead

While the trade for Tyreek Hill is the flashy story of the offseason, the acquisition of Terron Armstead may be the Dolphins’ most important move for the coming season.

The perennial Pro Bowler will look to shore up what was a historically bad offensive line, and he brings a veteran pedigree to the unit that should result in noticeable changes. Armstead struggled with injuries last year, and it is imperative to Miami’s success that he is able to remain on the field and protect Tua Tagovailoa.

We saw last season how bad offensive line play can adversely affect a team’s success, and there isn’t a lot of new depth behind Armstead at his position. If he happens to miss time and the unit regresses, it could mean serious trouble for the Dolphins, which is why he is the most important player on the team for the 2022 season.