Dolphins preview: Young core looks to make a splash among AFC contenders
Training camps are still in the distance, but USA TODAY Sports is providing five things you need to know about every team in the NFL to catch you up on the offseason. Today, the Miami Dolphins ...
1. The defense is banking on young talent to step up
The Dolphins won 10 games and made the playoffs for the first time since 2008 despite a defense that was the fourth worst in yards allowed (382.6 per game) and tied for worst in average yards per carry allowed (4.8). That explains why they used five of their seven 2017 draft picks, including the first three, on defensive players. They are hopeful their first-round pick, defensive end Charles Harris from Missouri, will make an immediate impact as a pass rusher, eventually taking over for veteran sack-master Cameron Wake, 35. The Dolphins also are counting on linebacker Raekwon McMillan, their second-round selection from Ohio State.
2. Tannehill is healthy — and ticked off
Quarterback Ryan Tannehill has recovered from the left knee injury that sidelined him for the final three games last season and is participating in team workouts. “He looks normal to me,” coach Adam Gase said. “He looks like he did last year. He moved around fine. He’s got a good edge to him that I like right now. You can tell that he wasn’t real happy about getting hurt. I know he’s really trying to make sure he’s one of the reasons we’re taking the next step.” Tannehill, who turns 29 in July, had a career-best 93.5 passer rating before the injury.
3. Parker is being counted on for a breakout year
Third-year wide receiver DeVante Parker tallied decent numbers (56 catches, 744 yards, four touchdowns) last season, but the Dolphins are expecting a lot more from their 2015 first-round pick. “We need him to be a big-play, No.1 receiver,” offensive coordinator Clyde Christensen said. “He has that potential. He has the skills, which not many guys do. Now, he’s applying himself.” If Parker blossoms, Miami will field one of the best receiving trios in football, with Parker pairing with catching machine Jarvis Landry and deep threat Kenny Stills, who was re-signed. Stills had nine touchdown receptions last season.
4. The offensive line has been reworked
Miami is so enthusiastic about second-year tackle Laremy Tunsil that it traded veteran left tackle Branden Albert. Tunsil will handle the blindside, while Ja’Wuan James will remain at right tackle. There are concerns with the interior of the line. Eighth-year veteran Ted Larsen, who played for the Chicago Bears last season, could plug one of the guard spots. Miami is praying center Mike Pouncey’s often-injured hips hold up for a full season. “Our goal is to make sure he plays every game, plus more,” Gase said.
5. Reuniting with Gase could rejuvenate Thomas' career
The Dolphins traded a seventh-round pick to acquire tight end Julius Thomas from the Jacksonville Jaguars. The question is: Which Thomas will suit up for Miami? The one who had back-to-back 12-touchdown seasons for the Denver Broncos when Gase was his offensive coordinator? Or the one who had a total of nine touchdown receptions over the past two seasons with the Jaguars. “Gase knows exactly how to use him,” Christensen said. “I have great confidence that we will get that Thomas.”
PHOTOS: NFL offseason workouts
