The Miami Dolphins actually had one of the better offseasons in the NFL. With the addition of solid veterans and exciting rookies, under Brian Flores can the Dolphins come up to a winning record, and even make the playoffs? Let’s look at some of the exciting stories coming from the Dolphins in 2020.
3 Position Battles To Watch:
Running Back: Matt Breida, Jordan Howard
The Miami Dolphins had no running game last year, with their leading rusher being 37 year old QB Ryan Fitzpatrick. In the offseason, the Dolphins acquired Matt Bredia from the 49ers and picked up Jordan Howard in free agency. Jordan Howard proved to be a solid back with over 30 TDs and 4.3 yards per carry in his first 4 years. Although Matt Breida doesn’t have as much experience, with only 123 carries in his first 3 seasons, he averages a much better 5.1 yards per carry. The starting running back position could still up in the air.
Right Guard: Michael Deiter, Danny Isidora, Shaq Calhoun, Robert Hunt, Solomon Kindley
Erik Flowers joined the Dolphins to start at left guard. That leaves 5 linemen, 3 veterans, and 2 rookies, to fight for the starting right guard spot. The three vets, Michael Deiter, Danny Isidora, and Shaq Calhoun all struggled last year in one of the league’s worst offensive lines, and the 2 rookies, Robert Hunt and Solomon Kindley are solid but unproven. With the shortened training camp one of the veterans is going to have to step up, but who?
Linebacker: Jerome Baker, Raekwon McMillan
Veteran Linebacker Kyle Van Noy, newly acquired from the Patriots, will be one of the 2 starting linebackers. This leaves the second spot to either Jerome Baker or Raekwon McMillan. Both have strengths and weaknesses in their games. Whichever one fixes the issues in his game first will be the one start, but it won’t be easy, because their issues are pretty big.
Ready To Break Out: Preston Williams
Preston Williams will be coming into his sophomore season after he was injured in week 2 of 2019. Prior to his injury, the rookie lead the dolphins in receptions and already had 3 TDs. Once he’s back on the field, with defenses focusing on Pro-bowler DeVante Parker, Preston Williams is bound to break out in 2020 with an explosive Tua Tagovailoa throwing to him.
Rookie To Watch: Tua Tagovailoa
The 5th overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft, Tua Tagovailoa had a few concerns coming into the league, mainly his health. The Dolphins lacked a truly explosive QB last year, but if healthy, Tua can fill that hole. Can Tua lead the Dolphins to a winning record?
Fantasy Sleeper: Mike Gesicki
Although he didn’t do much during the 2019 season, in his last 5 games Mike Gesicki broke out with 20 receptions for 248 yards and 4 TDs. Gesicki might lose some of his efficiency in 2020 if Preston Williams comes back and takes the slot position away from him, as Gesicki played 66% of his snaps from the slot in 2019. But with improved QB play, Gesicki should become a solid tight end and should be able to play well, even with Preston Williams in the slot.
