The Miami Dolphins roster looks drastically different than the last version of the team we saw in December of 2019. Miami is projected to bring 11 new starters to the team in 2020 plus a slew of additional depth players — the Dolphins’ turnover has resulted in a more talented team and renewed optimism for a competitive season. But one thing the Dolphins won’t get is the benefit of the doubt — as evidenced by ESPN’s predictions centered around showcasing their top-100 players for the 2020 NFL season.
There were no Miami Dolphins included in the exercise.
On the surface level, there are several omissions that are difficult to justify. If the Dolphins have a healthy DeVante Parker once again this season, one would think he’d qualify based on his play last season. There’s a lot more youth on the offense side of the ball, so Parker is probably Miami’s biggest snub on that side of the football.
Defensively, Miami has several talents who could have at least warranted consideration. If you’d like to disqualify Xavien Howard for his injury history, it would be understandable. But he’s certainly a dynamic weapon in coverage when he’s healthy. Free agent signees Byron Jones and Kyle Van Noy also have the potential to be impact players for the Dolphins this season. Van Noy has enjoyed career years in two consecutive seasons — he had his best year rushing the passer in 2019 and figures to be set up for additional quarterback pressures here in Miami. Jones, on the other hand, has to start finding the football in coverage to take the next step as a player. But if the interceptions come, he’s got the blanket ability in man coverage to help negative opposing WR1s and help allow this Dolphins defense to smother the opposition.
Miami also has young talents that can step forward in 2020 — but players like Mike Gesicki and Christian Wilkins have not played at a high enough level yet to warrant significant hype in a top-100 list. But if things go right, they may make a case for making the cut in 2021.