The Miami Dolphins’ 2020 season was a campaign marked with strong team play and a select few herculean individual efforts. Cornerback Xavien Howard’s ability to generate turnovers on seemingly a weekly basis was a critical piece of the puzzle. Kicker Jason Sanders felt automatic on his kicks any time the Dolphins reached the opposing 40-yard line. But by and large, Miami’s 10-win season was a product of opportunistic play, disciplined players and a collaborative effort each and every week. You saw a new player step up weekly.
And apparently the fine folks over at Pro Football Focus believe the Dolphins will need more of the same in 2021 in order to find success — as they’ve shut the Dolphins out of their list of the top-50 players for the upcoming 2021 season.
No one would certainly expect a kicker to make the list. But the group is apparently banking on a regression from cornerback Xavien Howard this season, too. Howard did not make the cut himself but a total of five cornerbacks did:
- Jaire Alexander, Green Bay
- Jalen Ramsey, Los Angeles
- Marlon Humphrey, Baltimore Ravens
- Bryce Callahan, Denver Broncos
- James Bradberry, New York Giants
That’s a bit of a surprise, given just how well Howard scored in 2020 and with how much talent returns to the Dolphins’ secondary to force teams to sparingly throw in his direction and give him opportunities to play the football.
There’s no shortage of contenders to rise and stake a claim this season for Miami — and the team is certainly hopeful to see a few elite talents emerge on their roster. Such a development would open the door for a lot more perceived upside for a team that is ready to declare themselves ready to contend.