We are now a week removed from the 2021 NFL Draft, and the long wait for the start of training camp is in full swing. Now that we have an idea for what the top-end of our roster looks to be for this upcoming season let’s look at some potential breakout players for the Miami Dolphins. It’s not a secret that the development of Tua Tagovailoa in year 2 is crucial to this team’s success in 2021, so let’s think outside of the QB position and see who can make a formidable contribution. My Top 5 is in no particular order and will NOT include the new draftees this past week.

Myles Gaskin — RB

I, among many, anticipated that the Dolphins would use their Day 1 or 2 picks on one of the top 3 running backs from this draft class; instead, they elected to cover other needs for the team and did not select an RB until pick #244 with Gerrid Doaks out of Cincinnati. As much as this may have disappointed some fans, this must have been music to Myles Gaskin’s ears, as Chris Grier and Brian Flores made it clear that he will be RB1 for the start of this season. Gaskin came on strong in training camp last year, so strong that newly acquired running backs at the time, Jordan Howard and Matt Brieda, seemed to be after-thoughts in Miami’s ground game. His explosive burst and ability to make people miss at the line of scrimmage helped a dismal ground attack from 2019 turn into a mediocre one. Obviously, there needs to be further development; and the newly acquired Malcolm Brown and Salvon Ahmed could prevent a huge gain statistically. That being said, the message was sent loud and clear to the fan base: Gaskin is the guy Miami is running with. It remains to be seen what Eric Studesville and George Godsey (new co-offensive coordinators) have in store for the running game this season, but it is safe to expect a good chunk of RPO’s with Myles Gaskin as the featured back.

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Lynn Bowden Jr — WR

In speaking of explosive bursts, Bowden showcased this ability in the latter part of this season, as his knack for making people miss in the open field jumped off the screen. Though it did take some time to get adjusted after being traded from the Las Vegas Raiders, the former Kentucky QB became a crucial part of the offensive attack as injuries plagued the WR room. Look for Bowden to be further utilized as a “gadget” player for this offense in 2021; whether lined up in the slot, wildcat QB, or in the backfield, there could be a huge jump in production Lynn Bowden in his sophomore campaign.

 

Raekwon Davis — DT

I do not believe I’ve seen Coach Brian Flores more elated than when Miami was able to select Davis with the 56th pick of the 2020 draft. It turned out there was a reason: PFF had Davis ranked very high throughout his 1st season in the league, as the former Alabama standout was selected to this past year’s PFWA (Pro Football Writers of America) All-Rookie Defensive team. What was most promising, in my opinion, was that once Davis was put into the starting lineup, our notorious struggles of defending the run were very much alleviated as he was a constant double-team magnet. The addition of Jaelan Phillips in the draft, along with the increased production of Christian Wilkins and Emmanuel Ogbah, makes this the most interesting choice of my list, as the 6’7 — 330lb could potentially line up off the edge due to his versatility in the 3-4 scheme. One thing’s for sure; I’d hate to be the opposing OL should this occur.

Eric Rowe — S

With the not-so-surprising release of Bobby McCain announced Thursday morning, Eric Rowe now becomes the most tenured Safety for the Miami Dolphins. The former Utah Ute had a career year in 2020, is widely known for his ability to shut down opposing TEs. Rowe also became a force in the run game, totaling 91 total tackles in 2020; good enough for 2nd most on this defensive unit (#1 being linebacker Jerome Baker). Rowe must continue his upwards trajectory, but most importantly, he will need to lead a unit that now features Jevon Holland, an incoming Oregon prospect that has shown the potential to be the “QB of the Defense” during his time in Eugene. Media outlets have already tabbed Holland as a “Flores type of guy” due to his versatility and hard-nosed play. It will be crucial for Rowe to serve as a mentor to the rookie (and 2nd-year player Brandon Jones) if Miami wants to solidify the Safety position for this upcoming season. Look for Brian Flores to give Rowe extra responsibility early on.

 

Will Fuller V — WR

The Dolphins’ offseason’s biggest splash was the signing of this former Texans wideout, who saw a career-high in receptions, yards, and touchdowns last year. This was all done in a shortened season due to Fuller’s violation of the NFL’s PED policy that will also force him to miss Week 1 of the upcoming season. On a 1-year 16 million dollar contract, This truly is a “Prove It” deal for the 27-year-old wideout from Notre Dame. The theme for this whole offseason was to bring some weapons in for Tua Tagovailoa, and this acquisition could be the catapult for the passing game and the run game as Coach Flores has already eluded to. “I think it helps a lot,” Flores said via Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald. “I think if you’ve got guys who can run on the perimeter, if you load the box, there’s more opportunity for 1-on-1 matchups and opportunities downfield. Defenses have to make that decision when you have those types of players on the field, and again, if you don’t load the box and you play for those big plays, then there’s fewer people in the box and fewer people to block, and I think it really becomes kind of a numbers math game. If you get those guys blocked, there’s more space to run.” Considering the addition of 6th overall pick Jaylen Waddle, this scenario that Flores is explaining could be the true springboard into making Miami’s offense a forced to be reckoned with in 2021.