9. Which Rookie or Undrafted Free Agent Will Make the Biggest Impact?
Miami should have a talented, experienced team this season, but there almost always seem to be one or two newcomers who factor into the team’s success. This Dolphins team has rookie draft picks Parker, Phillips, Douglas, Bobby McCain, Ajayi, safety Cedric Thompson, and Lippett signed, while undrafted free agent linebackers Zack Vigil, Jeff Luc, Neville Hewitt, and Mike Hull compete to make the 53-man roster.
When he returns to full health Parker should be expected to become the No. 1 receiver he was drafted to be, but will he do so this season? Phillips (6-foot-5, 329 pounds) is extremely athletic and has a high ceiling, but how much will he play behind an experienced and talented starting unit? Douglas, who appears to need time to develop at this level, might be thrust into a starting role out of necessity.
Will he be ready? Bobby McCain is behind a slew of talented cornerbacks, but he continues making plays. Will he be given much of a chance to contribute? Ajayi, who scored 55 touchdowns and ran for 3,796 yards in college, must improve his pass protection to get on the field. Will he? Thompson is behind at least five players on the last line of defense. Will he play more than just special teams? Same goes for Lippett. With six linebackers already set, will any of the undrafted free agents see meaningful game action if they make the team?
Next: Can Joe Philbin Take This Team to the Playoffs?
