With a little over two weeks until Traning Camp officially opens and we are back onto America's Favorite Sport. Wanted to see where people's heads were at with our roster and what players they'll be keeping an eye on upcoming in 2015. Some of the areas I focused on are last year's weaknesses and some of our revamped units. Prove-It Group: 1. DeVante Parker - A few factors on why he makes the list. 1. he is our 1st round pick 2. his off season surgery and how quickly he can recover. 3. his undeniable talent. I've seen a few good WR's come and go for obvious reasons but Parker seems to be one who can make a difference and be a difference for a long time. The surgery doesn't seem to be too worrisome but still not ideal. With a unit that has depth there is zero reason to rush him back. He is a the big bodied target we haven't had since Marshall and he has the non-diva work ethic we need to complement our QB. 2. Billy Turner - to me he is the difference between a stout unit and a big liability. Turner was a 3rd round pick last year for a reason and he has the build to be a mauler in our offense. With LG a bigger ? on who is going to fill that need I think Turner should and will win out at RG. If he holds up on that end him and James could form a nice combo for years to come. 3. Chris McCain - there is something about this kid. Some good some bad some confusing but one thing he brings is passion. I'll take passion any day of the week. He could fill the role of Dion Jordan this season. I like what I saw in limited time last year but if he can come on as a starter in year 2 that is huge for 2015 and beyond. His length, athleticism, and pass rushing ability are rare for a Undrafted player. Having a player like him and Jelani as OLB's in our alignment will give us a significant amount of adaptability. 4. Jamar Taylor - this is make or break for him. Having a stable #2 CB is going to be key this season. Every indication is the staff is giving him first crack to lock down the position but who knows what happens in training camp. He needs to stay healthy first and foremost but having him and Grimes to lock down WR's will allow our DLine to feast that much more. I love how Taylor plays the run but I want to see some ball hawking ability. Established Group: 1. Ryan Tannehill - typical choosing the QB but I saw the step forward he took last year. I certainly feel this is the most talented roster top to bottom he has had since arriving in South Beach. He's got a steady group of WR's, two big bodied TE's, talent on OL if still not perfect. On the defensive side of the ball he has a young and hungry unit. I see RT17 on the outside of top 10 in our league but I do think believe he can get into that group after this year. He needs to execute better in 4th quarter is the biggest gripe I can think of off the top of my head. 2. Jordan Cameron - two years ago he was a force at his position. While 2014 was a down year he still averaged an insane ypc, and showed he can be dynamic. He never had a QB near the ability of the one we have under center. He is a lot more of a aerial threat than Clay was, and while I'll miss CC he isn't the athlete or threat of Cameron. Again, the concussions are concerning but I think he will be a big red zone threat. 3. Reshad Jones - When he is good man is he good. Inconsistency is the biggest thing separating him from being Top Tier player at his position. He can play the run, rush the passer, and cover the pass. The difference with him in the lineup the last 12 games vs. the first 4 games was noticeable. 4. Ndamukong Suh - we paid him for a reason and that is to wreak havoc on OL's. Well, he will be surrounded by the most talent he has had. He will have a full stable of DT's to rotate with and for. Having Wake next to him will be a pick your poison for OG's and OT's. The one combination I am eager to see is him with Jordan Phillips. Those two could be some massive people movers and really be stout against the run and collapse interior pockets with ease. That last part is a big reason why Tom Brady is not excited to see our names on the calendar two times this year.
I feel like Parker's in a different subsection of the "Prove it" category than the others listed: he's almost certainly going to become a starter, though it may take some time. Whether he becomes a #1 receiver is where he needs to "prove it". I'd also put Sturgis in the "prove it" category. He's coming off an injury and we need a better kicker than he has so far been. Thing is, he has all the tools to do it.. just needs to prove it.
I see what you mean with Parker. In regards to Sturgis he doesn't get any consideration for me. I hope to god this staff brings a veteran into camp to beat him out.
Bingo! Kid was the most complete back in the draft. 28 TD's last year...he's got a nose for the endzone. Parker is what we wanted Wallace to be and Ajayi is what we wanted Daniel Thomas to be. Beyond that, Lippet, Douglas and the Tres McCains...
Good post. I want to see Tannehill improve this year. I want to see Lamar Miller get another 1,000 yard season with a couple long runs for TDs. I want to see all the WR's improve and go through the season with no more than 3 drops for the whole year. I know its crazy but I would like to see something like that. I want Jordan Cameron catching everything in the red zone. I want to see the line protect Tannehill now and throughout the season. I get a chance now to see the defensive line dominate an offense consistently. I want to see Jelani Jenkins improve and enjoy consistent success. I want Chris McCain to show that he belongs in the starting lineup. Can Koa Misi man the middle? I want a dominant secondary. I think Jamar Taylor will win the starting spot. I want see Jones & Delmas together at the same time the whole season. Will the real Sturgis please stand up? Please be the strong and accurate one!! I want to see a true kick/punt return specialist. One who can take it to the house consistently but who can put us in great position to score big. How's that?
all of them really but I really want to see if Chris Mccain can become that outside linebacker we haven't had in a loooong time..Im excited about his personality and talent. Jamar Taylor, J train..JC..all the rookies..Billy turner..Dallas thomas
For me Cameron. Pretty much been in love w/ him since he torched us game 1 of 2013. He is going to beast this year in the red zone and on 3rd downs but I also think he it going to tear up some secondaries running like a wild man down the seam. I'm afraid there aren't going to be enough balls to go around.
I want to see ALL 90 of them...seriously. I know some are gonna suck and get cut/PS'd, but the competition is awesome to me, all the way through the 53 cut. More specifically, the competition for guard and back-up O line spots is going to be very interesting. I'm glad Pouncey is back at center...I was hopeful he'd be great at guard, he just wasn't. We'll all be watching BA's progress, no doubt. Part of my "see 90" angle is my fingers are crossed nobody gets suspended...like Jones, Jordan, etc over recent years. THAT sh*t pisses me off to no end.
Rather than doing a shopping list, the two guys I am most eager to see in 2015 are Jelani Jenkins and Chris McCain. I thought both of them showed a lot of potential last year, and I expect them to be much better for the experience and with another off season behind them. I have high hopes that Jelani Jenkins will play to pro bowl level, and for Chris McCain I hope that he will be a decent starter who will make some highlight reel plays every now and again.
this is why I say that the season starts in two weeks, dead serious, the roster is shaped every day for the future of the team, thats just as important as games..cant be bad at that and expect to be good in games.
As long as he stays healthy and is upright Tannehill should improve. If they give Miller enough carries he has shown he is capable. Yeah IDK about 3 drops but I would like to see them more sure handed and improve on their YAC Cameron will feast in RZ OL depends on Albert and OG situation Agreed DL needs to dominate but also sustain through the year, plenty of depth at DT but need DE's to step up. Jenkins is the one sure LB we got but he needs to keep developing. McCain shown he can play but needs to show he belongs. Misi's problem is his health, if he is 100% he has best DT combo's he's ever had to allow him to move. Doubt the secondary will be dominant but if our DL is we only need them to be solid, Taylor stepping up into a legit starter gives me better hope for this year and following years. Delmas staying healthy for full 16 game season is rare but I hope so too. Sturgis is garbage, no spine or clutch gene in his body. If Lamichael James makes the 53 I'd like to see him on some kick returns.
well their all in fine shape. i can confirm that..ive seen and studied all their bodies relative to a year ago and they are better.
Well, I am anxious to see all of them...I really like it when we find some good players from the UDFA group.