As we get closer and closer to September and the (potential) start to the 2020 NFL season, it’s a convenient time to consider the individuals that can contribute as X-factors to their respective teams. These players are likely to contribute greatly to an organization’s success or failure for the season, and in this part of our series on the faces of each NFL franchise for 2020, we will take a look at the faces of the 2020 Miami Dolphins roster.
Coming off of a 5-11 season, the Dolphins are building towards the future; however, some of their younger prospects like fifth overall selection quarterback Tua Tagovailoa will not be included in this list due to questions surrounding his playing time and his competition with Ryan Fitzpatrick for the starting job. This group of players has a higher profile and have the most to prove for the upcoming season.
Notable Players for the 2020 Miami Dolphins
DeVante Parker
It was not a terribly difficult decision to select a potent offensive weapon at a skill position for this roster. DeVante Parker enjoyed breakout success during the 2019 season with 1,200 yards and nine touchdowns while playing in all 16 games. His next best receiving season occurred back in 2016 with only 744 yards and four touchdowns. Optimism is at an all-time high for the clear number one receiver.
While Preston Williams has great potential and Albert Wilson signed a notable deal with Miami in 2018, Parker should continue to be targeted regularly whether Fitzpatrick or Tagovailoa take snaps under center. He’ll be a primary weapon in this offense and reflect either the progress or struggles of the developing core.
Was 2019 a fluke? Or will he blossom into an eventual or perhaps perennial Pro-Bowler in a more open AFC East? Obviously, he doesn’t share a tier with some of the conference’s elite receivers such as Tyreek Hill or Keenan Allen, but in terms of importance to a team, he shares or even eclipses them due to the team surrounding him.
Byron Jones
Former Cowboys cornerback Byron Jones signed a five-year, $82.5 million dollar contract with the Dolphins in the off-season, making him one of the highest-paid corners in all of the NFL. All eyes will be on Jones for the 2020 season as he’ll be playing alongside another highly paid corner in Xavien Howard. This expensive secondary tandem can make or break the Miami defense in the upcoming season, and with the questions surrounding the offense, this group has to perform up to their competition.
As for Jones himself, he made his first and only Pro Bowl in 2018 after converting from free safety to corner, defending 14 passes and totaling a combined 67 tackles. While he isn’t known for intercepting passes, he doesn’t give up too much. Opposing quarterbacks completed just 53 percent of their passes directed at Jones in 2019, and he gave up three touchdowns.
The former first-round selection has had trouble with injuries in the past, so this season will also be a proving ground in the health sector. He had hip surgery in the off-season before the 2018 season and even had to miss the final game due to an ankle injury. The 2020 campaign will hopefully give Dolphins fans hope in the defense and specifically the secondary, where Jones can hopefully justify his contract sooner rather than later.
Kyle Van Noy
Yes, another player that has just signed with the Dolphins through free agency appears on this list. Ex-Patriot Kyle Van Noy signed a four-year, $51 million deal to join the team as a versatile linebacker and edge rusher. He brings a veteran presence to a younger organization, contributing to two championship New England teams. Dolphins head coach Brian Flores actually favored and worked with Van Noy while on the Patriots coaching staff, for Flores served as the linebacker coach from the 2016 to 2018 season and even took charge of defensive play-calling once defensive coordinator Matt Patricia departed to become head coach of the Detroit Lions.
In three-and-a-half seasons, Van Noy played in 51 regular-season games and totaled 250 tackles, with 16.5 sacks, four forced fumbles (four recoveries), two interceptions, and three defensive touchdowns. He also appeared in 10 playoff games, adding 46 tackles with 5.5 sacks and four forced fumbles.
