The Miami Dolphins enter their bye week feeling hot after winning their last five games. They have completely turned the tables and are looking like a legitimate contender. Their defense has been lights out and more aggressive than ever. The offense has started to come together, and Tua Tagovailoa is looking like an NFL quarterback. There’s also three key players that are making a huge difference on both sides of the ball, and they all happen to be rookies. Overall, the Dolphins 2021 draft class has exceed expectations.
Miami Dolphins 2021 Draft Class Among NFL’s Best
1. Jaylen Waddle, WR: 86 REC, 849 YDS, 4 TD’S
Waddle was the sixth overall pick out of Alabama, and the second receiver taken in the NFL draft. He had an ankle injury in 2020 and only played six games, but the Dolphins saw enough to take him, and it has paid off. Waddle has quickly emerged and has gotten better every single week. His speed is what separates him from a lot of other receivers, and can run any route in the book.
Jaylen Waddle is going down as one of my favorite rookies this season 💨
pic.twitter.com/ybdnGD7Rkb— Steven (@stevenxvision) December 3, 2021
His connection with QB Tua Tagovailoa runs deep, as the two played together at Alabama. Both still very young, they have the rare chance to grow their chemistry even more. Waddle has all the potential and skills to be a top 10 receiver, and the Dolphins are hoping he can be their new target for the next decade.
#2- Jaelan Phillips -OLB/DE- 36 Tackles, 8.5 Sacks
Phillips has been the guy who has improved the most over the Dolphins five-game winning streak. His 8.5 sacks is a Dolphins franchise rookie record, and he has five in the last two games. He had a really slow start, but has come along these past few weeks. At 6’5, 255 LBS, and tremendous speed, Phillips has all the tools he needs.
jaelan phillips sack pic.twitter.com/GD3g4755pE
— josh houtz (@houtz) December 5, 2021
He can beat blockers off the edge, or coming inside as well if needed. If Phillips can stay healthy and be consistent, he could be a premier edge defender for the Dolphins. The Dolphins 2021 draft class nailed it at the top.
#3- Jevon Holland- S- 51 TACK, 2 SACK, 2 INT
Last and certainly not least, maybe the best player from the Dolphins 2021 draft is Jevon Holland. A true playmaker in the secondary, Holland has been lights out since week one. He’s a safety that can do everything; tackle, ball-hawk, and fly around every Sunday. According to PFF, Holland is the fourth highest graded safety in the league with a grade of 81.6.
Dolphins 2021 Rookie Update:
Jaylen Waddle is 15 receptions away from the rookie record (Bolden – 101)
Jaelan Phillips is 6 sacks away from the rookie record (Kearse – 14.5)
Jevon Holland is the 4th highest graded safety in all of football (per PFF)
This class is DIFFERENT. pic.twitter.com/AEuEOzYNKB
— VBS (@VBSofficial_) December 8, 2021
Holland is a quick nominee for defensive rookie of the year, though Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons looks to have that award on lock. Still, Holland should at least be in the conversation, as he has improved the Dolphins defense alone.
The 2nd interception of the season for Coquitlam's Jevon Holland, who is pushing for Defensive Rookie of the Year honors 🇨🇦
(via @NFLCanada) pic.twitter.com/bqKSUwQmfh
— DAZN Canada (@DAZN_CA) November 28, 2021
Dolphins Enter Bye Week Feeling Hot
The Dolphins have a late bye week this year with it coming this week. It may be coming at the worst time, with them right in the middle of a five-game win streak. The good news, they play the New York Jets next week at home, which is a game they should win. These next four games for Miami is truly make it or break it. Sitting at 6-7, there is officially no time for mistakes going forward. If the Dolphins can somehow make the playoffs, it will be a massive accomplishment after starting out 1-7.
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Main photo:
Embed from Getty Images
