Kelly: Do Dolphins have 10 youngsters worth developing?
Good teams, no matter the sport, have a talented nucleus of young players.
They typically represent the team’s cheap labor, the talent that has upside to grow into foundational pieces.
The Miami Dolphins (7-8) are entering a transitional period this offseason, expected to rebuild the roster, but based on what we’ve seen this season Miami has a handful of youngsters who have shown some potential this season.
Take a look at the Dolphins players who will be 26 and under by the time next season rolls around.
Tailback De’Von Achane - Achane’s second season wasn’t as dynamic as his first, but he improved his all-around game, becoming more of a passing threat after leading the team with 76 receptions. Maybe his rushing production (761 rushing yards on 182 carries) would be better if he had a better offensive line in front of him.
Edge rusher Jaelan Phillips - Even though Phillips has only played 12 games the past two seasons because of injuries when he’s on the field he’s impactful (23 sacks, one interceptions and three forced fumble in 46 games). The hope is that Phillips, who will earn $13.2 million after having his fifth-year option triggered - can return from the season-ending knee injury he had surgically repaired in October at some point next season and remain impactful.
Safety Jevon Holland - Holland, a 2021 second-round pick, has started 55 of the 58 regular season games he’s played for Miami, contributing 292 tackles, five interceptions, five sacks, five forced fumbles and recovered another four. He’s an impending free agent who will likely command a salary north of $10 million a season.
Edge rusher Chop Robinson - The Dolphins’ 2024 first round pick has thrived as a situational pass rusher, contributed 22 tackles, six sacks and four pass deflections in the 472 defensive snaps he’s played in the past 15 games. The hope is that Robinson will become a better edge setter as his career continues, becoming an every down player.
Cornerback Kader Kohou - Kohou rebounded from a disappointing 2023 season to have his best year in the NFL in 2024. Kohou, who has started seven games and contributed 36 tackles, two interceptions and seven pass deflections, has an 82.6 passer rating when receiver he’s covering is targeted. Miami will likely use the right of first refusal tender, which will pay him $3 million in 2025.
Receiver Malik Washington - Washington, the Dolphins 2024 sixth-round pick, has worked his way into the starting slot role, and also serves as Miami’s primary return specialist since Braxton Berrios suffered his season-ending knee injury in October.
Tight end Julian Hill - This second-year player has started more games (10) than any other tight end on the roster, and that includes Jonnu Smith. He’s not the run blocking force the Dolphins claim he is, but there’s clearly upside despite his 12 receptions for 100 yards.
Offensive tackle Patrick Paul - Paul was drafted in the second-round of the 2024 NFL draft with the intention of being Terron Armstead’s understudy in year one, and his eventual replacement either in 2024 or 2025. He’s started two games and handled 235 offensive snaps. He’s from a finished product, but does possess some upside.
Tailback Jaylen Wright - Wright, the Dolphins’ fourth round pick, gained 232 yards on 62 carries and caught three passes for 8 yards before falling out of favor with the coaching staff. He’ll eventually get an opportunity again, but might have to wait till 2025.
Cornerback Storm Duck - In one season Duck, an undrafted rookie from Louisville, has leapfrogged Cam Smith and Ethan Bonner on the Dolphins cornerback depth chart because of how mentally prepared and fundamentally sound he is. Duck will likely start his third game for the Dolphins this week and contributed 25 tackles.
