Miami Dolphins

Miami Dolphins: top 10 offseason additions

Published Jun. 6, 2015 1:00 p.m. ET

share

facebookxredditlink

foxsports

In only a short period of time, the Miami Dolphins have been able to erase many of their recent roster mistakes. With general manager Dennis Hickey and vice president of football operations Mike Tannenbaum at the helm, it's been out with the old and in with the new for an organization attempting to climb out of a hole of mediocrity. The team has invested heavily in free agency and continues to shed players they believe to be underperforming or overpaid. With that in mind, here are the top-10 players the Dolphins have brought in during this offseason so far:

10. Tony Lippett (Cornerback)

Lippett was the fourth of five fifth-round selections by Miami in the 2015 NFL Draft out of Michigan State. The 22-year-old started 27 games at wide receiver and seven at cornerback in four seasons with the Spartans. In 2014, he recorded four solo tackles and broke up four passes, and became the first two-way starter in a single game for the Spartans since 1968. A 6-foot-3 project corner, he has already caught the attention of coaches by picking off several passes during Miami's OTAs.

9. Jay Ajayi (Running back)

Ajayi was the second of four fifth-round selections by Miami in the 2015 NFL Draft out of Boise State. In 2014, he became the only player in FBS history to accumulate 1,800 rushing yards and 500 receiving yards in a single season. Although concerns over a supposedly diminishing amount of cartilage in his right knee negatively affected his draft stock, the 21 year old has been working without the aid of a knee brace during OTAs and could prove to be a late-round steal if he remains healthy. He will be competing with Damien Williams, Mike Gillislee and LaMichael James for playing time behind starting tailback Lamar Miller.

8. Jamil Douglas (Guard)

Douglas was Miami's fourth-round selection in the 2015 NFL Draft out of Arizona State. A versatile lineman, he started 13 games at left tackle and 27 at guard during his four seasons with the Sun Devils. The 23 year old earned All-Pac 12 honors in 2014 and could crack the starting lineup in the upcoming season as concerns over Miami's offensive line continue to mount. Although incumbents Dallas Thomas and Billy Turner are currently penciled in as Miami's starting guards, both positions should be considered up for grabs this offseason as neither have done much to cement their role.

7. Brice McCain (Cornerback)

McCain signed a two-year, $5.5 million deal with the Dolphins on March 11. A six-year pro, he made nine starts for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2014, recording 25 tackles and three interceptions while working his way into the starting lineup. An above-average slot cornerback, McCain's biggest contributions will likely come in Miami's nickel package. That being said, don't be surprised if he gives Jamar Taylor a run for his money in the battle to start alongside Brent Grimes in Miami's secondary.

6. Jordan Phillips (Defensive tackle)

Phillips was Miami's second-round selection in the 2015 NFL Draft out of Oklahoma. A 6-foot-5, 329-pound behemoth, the 22 year old had a career year with the Sooners in 2014, recording 38 tackles (20 solo), two sacks and was named second-team All-Big 12 Conference. Although he has drawn criticism for a supposedly lackluster worth ethic, Phillips will have several mentors, including Pro Bowlers Cameron Wake and Ndamukong Suh, to learn from on a stacked defensive line in Miami.

5. Greg Jennings (Wide receiver)

Jennings signed a two-year deal with Miami on April 23 in a move that reunited the veteran wideout with his former Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator and current Dolphins head coach Joe Philbin. Jennings, who is entering his 10th season, was brought in to serve as a mentor for Miami's young receivers on and off the field. That being said, the 31 year old could also play a surprisingly big role in the offense. He caught 59 passes for 742 yards and six touchdowns in 2014 and looks to still have quite a bit left in the tank.

4. Kenny Stills (Wide receiver)

The Dolphins traded linebacker Dannell Ellerbe and a 2015 third-round pick to the New Orleans Saints in exchange for Stills on March 13. Stills, 23, caught 63 passes for 931 yards and three touchdowns in 2014 and is expected to play an important role within Miami's offense in the upcoming season. With speed to burn and a career average of 16.5 yards per catch, the former fifth-round pick looks to be an ideal deep threat for quarterback Ryan Tannehill. Additionally, Stills has been seen returning kicks during Miami's OTAs and may also be used on special teams.

3. Jordan Cameron (Tight end)

In preparation for the inevitable departure of starting tight end Charles Clay, the Dolphins inked Cameron to a two-year deal on March 13. Hampered by a concussion and shoulder issues, his receiving yards dropped from 917 in 2013 to 424 in 2014 while his touchdowns dipped from seven to two. When healthy, however, the 26 year old is a talented player and matchup nightmare in the red zone. Given how much Miami's offense relies on the short and intermediate passing game, Cameron has the potential to return to Pro Bowl form if he can remain healthy in the upcoming season.

2. DeVante Parker (Wide receiver)

Parker was Miami's first-round selection in the 2015 NFL Draft out of Louisville. He tallied 43 receptions for 855 yards (19.9 avg.) and five touchdowns as a senior in 2014, despite being limited to just six games with a foot injury. The 22-year-old rookie looked impressive during Miami's rookie camp and organized team activities, but was forced to undergo surgery on Friday to replace the screw in his previously injured foot. He is expected to be ready for the start of the regular season, but will likely begin the year as a backup behind veteran wide receivers Greg Jennings and Kenny Stills as he gets acclimated to the NFL. That being said, Parker still projects to be Miami's star receiver of the future.

1. Ndamukong Suh (Defensive tackle)

The Dolphins landed the league's most coveted free agent when they signed Suh to a six-year, $114 million contract, with $60 million guaranteed on March 11. It was the richest deal ever handed out to a defensive player, but Miami saw little risk in investing in one of the league's most consistent defensive tackles. In the five seasons since the Detroit Lions selected him with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, Suh made the Pro Bowl four times and was named first-team All-Pro three times. He played in 78 of 80 regular-season games for Detroit while making 238 tackles with 36 sacks, 13 pass breakups, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and an interception. With Pro Bowler Cameron Wake already in place, the addition of Suh quickly elevated Miami's defensive line to among the league's best.

You can follow Jameson Olive on Twitter @JamesonCoop or email him at JamesonOlive@gmail.com.

share

Get more from Miami Dolphins Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more

in this topic

Miami Dolphins

National Football League