Miami Dolphins: 4 Wild Cards for the 2021 Season

There’s plenty of hype surrounding the 2021 Miami Dolphins. Can Tua Tagovailoa make the sophomore leap? Will Jaylen Waddle be a Rookie of the Year candidate? Can the defense make the leap from turning the ball over to preventing the big plays as well? There are so many players who can make contributions this year, who could be the underdogs?

Albert Wilson

Wilson opted out of the 2020 season and rightfully so. However, if he can return to his explosive form, it’ll be awfully hard for the Dolphins to cut him. He’s got playmaker written all over him and he already showed what he could do before getting injured and then his opt-out. By opting out, he also gave himself a full year to recover. With Miami having the option to spread the field, it will give Wilson plenty of opportunities to get shifty underneath. His value will show up in 4 and 5 receiver sets as well as mismatches.

Hunter Long

The rumor going around the web this week is how many compared Hunter Long to Rob Gronkowski. Since Gronk is considered one of the better tight ends in the NFL, the Miami Dolphins will take that comparison. Long will get his share of playing time as he’s a well-rounded tight end. He can make plays in the passing game as well as block and with the Dolphins looking to develop downfield, his services will be called on frequently. Between he and Mike Gesicki, two tight end sets could open up the red zone, an area Miami has struggled for years.

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Jevon Holland

If Jevon Holland can show up big at camp, he’s no doubt going to start for the Miami Dolphins. Their defense was already solid at getting turnovers and Holland will get his opportunities. Miami will force quarterbacks to throw in tight windows with coverage so if they can get enough pressure up front, interceptions will be there. Holland might have to step up and make plays underneath for the defense but he’s the type of player who can find himself in the right place at the right time. If not for names like Xavien Howard and Byron Jones, more people would be taking about Jevon Howard on this Dolphins roster.

Trill Williams

Pending making the 53 man roster, Trill is the definition of a wild card. He’s big and athletic. He won’t be the guy who can be an every-down starter, but if Miami uses him in the situational rotation he will be in a position to make plays. If he can develop at the NFL level, he’ll be a great addition if he can break through an already deep position. Whether or not he makes the team will solely rely on his ability to process and develop from college to the pros as quickly as possible.