The Miami Dolphins haven't made the postseason since 2016 and have only done so once since 2009. But, After starting last season 0-7, the team rattled off five wins in their last nine games.
A strong offseason and the excitement over a second-year under head coach Brian Flores has given fans hope for the upcoming season.
However, if the Dolphins want to come out and surprise people next season, they'll need multiple players to take their games to the next level.
3. Matt Breida
Newly acquired running back Jordan Howard will likely be the starting RB for the Dolphins next year, but he's not the only contributor that the team went out and got this offseason.
Former San Fransisco 49ers back Matt Breida was traded to the Dolphins in April and while he hasn't quite put up the numbers that Howard has in his career, Breida could be a sneaky great player for Miami next season.
The Dolphins had virtually no running game last season. Breida ran for 623 yards last season on over five yards per carry, and you can reasonably expect similar or better production in 2020.
Breida likely is going to have to share carries with Howard as well as third-year pro Kalen Ballage and Patrick Laird, but he has been reliable, consistent and a strong contributor in his three NFL seasons and could take advantage of a new situation in South Beach.
2. Shaq Lawson
Lawson spent four seasons with the Buffalo Bills before joining the Dolphins this season. In Buffalo, Lawson racked up 25 tackles for a loss and 16.5 sacks (including 6.5 in 2019) despite starting only 17 of the 50 games he appeared in.
The Dolphins ranked dead last in the NFL in sacks last season so bringing in Lawson on a three-year, $30 million deal makes sense. The former first-round pick should get plenty of snaps in Miami and should be in line for a career year.
The former Clemson star has stated that he's eyeing double-digit sack numbers in 2020, and it's not unreasonable to expect that for the team's new defensive weapon.
1. Davon Godchaux
A 2017 fifth-round pick out of LSU, Godchaux has already proven to be a really solid nose tackle and absolute diamond in the rough.
Last season, the 6-foot-3, 311-pound Godchaux ranked third on the team in total tackles (75) and tackles for a loss (4).
Still only 25 years old, Godchaux has plenty of room to grow and improve. The team added rookie interior D-linemen Raekwon Davis and Benito Jones this offseason, but going into the last year of his rookie contract, look for Godchaux to be a force in the middle for Miami.
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