2017 Season Preview- Miami Dolphins

[Tigers20]

Dolphins Press-Charlie Bosey
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Miami- As the Fins gear up to play their last preseason game tonight at 11PM CST there are plenty of questions circling this team before the 2017 regular season kickoff draws near. After a disappointing 2016 showing the fins have much to prove both to themselves, and the rest of the league. In the offseason Miami went to work filling some gaping holes on defense as Cameron Wake retired and a few others decided to test free agency. With the signing of RE Jason Pierre-Paul and DT John Jenkins while also drafting some hotshot rookies to step up the secondary the Fins seemed primarily focused on the defensive side of the ball.

"It doesn't matter how many points you score if you can't stop anything playing defense. When building a dominant organization it has to start with defense." Owner Tiger Boyd

The most satisfying pick in this years draft would have to be at number 10 overall when Miami selected Marlon Humphrey from the University of Alabama. Humphrey has impressed so far in practice and seems to have nearly locked the starting cornerback role. He seems to pick up things immediately and has the raw talent to be a problem for opposing quarterbacks.

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At pick number forty-two the Fins went back to the secondary and selected FS Baker Budda. Budda was the awarded Best overall rated high school player in the state of Washington. At the University of Washington it was much the same as he seemed to have a knack for knocking the ball out of receivers hands. Just watching him play and read the quarterback's eyes is special.

"Both Humphrey and Baker are quick. I mean the ground they cover and can make up between the both of them is amazing. Glad to have them on my side." ROLB Jelani Jenkins

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Offensively the Dolphins picked up a couple young prospects later in the draft in both the sixth and seventh rounds. At wide receiver, the coaching staff will have to make some tough decisions at the slot position as Zay Jones has stepped into his receiver role very comfortably thus far here in Miami. This flashy 6'1 200lb receiver from East Carolina University is almost a carbon copy of Justin Hardy who also came from ECU and now plays for the Falcons. He's fast, agile, elusive and can really catch in traffic. He's put together some solid performances in recent preseason games.

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Ranked 121st in overall true talent the Fins selected 5'11 220lb HB Elijah Hood. A solid third down back who can really cover up the ball and punch the defense backwards for a couple yards. He has a stout running technique and can really make you think twice before tackling him straight on. He has shown to be a great optional choice to carry the ball as Ajayi will have some help carrying out the backfield assignments this year. In his most recent performance against the Steelers, Hood averaged 6.5 ypc on 13 carries for 84 yards and 3 touchdowns!! Welcome to Miami Elijah!

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The season is near, football is back, new hopes, new year! Miami fans can feel the change as Tiger Boyd and the Miami Doplhins seem to be turning small corners and on the way to making some big changes here in South Beach. Fins fans are excited as the season kickoff is coming soon! Can't wait to see how this year unfolds as the Dolphins look to be a force in the league.

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