4) Miami Dolphins
Projected Starters: Vince Biegel, Raekwon McMillian, Kyle Van Noy, Jerome Baker
The Miami Dolphins were big spenders in the offseason and some of it was spent on the defense. General manager Chris Grier was able to go shopping in Foxborough and signed a key piece of last season’s stout New England Patriots defense. They ended up stealing Kyle Van Noy and signed him to a four-year contract worth $51 million and $30 million guaranteed.
Originally drafted by the Detroit Lions in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft out of Brigham Young University, Van Noy will be bringing a tough work ethic with him and veteran leadership. He is a versatile outside linebacker coming off of a good season and who is a major contributor on every down for the defence when he is on the field.
After Van Noy, the talent at the position for the Dolphins drops off. Jerome Baker is entering his third year and last season was his most productive. Through 16 games he accounted for 122 tackles, 1.5 sacks, one interception, three forced fumbles with two recovered and one returned for a touchdown.
Another former Patriot, Elandon Roberts joins Van Noy in South Beach and Raekwon McMillan is looking to take another step forward after finishing last season strong. If you look at the roster, this is probably the weakest part of the Miami Dolphin defense. The lack of experience and production has the Dolphins at the bottom of this list, but the addition of Kyle Van Noy should help.