Coaches have always looked for ways to give their players that little extra bit of motivation.

Just two seasons ago, Miami Dolphins interim head coach Dan Campbell gave the "winners" of practice black jerseys to wear for the next practice for the sake of giving bragging rights and building competition, an idea he took from Tony Sparano, another former head coach.

Now, current Dolphins head coach Adam Gase is using a similar method to try and get the most out of his rookies during OTAs.

While the veteran players are wearing normal helmets, the rookies were given completely white, blank helmets, missing the dolphin logos on the sides that signifies the team.

Maybe that’s our way of saying ‘You’ve got to earn that logo.’" said Gase. "That was kind of something that, talking to (Equipment Manager Joe) Cimino about things that maybe have been done that way in the past, and we were just kicking around some ideas of doing something a little different than we did last year. We felt like that was one of the things that kind of came up that a few of us thought was a good idea and we’ll see how it kind of goes.”

This isn't the first time a team has done something like this, for many years the Dallas Cowboys have made their rookies earn the signature stars on the sides of their helmets, now the Dolphins are taking a page out of that book.

While some would view the decision as a trivial matter, there are many who feel that this is a move worthy of a genius, a way of making the rookies feel that they have to really push themselves in order to become a part of the team.

Only time will tell whether or not it actually bears fruit.

This story was written by Luis Sung. Follow him on Twitter: @LuisDSung

​There is no greater teacher than experience.

When the Miami Dolphins drafted Tony Lippett in the fifth round of the 2015 NFL draft, it was with the intention of converting him from a wide receiver to a cornerback, a long-term project that should have taken years.

But certain circumstances forced the team's hand, and Lippett was forced into a starting role before he was prepared to take on the responsibility required of a starting boundary corner.

However, instead of crumbling under the pressure, Lippett rose to the occasion, making 67 tackles and a total of four interceptions in 2016. Paired with his promising film, it seems that the Dolphins got lucky with Lippett, as he blossomed rather than burned after being thrown into the fire, and now the 24-year old corner is looking to become even more of a natural.

 “I’d like to get more comfortable and having that experience of last year of going through what I went through – and kind of being thrown in the fire – I think helped me." Lippett said on Wednesday. "Looking back on it, I didn’t really have a choice to respond any other way. It (was) basically, ‘Alright, get out there and play. That’s what you have to do; it’s your job.’ I try to take what was given to me and try to make plays the best way I can to help this team win. Now looking back at it, (I) learn from every game and learn situations and things like that.”

Lippett now has to prepare for a competition for the starting boundary corner position between himself, veteran Byron Maxwell, and fellow promising youngsters Xavien Howard and Cordrea Tankersley. As the only player without a significant background at corner, he is at a bit of a disadvantage, but he looks forward to the challenge nonetheless.

“It’s competitive now. I feel like it’s going to be competitive in training camp. It’s competitive now." Lippett said. "We all mess with each other a lot. We’re cool with each other. We help each other out a lot. We’re our hardest critics on ourselves. We push each other every day to make plays. One guy makes a play, we’re all getting hyped. That’s just how we are. (It is a) competitive room, but we all got each other’s backs at the end of the day.”

One player who likes what he's saying from the young corner is Pro Bowl safety Reshad Jones, who had high praise for the former Michigan State prospect.

"Tony Lippett is playing probably the best ball he’s been playing." he said. "I think we can be special. We’ve got the ball rolling in the right direction, we’ve just got to continue to put the work in and make it happen.”

Things didn't go as planned with Lippett, but the results aren't exactly something to object to. Being thrown into the fire forced him to develop quickly, and now he's ready for the challenge coming up.

This story was written by Luis Sung. Follow him on Twitter: @LuisDSung

Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh has long lived with a reputation as a, well, let’s call it an ‘intense’ player. While playing for the Detroit Lions from 2010 through 2014, Suh was ejected from a game in 2011 against the Green Bay Packers for stomping on offensive lineman Evan Dietrich-Smith’s arm. And then there was the infamous Aaron Rodgers arm-stepping during a game in 2014 that cost Suh a one game suspension.

Much has been said and much has been written about Suh’s reputation, but since joining the Dolphins, he’s mostly settled in as a quiet, yet intense leader of the defensive interior line.

Until this week, that is.

Offensive lineman T.J. Lang of the Detriot Lions appeared on Pardon My Take (via the Detroit News' Justin Rogers) this week, and didn’t mince words when asked about his opinion of Suh, and what it was like to line up opposite of the three-time All Pro.

"I never played against a more literal psychopath in my life," said Lang. "He was a nut job."

The two played each other eight times during Suh’s five years in Detroit, facing off on nearly every play in their games. Depending on how the comments are interpreted, they could either be viewed as an insult or a compliment.

The comments would seem to stir the fire for both players and fans should Lang and Suh face each other again, but unfortunately, the Dolphins won’t face the Lions until sometime in the 2018 season. But you can bet someone will remind Suh of Lang’s comments if and when that meeting happens.

​This story was written by Eldon Jenson. Follow him on Twitter @EJFootball

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jarvis Landry was voted the 42nd best player in the NFL last season.

And he’s not satisfied.

"I play this game to be recognized as one of the best." he said on Wednesday. "For me, and I'm sure every player, they want to be number one. I've always approached this game that way, and how I've worked, I wouldn't settle for 42."

A year ago, Landry was voted the 98th best on the NFL Networks’ list of the Top 100 players in the league, a list that is compiled based on NFL player voting, which lends a hefty degree of credibility to those who make it onto the list.
Landry wasn’t overjoyed then either, showing his ever-lived competitive streak.

“I honestly was honored,” he said. “But disappointed at the same time. I think any guy that isn’t number one believes he should be number one. If not, I don’t want to play with them. I don’t want them around me. That’s just the way I see it, and that’s my competitive nature speaking out a little bit.”

Landry joins three other Dolphins on this year’s list, along with running back Jay Ajayi coming in at 69th, defensive end Cameron Wake at 62nd, and defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh at 55th.

Landry totaled 94 catches for 1,136 yards and four touchdowns last season, but his value went far beyond his scores. An emotional player known for firing up both teammates and fans alike, he’s a player that quarterback Ryan Tannehill and coach Adam Gase both attribute to helping spark the team during games.

Landry can take solace in the fact that his 42nd-ranking makes him the best player on his team in the minds of his peers. Last year he posted a big red “97” in his locker, to remind himself of the number of players deemed better than him.

He knocked 56 players off the list this time around, but it’s likely there will be a huge “41” spotted in Landry’s locker this year.

This story was written by Eldon Jenson. Follow him on Twitter @EJFootball

The Miami Dolphins invested a second-round pick to draft cornerback Xavien Howard during the 2016 NFL draft, but they didn't get as much of a return as they would have liked in the Baylor standout's first season in the big leagues.

Injuries limited Howard to a total of only seven games, with a total of 40 tackles, six pass deflections and a forced fumble. He showed flashes of being an excellent boundary corner, especially when he shut down veteran wide receiver Brandon Marshall against the Jets in Week 15, but he still had his moments of struggle as well.

But Howard is suggesting that those struggles were not necessarily a result of him not being ready for the NFL or a lack of talent on his part. Instead, the 23-year old corner is saying that his limited results were a result of limited health.

"My first injury I had, I couldn’t finish OTAs. The second one came from me just jumping up in the air and catching the ball and I came on the ground." Howard said on Tuesday. "So I really couldn’t just get to the level to get to 100 percent and play. Each game, I was just playing to play; but I just really couldn’t be 100 percent and perform how I know I can.”

With all that time he spent hurt, Howard was able to study some of the best in the league and mentally prepare himself for what he should do to improve his game. Richard Sherman, Aqib Talib, Patrick Peterson and others were on his film study list, and according to safety Reshad Jones, Howard could one day put himself in the same conversation as those players.

“I think ‘Zay’ can be one of the top corners in this league." Jones said. "I think he still has a long way to go, but he’s progressing from last year until now. He’s learning different formations and how to handle different splits and things like that. I think he’ll be a tough guy to handle once he fully gets the whole thing and gets a couple more snaps.”

Now with a full offseason of healing behind him, Howard assures everyone that doctors have cleared his knee and that he's been told it will no longer be an issue for him.

All that's left to do is see if a fully-healthy Howard can take that next step in his game.

What does Howard say about that?

"I know what I’m capable of. I have confidence in myself so I know what I can do when I’m 100 percent.”

This story was written by Luis Sung. Follow him on Twitter: @LuisDSung

Patience pays.

That’s the message Miami Dolphins safety Reshad Jones would give to his fellow teammate, wide receiver Jarvis Landry.

Last summer, Jones was heading into the last year of his rookie contract. He was coming off a Pro Bowl season, becoming the first NFL safety to record 135 tackles (4th in the NFL), ten pass deflections, five interceptions, two sacks, and two defensive touchdowns, both of which he scored with his ‘signature’ corkscrew dive into the endzone.

As one of the top safeties in the league, Jones wanted to be paid like one. And he considered holding out through the summer to force the Dolphins to speed up negotiations on a new contract.

But when the Dolphins told Jones that he would be taken care of, Jones put his faith in the team and showed up for camp. And even though he missed most of last season as he recovered from a torn rotator cuff, the team knew his value, and he was rewarded with a rich contract, as promised this past spring.

“Just continue to do the right things," Jones said as advice for Landry. "Buy into the system, be the leader that you are for the team and for the offensive side of the ball and just to continue to do things the right way and this organization will reward you.

“Last year, they just told me continue to do the right things. They’re just not going to do things two years before it was time. Everything was right. They kept their word and they made it happen.”

Take note, Mr. Landry, the same will happen for you.

This story was written by Eldon Jenson. Follow him on Twitter @EJFootball

Potential and high ceiling were the key words used when the Miami Dolphins drafted defensive tackle Jordan Phillips in the second round of the 2015 NFL draft, and those flashes have been apparent in the two years he's played.

But the main criticism regarding Phillips has been his motor, or his effort levels on the field. This too - unfortunately - has flashed on the field about as often as his big plays, leaving his overall play the same as his self-admitted motor: hot and cold.

"How do I phrase it? It was just the hot and cold motor you guys see every once in a while." Phillips said Tuesday. "(I’m) just (trying to find) tricks to keep it going – getting head strong. I’ve got to step up. I’ve got to do what I’ve got to do. It’s a big year for me. The team is looking for me to do what I need to do, so that’s what I’m here to do.”

It's telling that Phillips was willing to admit his motor hasn't always been running as well as it should. In the two years he's played at his previous effort level, Philips has made 42 tackles, 2.5 sacks, seven pass deflections and an interception. But given his potential, those are extremely underwhelming numbers.

That lack of effort led to coach Adam Gase taking drastic measures, and the 24-year old defensive lineman was benched in favor of other players.

That benching apparently resonated with Phillips.

"I’m just looking at myself in the mirror and what I need to do, and that’s be better." he said. "So that’s what I’m going to do.”

When did this soul searching begin?

“Probably when I got benched last year for those few games." Phillips said. "It just opened my eyes to ‘Hey, you’ve got to go in week-in and week-out and do what you need to do, otherwise, you’re going to be put on the bench and you’re not going to play.’”

Coach Gase has shown in the past that he has no qualms with benching players for not performing, as he did the same with veteran Byron Maxwell midway through the season. So now, with that knowledge in mind, Phillips is looking for ways to keep his motor running, and stop it from being hot and cold.

“There are a lot of variables that go into it." Phillips said. "Just technique-wise, stamina, knowing the schemes, knowing football in general. I feel like I’m ahead of the curve than I was a couple years back.”

​Phillips has been training with Ndamukong Suh for the past couple of seasons, and he will once again be seen as the incumbent starter opposite the All-Pro DT. Hearing him acknowledge his motor struggles is encouraging, but it won't matter unless something changes on the field. That is what everyone will be watching in 2017.

This story was written by Luis Sung. Follow him on Twitter: @LuisDSung

Every player that enters the NFL dreams of playing in the Super Bowl. As is the case in any profession, young people aspire to be the best, to reach the highest pinnacle, and to reap the benefits of the glory and fame that come with those accomplishments.

Julius Thomas was no different. But it didn’t start out that way.

Drafted by the Denver Broncos in the 4th round of the 2011 NFL draft, Thomas made the final roster, but suffered through various injuries throughout his first two years in the league, and as he entered his third year with the team, he could boast of two-year totals of one measly catch for five yards, including no catches in his first season with quarterback Peyton Manning at the reins.

In Thomas’s defense, the Broncos didn’t utilize the tight end much in Manning’s first year with the team, as the leading receiver from that position was Virgil Green, who tallied 22 catches on the year.

But then Adam Gase came along.

Gase, now the head coach of the Dolphins, was the offensive coordinator for the Broncos in 2013 and 2014, and in those two years, the team utilized the tight end.

A lot.

And Thomas was the immediate beneficiary of that change, totaling 108 catches for 1,277 yards and 24 touchdowns in those two seasons, and catching four passes in Super Bowl XLVIII, which unfortunately was a loss to the Seattle Seahawks.

Thomas then rode that fame and glory to a rich contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars that paid him among the best at his position. But the statistics didn’t follow, as Thomas struggled with production and injuries, and he was traded to the Dolphins in March, to be reunited with his former coach.

Thomas hold no grudges against his time in Jacksonville, stating simply that, "Sometimes things just don't work out.”

“I don't have any ill-will towards anybody in Jacksonville," Thomas continued. “I like everybody there. We all got along great. But not everything always fits. It just wasn't a fit for me. It's definitely appreciated, the opportunity they gave me, and the people that I met, and the things that I learned in Jacksonville. I'll take that on to still become a better player every year."

Playing for a struggling team, and experiencing struggles of his own, Thomas kept things in perspective.

"I think that sometimes you get the impression that your success on the field defines who you are as a person, and how well you're living your life,” said Thomas. “That's really not the case. As you get older, you start to realize that when you're 25, 26, having amazing stats and you're playing in Super Bowls and stuff, it's really easy to just be focused on your game and not the kind of person you're being, the relationships with your friends and family.”

Thomas turned inward during that time, and he attributes his relationship with God to giving him the opportunity to reflect on the things he needed in life, stating, “God showed me some things I needed in my life and I'm definitely going to continue that moving forward."

Adam Gase has made it abundantly clear that Thomas is expected to be a big contributor on offense for the Dolphins this year, and Thomas welcomes that challenge. He’ll be returning to an offense he’s familiar with, one that contributed directly to the best years of his career.

But whether those aspirations come to fruition or not, Thomas isn’t worried, as he feel his newfound maturity has him positioned for success in life, regardless of his exploits on the field.

"I became a much better person the last two years. To have some struggles on the field really helped me grow as a person, mentally and in my own personal life. I'm not upset by the way things happened.

“Sometimes the best way to learn is when you're going through things.”

This story was written by Eldon Jenson. Follow him on Twitter @EJFootball

When Miami Dolphins left tackle Laremy Tunsil was drafted in the first round last offseason, veteran Branden Albert became his mentor, knowing full well Tunsil would eventually take his job. Now, with the drafting of cornerback Cordrea Tankersley, veteran Byron Maxwell is doing the same.

"I’ll do anything I can to help," Maxwell said Wednesday. "Whether it’s just bouncing ideas off of him like, ‘Maybe you should do it this way. Or maybe you should do some things off the field to get better.’ So I definitely will help him. I feel like it’s my job.”

Maxwell, who went to Clemson just like the newly-drafted Tankersley, is currently set to make $8.5 million this season, meaning he will make more than the other three boundary corners - Lippett, Howard and Tankersley - combined.

If Maxwell doesn't have a spectacular season, he could find himself either cut or forced into a pay cut in 2018, as the Dolphins would save $10 million dollars with no dead cap, saving a huge amount of cash for the next offseason.

But despite all this, Maxwell was happy to see Tankersley be drafted in the third round, especially after the poor performance the defense put forth in 2016, and also the fact that Tankersley is from Clemson like him.

“He’s from Clemson so I was happy." he said. "Like I said, you always need d-lineman and you always need corners to win in this league. First, rebuilding the defense. If you don’t have those positons, then you really don’t have a chance. So you need depth at those positions too. I was happy. I was happy with the draft. They did a great job.”

Tankersley said about a month ago that he wanted to follow in Maxwell's footsteps, and the veteran expects to see a lot from the rookie after watching him during his college career.

“I watched him a lot. I watched him a lot just watching the (Clemson) games. He showed up. He always popped. He has great ball skills. He always finds the ball. It was great. I watched him a lot, him being from my alma mater.”

It speaks highly of Maxwell as a leader that he is willing to teach Tankersley and the other young corners what he knows despite his own status on the team potentially being in jeopardy. Perhaps if he plays his cards right, he will be rewarded for his work through another playoff appearance.

This story was written by Luis Sung. Follow him on Twitter: @LuisDSung

Pro Football Hall of Fame Quarterback Dan Marino and Dolphins Alumni held their annual trip to Nassau on Memorial Day Weekend for the Dan Marino and Friends Bahamas Weekend 2017.

Throughout the weekend, guests mixed and mingled with notable Dolphins alumni, including Marino, Dick Anderson, Ronnie Brown, Mark Clayton, Mark Duper, Oronde Gadsden, Jim Jensen, OJ McDuffie, Terry Kirby, Sam Madison, Nat Moore, Joe Rose, Pat Surtain, Jason Taylor and Shawn Wooden. 

“It’s always better in the Bahamas,” Marino said. “I look forward to this weekend each year, getting together with my former teammates and really enjoying the great hospitality of the Bahamian people while giving back.”

The weekend kicked off with a welcome reception and golf draw party on Thursday evening. On Friday, the alumni and guests participating in a golf classic at Ocean Club. Each golf foursome included the exclusive opportunity to play with a Miami Dolphins Legend or celebrity. The golf classic on Friday wrapped with an awards luncheon and a Bahamas Bash party. 

The weekend concluded on Saturday with a free fan fest at Thomas A. Robinson Stadium. The day was packed with great festivities for families, including Youth Football & Cheer Clinics for kids ages 6-17 teaching boys and girls the fundamentals of the game from Dolphins alumni or learning dance moves and chants. 

“The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism is grateful to Dan Marino and the Dolphins Legends for their continued support of the Islands of The Bahamas, and, in particular, their commitment to our youth,” The Islands of The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism Director of Sports Virginia Kelly said. “We know that the technical football and cheerleader training and invaluable lifelong lessons the alumni shared with our youth will resonate in their hearts and minds for years to come.”

The day culminated with competitive flag football games between Nassau, Freeport Grand Bahama, Abaco, Exuma and a Dolphins Legends vs. Bahamas Legends Flag Football Game. 

Proceeds from the Dan Marino and Friends Bahamas Weekend for the first time benefit the Bahamas Resource and Education for Autism and Related Challenges (R.E.A.C.H.), a non-profit organization that aims to provide parents with comprehensive knowledge and tools in all areas of this neurobiological disorder. Proceeds also benefit the Miami Dolphins Alumni Player Assistance Fund, which provides financial support to assist former players in need.

​“REACH is really happy to receive this donation. We try and help a lot of kids along the spectrum in the Bahamas. We’re hoping that the funds will go a long way,” REACH Chair Dwayne Gibson said.

Image Credit: Miami Dolphins

There was a lot of skepticism and backlash over the announcement that offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil would be forced to move over to guard after spending his entire college career at left tackle. Many were concerned that the move would ultimately impede his development, all for the sake of allowing veteran Branden Albert to stay in place.

One season later, Tunsil has proven his potential as a star-caliber offensive lineman, and now after a pair of trades that ultimately gave Miami a new tight end in Julius Thomas by sending Albert to Jacksonville, Tunsil will return to his old college position at left tackle and protect Tannehill's blindside, which Tunsil admits adds some pressure.

“I am playing the blind side, so it does mean a lot." Tunsil said on Thursday. "I can’t let that get to me. I’m always hard on myself because I’m always trying to perfect every craft that I have.”

But even though Tunsil is back to the position that originally made him a first-round draft pick, Tunsil says he is actually grateful for the time he spent at guard, regardless of the fears of fans and analysts over his overall development as a tackle.

"Playing left guard, I learned a lot." Tunsil said. "It was a different position, different everything. I’m glad I got the opportunity to play (guard) so I could learn the game inside and out. I think the offensive line is the offensive line. Right tackle, left tackle, I think they are all the same. Playing left guard really helped me play left tackle. It helped me play any position on the line, just to know the offensive line in and out. "

Now with the experience at left guard under his belt, Tunsil feels that will help him communicate with whoever will be next to him in 2017, whether it turns out to be rookie Isaac Asiata or one of the veteran linemen.

“I pretty much know what’s going on at left guard." he said. "Like I said, I know the whole offensive line inside out.”

One of the best left tackles to play in the NFL - Jonathan Ogden - was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame back in 2013. He too started his career at left guard, and now Tunsil is following in his footsteps. If things turn out the same way, then Miami quarterbacks will feel safe from harm on level that's been unseen since the days of Richmond Webb.

And that of course would be a tremendous help to the Dolphins as they continue their campaign to change the culture in Miami and chase a championship.

This story was written by Luis Sung. Follow him on Twitter: @LuisDSung

There have been endless petitions over the years for the Miami Dolphins to return to their classic logo, not just as an alternate "throwback" uniform, but as their honest-to-goodness default design.

Naturally, these cries have largely fallen on deaf ears, as teams generally look to move forward rather than dwell on the past. Attempts to appease these cries through the implementation of throwback uniforms these past two seasons were met with roars of approval, and also had the added effect of creating calls for the uniforms to be used regularly.

Now, there may just be a chance that the old logo could make a triumphant return.

I've been recently told by a source that there is at least one individual within the Miami Dolphins football operations staff that is pushing for the team to return to the classic design and logo on a more permanent basis, though it is not currently known whether the push will bear any fruit.

As per current NFL guidelines, in order for any team to make a change to their uniform design - which naturally would include the logo - they would have to wait a total of five seasons before submitting a desired change to the NFL office.

Since the Dolphins unveiled their new look back in 2013, there's still a fair amount of time to wait before they can out forth a permanent change of any kind, so it is interesting to learn that there is already someone within the organization making an attempt to suggest that the old logo should be the new logo.

Which would you prefer? The current logo or the old logo? Vote below now.

This story was written by Luis Sung. Follow him on Twitter: @LuisDSung

After a significant wait, the Miami Dolphins have finally signed 2017 first-round pick Charles Harris to what is expected to be a 4-year, $10.8 million dollar contract, with a team option for a fifth year which would need to be exercised in 2020 and based on the average salaries of the NFL's top 20 highest paid DEs.

Though the terms of the deal were not officially disclosed, the numbers stated were what Harris was originally slotted to receive, and as is standard for first-round picks, most of it should be guaranteed.

The 22-year old Harris was a standout pass-rusher at Missouri, and he will immediately compete with veterans Andre Branch and William Hayes for playing time opposite 35-year old star Cameron Wake, who despite his increasingly advanced age, has continued to be a terror for quarterbacks across the league.

Harris is expected to be the eventual successor for Wake, and he has stated on multiple occasions that he intends to spend as much time as possible with the veteran to learn how he prepares and how he plays. 

During his time at Missouri, Harris played in 38 games with 25 starts, recording 136 tackles, 18 sacks, five forced fumbles and one recovery. His 18 sacks are tied for seventh in school history and his 34.5 tackles for loss are tied for 11th.

​It's clear that the first-rounder is focused on his game, even before he signed his deal on Wednesday, he made it abundantly clear that he would play and give it his all regardless of whether he'd signed or not. That bodes well regarding the young player's work ethic, and it already shows that the pass-rusher just might have a bright future in the NFL.

This story was written by Luis Sung. Follow him on Twitter: @LuisDSung.

After dismal showings on defense the past few years, it is not a secret that the Miami Dolphins hope to improve in that area this coming season.

The vast majority of picks in the NFL draft were spent on the defensive side of the ball, and two other offseason moves, signing linebacker Lawrence Timmons and trading for defensive end William Hayes, were geared towards improving a defense that finished the 2016 season ranked an abysmal 29th overall and 30th against the run.

​So what went wrong?

Well, in a nutshell, everything. But we’ll let defensive coordinator Matt Burke sum it up.

"Besides poor tackling and injuries?” Burke smirks. “There's just a lot of stuff. That's part of it. I always tell the players this:  You give up a 30-yard run … in a game. It's never one person or even one sort of spot. A d-lineman doesn't hold an edge, and a linebacker misses a fit, and then a safety misses a tackle. It's complex.”

Burke continued, “We played some good running backs last year. We played some good running offenses. Sometimes, schematically, we dictated that we needed to really pay attention to the passing game more. It's just week to week. It's varied. No one obviously wants to not have a good run defense. It's not something you go into a game saying. But it's hard to really pinpoint. We're addressing a lot of issues, I think."

When asked about the problems on defense last season, defensive stalwart Ndamukong Suh explained that while he and his defensive linemen take some of the blame, he too feels that there was a learning curve last season that hindered progress.

“I think it starts with us upfront, without question, especially with how the defense is set up,” says Suh. “From the first year, obviously there was a learning adjustment: timing and plays and figuring out how we all wanted to fit in. And then last year, I think we understood where we needed to be, but it just came down to execution.”

This year, the key will be consistency, as the Dolphins defensive scheme is largely the same as last year, as Burke moved from linebackers coach into the defensive coordinator position.

“I think as we move forward, especially coming into these OTAs in particular, and obviously having the same, similar defense,” said Suh. “(Burke is) somebody that this will be my sixth year with him - four years in Detroit and obviously, last year (in Miami). I think there's going to be consistency there. I think it'll be easier for guys to understand where they need to be, where they need to fit, the techniques needed to become obviously a lot more sound, and then execution."

As Offseason Team Activities (OTA) approach, Suh says the time for self-scouting comes to a head and now the focus will be on those areas where the team and individuals need to improve.

“I haven't finished my self-scout,” says Suh. “I've looked at it from my perspective. The coaches have looked at it as well. But it's time now to really just get an opportunity to watch it together and look at some different pieces. The self-scout continues to go on, as well as finding ways to improve.”

It’s especially refreshing to hear Suh talk about how frustrating it was for him to end the season the way the Dolphins did. Yes, they improved to 10-6 and made the playoffs, ending the regular season with nine wins in the final eleven games.

But two lopsided losses to end the season left a bitter taste in Suh’s mouth, and hopefully the rest of the team has the same attitude as Suh as the upcoming offseason workouts approach.

"For me personally, I'm definitely sick and tired of making it to the playoffs and not going further,” said Suh. “And I think everybody feels that particular way. Having a good conversation with the head man, with my time away and my time here, it's a good feeling to feel that guys weren't satisfied with where we were at. It's exciting from my vantage point to see hunger still, because that was not okay the way we finished, especially the last two games of our season."

And Suh will continue to be the quiet leader of this defense.

“I'm supposed to be the anchor, and I plan to be the anchor and continue to be that way.”

​This story was written by Eldon Jenson. Follow him on Twitter @EJFootball

When Miami Dolphins center Mike Pouncey suffered recurring hip problems last season, former undrafted free agent guard Anthony Steen moved in to replace him for five games. A guard throughout his career since 2011, Steen hadn’t played the center position, and admits it was a stressful move for him.

"Nerve wracking,” is how Steen described it. “I'm not gonna lie, I was nervous. I'm a shy person as it is, but how they let me play guard one week, guard next week and then center for the next two kinda eased me into it and it wasn't as bad.”

Steen credits head coach Adam Gase and the coaching staff for helping prepare him for the role. And as offseason workouts approach, he’s ready and willing to do whatever the coaches want.

"Whatever coach wants,” says Steen. “I feel comfortable at guard or center to be honest. The way coaches treated me last year, slowly getting me ready for center, and starting me off at guard, I think they did a great job. Hopefully they'll do the same this year. I feel comfortable, the way the coaches are treating us now, there's no reason to be nervous about anything."

Steen suffered some injuries of his own last season, with ankle and neck troubles, along with bone spurs causing him the most discomfort. He was told by doctors that he could either play through them, or have surgery. Concerned about letting the team down, he chose to play through them. Since the end of the season, those spurs have since dissipated, and Steen has been working to add some muscle this offseason.

"Beginning of (last) season I felt great. I just know if I could've stayed healthy I could've been starting the rest of the season. But it is what it is. We have another year this year."

“I've put on a little more muscle,” says Steen. “More bulk. About ten pounds. Right now I feel healthy.”

Adding some insight into the Dolphins nutrition programs, Steen says he’s eating around 6,000 calories a day and following the team’s workout regimen to add strength.

"Just eating four or five times a day,” is how Steen is adding the weight. “And then working out five days a week, doing everything our strength and conditioning coaches are teaching us is putting on a little bit more muscle for us. I say four or five meals, (but) I'm not eating four or five big meals, it's a sandwich, sandwich and a half, some sweet potatoes, stuff like that. Next week is gonna be a little bit more running so I'll probably lose a lot of that water weight."

Steen is approaching this season expecting to win the backup center job, but he knows there will be some stiff competition, as the team has several players vying for that role. But thanks to the way the coaching staff has worked with him, he’s stressed or nervous about it this year, and he’ll approach it with a different attitude.

"Just like any other day,” he says. ”No reason to get nervous about anything.

“Whoever stays healthy, does their jobs is what the coaches are gonna be looking for."

​This story was written by Eldon Jenson. Follow him on Twitter @EJFootball

The Miami Dolphins hosted their 21st annual Fins Weekend this past Friday and Saturday, continuing the franchise's mission to make a positive impact in the South Florida community, and giving fans and members of the team a chance to enjoy a social atmosphere while raising money for schools in need of support.

This is the third year of a four year, $1,000,000 dollar partnership between the Miami Dolphins and City Year Miami, which is an education-focused nonprofit organization that partners with public schools to help keep students on track to graduate.

It all began early Friday morning at the Miami Beach Golf Club, where players, coaches and front office executives gathered for the Fins Weekend Golf Tournament, where threesomes competed for a once-in-a-lifetime prize: a flight on the team charter for a 2017 Miami Dolphins away game.

"This is an absolutely incredible opportunity, not just for City Year, but for the young people we serve." Keith Fletcher, Executive Director and Vice President of City Year Miami said Friday morning. "You know for the Dolphins, it's never just about writing a check, it's an all-in proposition, and that's evidenced by seeing everybody from players to alumni to executives out here celebrating the partnership, raising money to continue to help the young people in Miami Gardens."

The winners of the tournament were on Team Waste Management and consisted of James Bonillo, Matt Redmond and Brandon White, who partnered up with Dolphins QB Brandon Doughty.

Later that evening, the organization gathered together at the Marine Stadium at Key Biscayne for the annual Fins Friday Night Party presented by South Florida Ford and Hook & Tackle, getting to enjoy a live band, food, drinks, various games and a silent auction.

And of course, there were plenty of Dolphins players on hand that evening, some of whom were still getting used to how consistently the franchise worked and appeared in the community.

"It's my first Fins Weekend actually," said Dolphins DT Nick Williams. "I was with Kansas City last year, and I'm just happy to be here, it's an honor to be here at Fins Weekend around all the fans and all these great players that are here too."

Early the next morning, the main pull of the two day event began as over 50 boats went out to sea to try and capture the largest kingfish, dolphin, wahoo and tuna.

One longtime participant of Fins Weekend - former Dolphins LB Channing Crowder, is well known for his skill with a rod and reel, but his entry into the competition was not particularly impressive. That didn't stop Crowder from having a good time and ragging on his friends who seemed to have much better luck.

"I don't know if those fish are illegal, I don't know what's going on with them," Crowder joked with a wide grin. "Man I don't know what them people did, they caught them yesterday."

Crowder went on and was even willing to tell one of his tall fish tales, which according to Fins Weekend Chairman Jeff Peck, no one has better tales to tell than Crowder.

"Channing Crowder, hands down." Peck said when asked who told the most fish tales. "Boy he can talk a good game, but he walks the walk too. Told me a really amusing story one time, 'cause I saw him come out, he had lures in his pocket, he was ready to fish, and I said, 'I didn't know you knew about fishing,' he (Crowder) said, 'I learned how to run because I used to get chased off of golf courses fishing in the lakes as a kid.'"

As the day came to a close, the winners were announced.

Mark Bonutti was recognized as the top junior angler (10.7lbs kingfish). Martin McKinney caught the largest kingfish weighing in at 32.5lbs, Miami Dolphins TE Anthony Fasano hauled in the largest dolphin (19.9lbs), Mark Baniewicz for the largest wahoo (29.6lbs) and Miami Dolphins LB Mike Hull captured the largest tuna (27.4lbs).

​Rounding out the awards podium are first place finishers Jim Castle, Dolphins P Matt Darr, Reggie Dickens, Hull, Martin McKinney and Fran Walenta on boat Getcha Some, capturing a total of 108.8lbs of fish. They joined the Waste Management golf team on the Dolphins charter to an away game.

Fins Weekend was made over two decades ago to give fans the opportunity to hang out with their favorite players and have a great time with them, all in the name of helping out the kids of South Florida and giving them a chance for a good education.

The event succeeds every single year in giving fans and members of the team a fantastic weekend, and also gives everyone a good warm-up for football season which is quickly approaching. No doubt it will continue to do so in the many years to come.

The Miami Dolphins made a few big investments in the linebacker corps this offseason, extending Kiko Alonso's contract, signing veteran Lawrence Timmons, and drafting young standout Raekwon McMillan out of Ohio State in the second round of the 2017 NFL draft.

With all the new blood in the locker room, a more familiar face has suddenly been thrust into the role of both student and teacher, as 25-year old Mike Hull now has the opportunity to learn from Timmons, as well as teach what he's learned to the 20-year old rookie McMillan.

"It's great," Hull said at the Hook and Tackle party for Fins Weekend on Friday night. "I learn from Lawrence Timmons on a daily basis, it's good to see a guy that's come from a successful organization like the Steelers and see how he operates every day. As far as Raekwon, it's really trying to bring him along, teach him everything that I know, and just kinda get him to make the next level jump."

​While he fully intends to help McMillan make the transition from college to the NFL, the former undrafted free agent out of Penn State hasn't lost sight of his own personal goals, and he too intends to make the next jump in his game after getting more playing time last season, making 33 tackles and even catching an interception in 2016.

"I'm trying to make a jump in my career too," Hull said. "The most improvement's always from the first year on the field to the second, so I'm hoping I can build off of last season and just keep going from there."

Hull has proven himself to be a sure tackler and a special teams ace in his time with Miami. Now, he intends to take what he's already learned and pass it on to others, as well as learn from those more knowledgeable than him. It's that kind of team-oriented mindset that will help the Dolphins reach the playoffs once more and get them to improve on last season's results.

This story was written by Luis Sung. Follow him on Twitter: @LuisDSung

The Miami Dolphins will begin their OTAs from this upcoming Tuesday, which means the 2017 season is one very important step closer to getting started once again, and after last season's trip to the playoffs, head coach Adam Gase intends to use OTAs as a means to see what the team's status is.

"Just starting off to see how good a shape we're in, I feel like we're in a good spot, that phase two is a good three weeks worth of work." Gase said on Friday at the Fins Weekend golf tournament. "Feel like guys are in good shape but now the anxiety level's gonna go up a little bit because now the offense and defense practice against each other, special teams, we'll see kinda how bodies respond and how fast we can play and how much we've actually learned from last year to this year."

There were a lot of growing pains at the beginning of the season, but after Week 5, the Dolphins pulled everything together and found a way to win six games straight, and ultimately finished the regular season with a 10-6 record, even without quarterback Ryan Tannehill who was injured for the last three weeks of the year.

That success was a direct result of some great development on the part of some of the team's young players, including 2016 rookies Laremy Tunsil, Kenyan Drake and Xavien Howard, who all contributed during their time on the field.

Tunsil in particular was able to impress the coaches, moving from his natural position at left tackle to guard and doing a good job at a position he'd never played before.

Now, there's a new class of rookies that needs work in practice on the field after Gase used the team's rookie camp as a classroom experience rather than letting them get on the field, and he's looking forward to seeing what they can do in Miami uniforms along with the other players.

"I'll be excited when Tuesday gets here, I've really enjoyed watching our guys work the last five weeks, be interesting to see our rookies out there, see how they kinda fit in, just seeing our guys develop, it's been a neat experience from year one to year two."

Most people don't see OTAs as very important due to the fact that teams can't put pads on their players and let them hit each other like in training camp, and so anything that comes out of OTAs usually gets waved off as irrelevant.

Adam Gase contends that viewpoint.

​"I think every time we get out there is important, we only get so many practices, we have thirteen total practices if you count the mini-camp, and then all of a sudden we're into training camp." he said. "So everything we do is important, every rep's important, we need to have a major focus on correcting our mistakes and not making them again, and that's kinda what got us a little bit last year. Hopefully our guys keep to what we've been doing so far and find ways to get better."

The closer the season gets, the more the anxiety will inevitably rise. Expectations will be high after the 2016 playoff berth, and if the players don't meet Gase's expectations, it's already known what is likely to happen to them. The first thing they need to do is impress without pads, so there's no room to relax and assume that OTAs have no weight.

This story was written by Luis Sung. Follow him on Twitter: @LuisDSung

Back in 2015, the Miami Dolphins used their first round pick on a promising young talent named DeVante Parker out of Louisville, with the intention of turning him into their true number one wide receiver. In his two years with the team, the official game logs state that he's only missed three games in his whole career.

Yet the number one concern regarding Parker as of now is his apparent inability to stay healthy.

Going into his third season, the 24-year old Parker has suffered from foot and hamstring injuries that have limited him on the football field and kept him from becoming the player everyone hoped he would, only making 82 catches for a total of 1,238 yards and seven touchdowns in his two years in the NFL.

Those stats are not particularly impressive for a player who was being touted as a potential superstar, and the young receiver has been called out for his overall lack of NFL discipline in his everyday life by his coaches in the past.

Now, however, we are hearing a different tune from the Miami Dolphins coaching staff. Offensive coordinator Clyde Christensen spoke nearly two weeks ago on the change he's seen recently in Parker.

“The great thing is we’re seeing what we were hoping to see, and that’s A) a healthy DeVante Parker – he is running probably better than I’ve seen him run since I’ve been here – and a hungry DeVante Parker." he said. "I think he has been around a lot more than last year. He is practicing hard."

Nearly two weeks later, Parker himself commented on what Christensen said about what he's seen regarding his "hunger."

"He's not lying to you."

Parker spoke to the media on Friday morning at the Fins Weekend golf tournament about his injury history and what it's meant for him. To put it bluntly, he's tired of being hurt, and he's made some significant changes to his offseason routine.

"I'm just tired of being hurt and not healthy a full season, expect some big changes this year." he said. "I'm eating a lot better, sleeping better ... I'm just really focused on legwork, leg workouts now mainly. I still do upper body, but I just want to do legs to get my hamstrings right for this season."

Parker went on to say that he's taking on a bigger workload on his legs now than he used to in the past, all in an effort to make sure he's healthy and won't be hindered by those nagging injuries that have held him back. It's been a long and frustrating road for Parker, but now it looks like things are finally, truly, changing.

"Been injured the whole time I've been here basically," Parker said. "Finally coming in this year,  just coming in with a different approach."

Parker's talent has never been in question, it's always been his durability and his maturity. Now that it seems both of those problems are being dealt with - without extra prompting or hand-holding by the coaches, the time may have finally come for the former Louisville standout to reach his full potential, like coach Christensen says he expects in 2017.

"We need him to be a big play, No. 1 receiver. That’s what he has the potential to be." Christensen said. "I really think he’ll have a great, big year – a gigantic year for us. That would be huge."

And how does Parker feel about what was said?

“It's a good thing to hear from him, I just gotta keep working, keep at it.”

That is the attitude of an NFL star in the making.

This story was written by Luis Sung. Follow him on Twitter: @LuisDSung

There have been a lot of dynamic duos in the history of the Miami Dolphins. The likes of Mark Duper and Mark Clayton, Sam Madison and Patrick Surtain, as well as Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams for those too young to truly appreciate the greatness of the former two.

Now though, the Dolphins may have put the pieces in place for the next great dynamic duo in the secondary, after they signed former Rams safety T.J. McDonald to a one-year deal.

Granted, McDonald won't be able to play until midway through the season due to the fact that the 26-year old safety violated the NFL's substance abuse policy, but that isn't stopping him from putting forth the required effort to make sure he's ready when the time comes, and he made it obvious that he plans to call on star safety Reshad Jones to help him through that process.

"He's a vet, he's a guy you can definitely pick his brain and learn a lot from, I've got a lot of respect for him, his tape speaks for itself." McDonald said Friday morning at the Fins Weekend golf tournament. "He's been here for a long time so anything - he's there to help - so anything I can pick from him, I definitely need to add that to my game and what I can do in this defense. He's somebody that you can rely on as far as getting to know the X's and O's of what's going on."

Jones has made a name for himself in the past few seasons for his ballhawking skills and tackling prowess, and Miami rewarded him with a 5-year, $60 million dollar contract this offseason, ensuring his presence in the secondary for the foreseeable future, and McDonald is excited to be playing alongside him.

"It's definitely exciting anytime you can play with a great player, somebody that is well known in this league and has earned his respect, so I'm definitely excited to play with him," McDonald said. "We're physical players, definitely guys that are going to be around the ball, and anytime that you have that together is good, so I'm just worried about getting back out there and being able to play good ball."

Coach Adam Gase said on Friday that the plan is to work McDonald as if he weren't suspended at all, getting in his reps and seeing what he can do on the practice field for the Dolphins while simultaneously looking for a way to eventually fit him in.

"We're gonna practice him, kinda see how he fits in and where he fits in, we'll obviously start the season off without him." Gase said. "Both guys [McDonald and Jones] are able to either be down in the box or back in the middle of the field, so anytime you've got interchangeable pieces, that's a good thing to have."

It won't come right away, but with McDonald and Jones playing alongside each other in the secondary, Miami could potentially have one of the hardest hitting safety tandems in the NFL. With any luck, things will work out the way the Dolphins hope they will, and a new dynamic duo will be born.

This story was written by Luis Sung. Follow him on Twitter: @LuisDSung

Miami Dolphins offensive coordinator Clyde Christensen knows a thing or two about coaching in the NFL, having spent more than 20 years coaching in the league, including five years as an offensive coordinator. He also knows a few things about coaching intelligent players, having spent more than ten years with Peyton Manning while both were with the Indianapolis Colts.

Christensen recalls Manning as a player that always wanted to know exactly what was expected in every facet of the game, often asking coaches, “How do we want to do this? How do I do this? Is this exactly what you want, or is it different?”

And now Christensen is seeing that same demeanor in another player, tight end Julius Thomas, whom the Dolphins acquired prior to this year’s draft in exchange for a swap of late-round draft picks with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

As most fans are well aware, Thomas played two years under current Dolphins head coach Adam Gase, when both were with the Denver Broncos. And Thomas put together his best two seasons on his young career in those two years, compiling 108 catches for 1277 yards and 24 touchdowns, and earning Pro Bowl honors in both of those seasons.

“I'll see him in Coach Gase's office and his questions are right,” said Christensen. “His questions and his process are right, which as a coach is what you're looking for. Those are the right questions to be asking. He has been terrific in the short time he has been here, and it doesn't take long to see he enjoys football, he likes football, which is the other attribute we've been looking for.”

As for what he feels Thomas adds to the Dolphins, Christensen effused, “What can he add? In Denver, he added 10 or 12 touchdowns. That's a gigantic addition … the guy is a professional. He's going to add way more than touchdowns - way, way more than touchdowns. I hope he adds those touchdowns, but the guy is a pro. He knows Coach Gase. He knows the system. He's going to do whatever it takes to find a way to play good football.”

One question most fans have is if the Dolphins are getting the Julius Thomas from his pro bowl seasons in Denver, or the guy whose production dropped by about 50% in his two years in Jacksonville.

“There's no guarantee,” admits Christensen. “It's on film. I've seen it. Coach Gase knows him inside out. Gase knows exactly what he's getting and knows how to use him. He used him extremely well out there in Denver. I have great confidence that we will get that - it's not a speculation.

“He's a pleasant guy, he has a good demeanor. He has got a smile on his face when he comes to work. That's good stuff. A lot of times when you go get a free agent – a high-profile free agent – you don't know what you're going to get. It's a reach, and all you can go on is second hand. This one, we had the advantage of Coach Gase (and) people knew him, and he has been exactly that. Coach Gase has been clear that's what he wants. He wants guys that enjoy football, enjoy the process, who enjoy working, who want to be great.

“And (Thomas) certainly has been that in the time I've seen him."

When head coach Adam Gase was asked what Thomas can add to the Dolphins offense, he didn’t hold back, giving an indication of just exactly how he intend to utilize his new weapon.

"I think any time you have a tight end that can really cause issues in the passing game, especially down the middle of the field, it benefits the run game and the other players on the field,” says Gase. “Any time you can single a guy up and there's a matchup problem there, whether it's a safety or linebacker on him, now you've got man-to-man. And if he can win, there are some big-time issues. We had a lot of success doing that, and teams quit doing it against us.

“The next thing you know they're playing Cover 2 or some kind of quarters. And then we start running the ball. And then the next thing you know, you've got an 1,100-yard back that nobody thinks can run the ball."

​This story was written by Eldon Jenson. Follow him on Twitter @EJFootball

Tackling has become something of a lost art in the NFL these days, with missed ankle tackles and failed arm tackles turning into an all-too common occurrence. The Miami Dolphins also fell victim to this, which helped contribute to them having the 30th ranked rushing defense in the NFL in 2016.

Which is what the Dolphins had in mind when they went into the 2017 offseason. They extended Kiko Alonso, signed former Steelers LB Lawrence Timmons, and of course they drafted Ohio State linebacker Raekwon McMillan in the second round to try and shore up the rushing defense and add versatility to the linebacker corps.

"For the way we play our defense, we play with three off the ball guys." said defensive coordinator Matt Burke. "Again, like week to week, there’s different challenges of ‘the Sam (linebacker) is going to match up with this guy one time’ or ‘the inside linebacker is going to be asked to do this.’ So I don’t see … I know everyone’s on to Raekwon.

"Earlier it was about Kiko. ‘Where are we going to play Kiko?’ Kiko is a good football player and we’re going to utilize his skillset. The same thing (Head Coach) Adam (Gase)’s always talked about, we’re going to put our players in the best position to be successful and to help us win."

McMillan in particular offers a lot of talent and upside, and at only 20 years old, he has plenty of time to develop into a solid linebacker. For now though, he can bring his terrific tackling ability to the table, which is something that in recent years has been lacking in the Miami defense.

“It’s something that we practiced a lot at Ohio State." McMillan said during his first press conference. "We practiced a different tackling style – the eyes through the thigh, wrap and roll, sweep the ankles tackle technique. We went over it every day in practice. Even though we weren’t allowed to have a bunch of contact, we always finished in football position, in tackling position. It helped us and it showed out there on the field, rarely missing tackles.”

With McMillan's expertise in tackling and potential for development, in time he could potentially become the team's next starting middle linebacker. Until then, maybe he can use his skills developed at Ohio State to help the team get their technique in tackling right. Though according to the young rookie, tackling is about desire as well as technique, and it's clear that McMillan has all the desire he needs.

“I’d say it’s a little bit of both." McMillan said. "First, you have to get there. If you don’t have any desire or effort to get there, then you’re not going to make any tackles. So yes, you have to have some desire to get to the football, see ball, get ball, have some instincts. Then when you get there, you have to finish.”

​If all goes well, McMillan will be able to finish on the field in the big leagues, and give the Dolphins a much-needed lift in run defense.

This story was written by Luis Sung. Follow him on Twitter: @LuisDSung

Members of the Miami Dolphins rookie class hosted more than 60 Special Olympics Florida athletes from Miami-Dade and Broward County to promote physical fitness in the South Florida community.

“We are thrilled to return to the Dolphins Training Facility for our annual clinic with the rookie class,” Special Olympics Florida Area Director Linsey Smith said. “It is one of the highlights of the year for our athletes to have the opportunity to train on the same field as their idols. We are grateful to the Miami Dolphins for providing this memorable experience each year.”

Miami Dolphins rookies Chase Allen, Isaac Asiata, Winston Chapman, Isaiah Ford, Davon Godchaux, Matt Haack, Charles Harris, Larry Hope, Malcolm Lewis, Cameron Malveaux, Praise Martin-Oguike, Raekwon McMillan, Torry McTyer, Drew Morgan, Joby Saint Fleur, De’Veon Smith, Eric Smith, Maurice Smith, Damore’ea Stringfellow, Cordrea Tankersley and Vincent Taylor participated in the event.

“To me, it’s all about giving back,” Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Vincent Taylor said. “I worked with Special Olympics in my hometown of San Antonio. For me to do it in Miami, it’s a fun event. For me to help Special Olympics Florida, it’s a good time to be able to give back to the community.”

The rookies played and refereed flag football games with the Special Olympic Florida athletes, grades 6-12. It was their first community event as members of the organization.

“My favorite part was everything,” Special Olympics athlete Max Mogul said. “What I liked the most was to come out here with the Dolphins and we feel so special to play with the players. It’s very touching and very nice.”

Photo Credit: Miami Dolphins

There was a lot of hype surrounding wide receiver Jakeem Grant when he first arrived at the Dolphins facility. His small stature, big attitude and blazing speed quickly turned him into a fan favorite, and most were excited to see what he could do on the football field.

Unfortunately, Grant's occasional big play on special teams was not enough to outweigh his multiple errors in handling the ball, and that helped contribute to his only receiving a total of 19 snaps on offense in 2016, causing many to wonder if Grant was really nothing more than just an occasional gimmick player.

Offensive coordinator Clyde Christensen didn't deny Grant's potential as a gimmick player, but he also made it clear that he expects more from him in the future.

"Gimmick is kind of a demeaning word but he’s so darn explosive." said Christensen. "I think he should be a highlight film. His big plays per snap ought to be a huge number. We’re always looking for ways to get him on the field. Some of it we’ll learn how to use him better. Some of it he’ll become a better player and a more mature player and understand the offense better."

Grant, who ran a 4.38 in the 40-yard dash, has the athleticism and speed to be a spectacular weapon in any offense, but his consistency has been questionable, and Christensen mentioned that it was important that he learn the offense more, indicating that Grant wasn't quite up to snuff in 2016.

"He has to learn the offense better and I think he’ll do that, but look to see him maybe a little bit more outside and mix it in." Christensen said. "We can stick him out there away from trips and get some one on ones out there. He’s a scary guy one or one. So we’re experimenting with some new things. Or different things, not new. But just some different places for him just to find a little niche for him to get a bigger role."

With his size, speed and athleticism, Grant could potentially carve out a niche for himself as a Darren Sproles-type player in an offense, and there's no doubting that Grant has the necessary confidence to succeed in the NFL.

He was a big-play phenom at Texas Tech, and he did score a touchdown on a punt return in 2016, so with any luck, his second year in the NFL will lead to increased production and even more highlight reel plays, as he continues learning what it means to be an NFL player.

"The theme of this thing, I just think that second year through, all of a sudden you get it." Christensen said. "You figure it out a little bit. And I think that will be the case with him. He’ll figure out a little bit. We’ll figure it out a little bit more and then I think you’ll see him play some bigger chunks and more snaps."

This story was written by Luis Sung. Follow him on Twitter: @LuisDSung

When the Miami Dolphins gave center Mike Pouncey a 5-year, $44.75 million contract, it was with the intention of having him snap the ball for quarterback Ryan Tannehill for years to come.

Unfortunately, after only playing in five games in 2016, and having multiple surgeries on both hips, there is a certain amount of skepticism regarding whether or not Pouncey will be a contributing factor on the Miami offensive line.

Pouncey, who will turn 27 in July, has not played in a full NFL season since 2012, but during the times he is healthy, Pouncey has a reputation for being one of the best centers in football. With that in mind, head coach Adam Gase intends to bring the former Pro Bowler along slowly while he rehabs from his previous injury.

"He’s going to be brought along slowly. I know we kind of joked about this in the past about how I’m going to handle him this coming season; but our goal is to make sure that he plays every game plus more. So if that means that he doesn’t practice as much, I have no issues with that.”

It makes sense for Gase to not be overly concerned with Pouncey's practice time. The team's star center is already well-acquainted with his job, and while he recovers, the team has several candidates to compete for the primary backup position should something not go according to plan.

“Well we’ve got four guys that play guard/center." Gase said. "So we’re just rotating these guys through and we just keep working. I guess we’re kind of in the boat of we did it so much last year that nobody’s really affected by it. We just move around and whoever pops in there, the quarterback has been really comfortable.

"He’s done a good job. We’re able to kind of do a couple things where we work some – really everything’s on air – but just kind of the mechanics of running plays and protections and things like that. It has been a smooth transition.”

​With all the pictures floating around of Pouncey on crutches, it seems like it will be a while yet before he's ready for football action. But as long as coach Adam Gase believes he can get something out of Pouncey, then there is no reason to lose hope. He's never been shy about his true feelings, and he's never held back when criticizing players, so when he says he has plans for Pouncey, it's because he believes he will play.

This is a very good thing for the offense's chance in 2017.

This story was written by Luis Sung. Follow him on Twitter: @LuisDSung