Coaching staff hoping that 2013 rookies step up

Written by Matthew Cannata
While you can never fully judge a draft class until three or four years down the road, it's safe to say that so far, the Miami Dolphins 2013 draft class has been pretty bad but not necessarily because their talent level is poor - but because of the myriad of reasons why many of them didn't see the field last season.

Dion Jordan, their first round pick, came to camp with an injured shoulder and took quite some time to get in playing shape and still saw limited action. Jamar Taylor and Will Davis struggled to stay healthy throughout the entire season. Dallas Thomas barely saw the field along with Mike Gillislee. Jelani Jenkins saw some time but nothing to push the other players on the roster. 

Now, in 2014, the coaching staff has seen great strides from these rookies in the offseason and hope that it carries over into the season. Taylor will be battling for the second cornerback position and Thomas along with Jenkins will be fully involved in a training camp battle for their respective positions. 

“Overall, I thought the draft class from ’13 was better [this offseason]," coach Joe Philbin told Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald. "We’re looking for those guys to step up and contribute.”

If a few of them can step up, it can mean great things for the Dolphins this season.

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