Miami Dolphins 5 Breakout, Comeback Candidates

Dec 7, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins outside linebacker Jelani Jenkins (53) walks to the field before a game against the Baltimore Ravens at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

WLB Jelani Jenkins

As with two other names who will appear on this list of five, I’m not sure if Jelani Jenkins truly qualifies as a breakout candidate, because he played quite well last year in his second season in the league. The former Florida Gator lit up the stat sheet with 110 tackles, 51 defensive stops (via Pro Football Focus), and 3.5 sacks after recording just 17 tackles and no other stats as a rookie.

Although he started the season as a backup, Jenkins quickly established himself as the Dolphins best linebacker, and he’s a future centerpiece for the Dolphins. I’d look for him to become more consistent this year, and it’s crazy to think that he’s just 23. I fully expect a monstrous third-year performance from him, especially since the Dolphins now have Ndamukong Suh and C.J. Mosley up front. We all know what Suh brings to the table, and Mosley can also bring it against the run.

Jenkins looks locked in as a true three-down linebacker in this league, and I would be shocked if he doesn’t take a big step forward in 2015. He’s a candidate to become a household name, and Jenkins’s talents are already appreciated in Miami. If he can become an even better run defender (not-so-bold prediction: he will), then he’ll be star; he’s already one of the best outside linebackers in the passing game due to his coverage skills and pass rushing chops.

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