Ryan Tannehill will have a Pro-Bowl Season in 2015

Ever since Ryan Tannehill came into the National Football League in 2012, he has grown like a franchise QB should grow.

I, for one, should not be the one to talk, though. In one of my first articles, I thrashed Tannehill for his poor QB play (which was relatively true) and even suggested he play receiver as he did in college.

ALSO ON SPIN ZONE: Top 30 Quarterbacks of All-Time

Three seasons after his relatively lack-luster 3,294-yard, 12 touchdown, 13 interception season, Tannehill has improved statistically (4,045 yards, 27 touchdowns and only 12 interceptions in 2014) as well as physically.

More from Miami Dolphins

What has impressed me most besides his increased completion percentage (58.3% to 66.4%), has been his footwork on his three and five-step drops. Not to mention, his feet were used on a lot of designed QB runs in 2014 which got him 311 yards on 56 carries (5.6 yards per carry average) and were responsible for 18 first downs. Typically he is a pocket passer, but he sure can dazzle with his bang-up speed in the open field.

I do not think that the phins will run him as much this year, but we could be seeing him take off quite frequently if in trouble. Most top draft picks don’t see progress the way Tannehill has progressed. Robert Griffin III, Blake Bortles, Mike Glennon, EJ Manuel and Geno Smith have all struggled while Tannhill has gone up (not as much as Andrew Luck, but close).

Regardless though of Tanny’s attributes or comparison to other QBs, Miami has upgraded quite a bit this offseason on offense.

Their defense with Ndamukong Suh is going to be much better and their offense with Jarvis Landry (84 receptions for 758 yards and five touchdowns in rookie season), Kenny Stills (63 receptions for 931 yards and three touchdowns with Saints last year), Devante Parker (83 receptions for 855 yards and five touchdowns with Louisville in 2014), Greg Jennings (59 catches, 742 yards and six touchdowns with Vikings), Rishard Mathews (12 catches for 135 yards and two touchdowns) and TEs Jordan Cameron (24 catches for 424 yards and two touchdowns with Browns) and Dion Simms (24 receptions, 284 yards and two touchdowns) will be dynamite.

Parker, a first-round draft choice will hopefully take the place that Mike Wallace, Brian Hartline and Charles Clay left when they signed with new teams. Jennings will fill the role that Hartline left, but where I believe the Dolphins lucked out was in new tight end Jordan Cameron who was a tank with the Browns. Cameron could be a huge red zone target for Tannehill and has the size and strength to be South Beach’s Gronkowski.

May 26, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver LaRon Byrd (81) during practice drills at Miami Dolphins Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Overall though I believe in these young guns of Miami and how well Tannehill will connect with them. They all have the speed and hands to make a difference with ever single guy, no matter what situation, being able to step up and make a play. In reality, there is nothing more valuable than play-making ability for a team that is poised to make the playoffs like the Dolphins are.

Additionally, Tannehill’s offensive line has improved from a couple of years ago when the Dolphins lead the league in sacks allowed (58 in 2013). Former Chief Brandon Albert solidified the left side of the line and will be back once again. He as well as former first-round pick Ja’Wuan James could be big factors to Tannehill’s success.

With over 4,000 yards Tannehill could have been Pro Bowl last season. Now, he’s got a whole plethora of receivers and weapons to chose from which could mean even more production and PB consideration.

Tannehill, game by game, is starting to look more like an elite QB Ron Jaworski was predicting. The pieces are there, the weapons are there, the scheme is there and the QB is definitely there.

It is all about execution, execution, execution.

Next: Where Does Tannehill Rank Among NFL's Best QBs?

More from NFL Spin Zone

Home/Miami Dolphins