Miami Dolphins: 4 Players that need to step up on defense in 2018

MIAMI GARDENS, FL - DECEMBER 11: Jordan Phillips #97 of the Miami Dolphins blocks a pass attempt by Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots in the fourth quarter at Hard Rock Stadium on December 11, 2017 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

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MIAMI GARDENS, FL – DECEMBER 03: Xavien Howard #25 of the Miami Dolphins after returning the interception for a touchdown in the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at the Hard Rock Stadium on December 3, 2017 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images) /

CB Xavien Howard

I was super high on Howard when the Dolphins drafted him and thought he was the absolute right pick in Round 2 since Artie Burns was already off the board to Pittsburgh. This kid has the potential to be a No. 1 shutdown corner in this league and not only does he need to be this year for the Dolphins to be successful, I believe he will be.

We have seen him be great already. Of all the players on this list, he has by far already shown the most. You can make a case that he has already stepped up. Nonetheless, I have extremely high expectations for him and believe he’s only scratched the surface of his potential. I fully anticipate him being among the leagues elite in the very near future.

This year he needs to become a player that can left alone on an island with the opposing teams best receiver and the coaches don’t have to worry about it. It’s as simple as that. He’s already very good. This year I expect him to be great and I’m confident he will be. More importantly, the Dolphins secondary will need him to be so that the defense as a whole can reach their overall potential.

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