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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Photo by Jonathan Ernst/Getty Images /

LB Raekwon McMillan

McMillan was supposed to be the piece this defense needed last season and everyone had high hopes. Unfortunately, he blew out his knee on special teams in the first preseason game and it was every bit as disastrous as you could have imagined. The Dolphins desperately needed a run-stopping linebacker in the middle of their defense and help just never came. In 2018 it’s time for Raekwon “The Chef” to start cooking.

McMillan is the key to everything on this defense this season. It’s quite possible as he goes, so goes the defense and that’s a lot to put on a player that has never played a regular season snap. When ever you hear a debate surrounding the Dolphins defense heading into 2018, it starts and ends with McMillan now being in the middle and being the piece they need to take that next step.

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The hope is he can lead the team in tackles and add some playmaking ability. He’ll also be looked at to develop into a leadership role. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying I expect him to be the best player on the defense. That just isn’t fair. Not with guys like Wake, Howard and Reshad Jones on the squad. However, they do need his position to be the most improved from 2017 to 2018.

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