Miami Dolphins: 3 Early breakout candidates for 2019 season
3. Laremy Tunsil, OT
It needs to be said that the Miami Dolphins offensive line as a whole is not going to be anything to write home about in the 2019 season. As noted when talking briefly about Rosen, this group has plenty of holes. Jordan Mills at right tackle is fine, but the interior of the offensive line leaves a lot to be desired. However, the pedestrian play at four spots on the line is going to make Laremy Tunsil really stand out.
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The Dolphins lucked into Tunsil in the 2016 NFL Draft by being able to take the tackle out of Ole Miss. Prior to the draft, Tunsil was presumed by many to be the top overall pick. However, when a video of him smoking marijuana surfaced right before the draft, he plummeted into Miami’s lap in the middle of the first round.
Throughout his first two seasons with the Dolphins, Tunsil bounced all over the line, seeing time at both guard and tackle. Installed as a permanent fixture at tackle last year, though, the 2016 first-round pick finally showed signs of realizing his immense potential as a physical, athletic player more than capable of setting the edge up front.
According to Pro Football Focus’ season recap for Miami, Tunsil was actually a breakout player last season as he posted career best grades across the board in 2018. However, my projection is that he becomes even more of a household name as he not only continues to develop and improve, but also as the Ole Miss product stands out as the unquestioned top performer by a wide margin on a bad O-line.