Top 5 Players to Watch on the Miami Dolphins Roster

A team’s success in the NFL often hinges on the performance of its most impactful players—those who can change the game with a single play, elevate their teammates, and step up when the pressure is highest. For the 2024 Miami Dolphins, this group includes established superstars, emerging talents, and defensive anchors who together form the backbone of a Super Bowl-contending roster. While every player contributes, certain individuals stand out for their ability to shape the team’s fate. Top 5 Players to Watch on the Miami Dolphins Roster highlights these key figures, breaking down why their performance matters, what fans can expect this season, and how they fit into the Dolphins’ championship blueprint.

At the top of the list is quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, the face of the Dolphins’ offense and the player whose consistency will ultimately determine how far Miami goes in 2024. Top 5 Players to Watch on the Miami Dolphins Roster must start with Tagovailoa, as quarterbacks are the engine of any NFL team—and his growth over the past two seasons has been nothing short of remarkable. After a 2023 campaign where he threw for 4,624 yards, 41 touchdowns, and just 10 interceptions (earning his first Pro Bowl nod), Tagovailoa enters 2024 with even higher expectations. What makes him so crucial is his mastery of Mike McDaniel’s “speed and space” offense: his quick release (2.4 seconds per throw, among the fastest in the NFL) allows him to get the ball to playmakers like Tyreek Hill before defenses can react, and his precision (71.2% completion rate in 2023) minimizes turnovers. This season, Tagovailoa will face a new challenge: leading the Dolphins through a tough midseason stretch against the Ravens, 49ers, and Patriots. If he can maintain his efficiency against elite defenses, Miami will be a legitimate Super Bowl threat. For fans, watching Tagovailoa’s evolution from a promising young QB to an elite signal-caller is one of the most compelling storylines of the season.

Next on the list is wide receiver Tyreek Hill, the NFL’s most explosive playmaker and the Dolphins’ primary offensive weapon. Top 5 Players to Watch on the Miami Dolphins Roster wouldn’t be complete without Hill, as his speed and playmaking ability make him a nightmare for every defense he faces. Fresh off a four-year, $120 million contract extension, Hill is motivated to prove he’s worth every penny—and his 2023 stats (1,799 receiving yards, 13 touchdowns) suggest he’s more than up to the task. What sets Hill apart is his versatility: he can line up in the slot, on the perimeter, or even take handoffs in the run game, forcing defenses to assign their fastest cornerback to him (and often still coming out on top). His chemistry with Tagovailoa is unmatched—they’ve connected on 24 touchdown passes since Hill joined Miami in 2022—and their deep-ball combination (Hill has 12 receptions of 40+ yards in two seasons) can change the momentum of a game in an instant. This season, Hill has his sights set on the NFL’s single-season receiving yards record (2,068, set by Calvin Johnson in 2012), a goal that would require him to average 129.2 yards per game. Even if he falls short, Hill will remain the centerpiece of Miami’s offense—and one of the most entertaining players to watch in the league.

Third on the list is defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, the anchor of the Dolphins’ defensive line and a key piece of Vic Fangio’s improved defense. Top 5 Players to Watch on the Miami Dolphins Roster must include Wilkins, as his recent five-year, $105 million contract extension reflects his importance to Miami’s defensive success. After a breakout 2023 season (9 sacks, 89 tackles, 16 quarterback hits), Wilkins enters 2024 as one of the league’s top interior defenders—and a player who can impact both the run and pass game. At 6-foot-4, 315 pounds, Wilkins has the size to clog running lanes (he’s ranked in the top 10 among defensive tackles in run-stop percentage each of the past two seasons) and the athleticism to rush the passer (his 9 sacks in 2023 were the most by a Dolphins defensive tackle since 2006). What makes Wilkins particularly valuable in Fangio’s scheme is his ability to drop back into coverage—a rare skill for a player of his size—allowing the Dolphins to mix up their defensive looks and confuse quarterbacks. This season, Wilkins will be tasked with leading a defensive line that includes edge rushers Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb, and his ability to draw double teams will open up opportunities for his teammates to get to the quarterback. For a Dolphins defense looking to jump into the league’s top 10, Wilkins’ performance is non-negotiable.

Fourth on the list is edge rusher Jaelan Phillips, an emerging pass-rushing star whose health and consistency will be critical to the Dolphins’ defensive success in 2024. Top 5 Players to Watch on the Miami Dolphins Roster wouldn’t be complete without Phillips, as he has the potential to become one of the NFL’s most dominant edge defenders. After recording 9 sacks in 2022, Phillips’ 2023 season was derailed by a shoulder injury that limited him to 10 games and 6 sacks—but he’s fully healthy entering 2024 and has added 10 pounds of muscle to improve his strength against the run. What makes Phillips so dangerous is his combination of speed (4.56-second 40-yard dash) and power: he can beat offensive tackles with a quick first step or bull rush them into the quarterback’s lap. In Fangio’s defense, Phillips will have more freedom to rush from different alignments (standing up, with his hand in the dirt, or even from the interior), which will make him harder to block. This season, Phillips has a chance to join the NFL’s “10-sack club” for the first time—and if he does, the Dolphins’ pass rush could rank among the league’s best. For fans, watching Phillips bounce back from injury and realize his full potential will be one of the most exciting subplots of the season.

Fifth on the list is safety Jevon Holland, a young playmaker whose growth as a leader and ballhawker will help elevate the Dolphins’ secondary to elite status. Top 5 Players to Watch on the Miami Dolphins Roster concludes with Holland, as he represents the future of Miami’s defense and has already established himself as a key contributor. In his first two seasons, Holland recorded 5 interceptions, 3 forced fumbles, and 13 pass deflections—impressive numbers for a player still learning the nuances of the NFL. What makes Holland stand out is his football IQ: he has a knack for reading quarterbacks’ eyes and jumping routes, and his speed allows him to cover ground quickly in center field. With the addition of veteran safety Jordan Poyer this offseason, Holland will have more freedom to play aggressively (Poyer will handle more of the run-defense responsibilities), which should lead to more turnovers. This season, Holland has a chance to earn his first Pro Bowl nod—and if he continues to improve, he could become one of the top safeties in the league. For the Dolphins, Holland’s development is crucial: a elite safety tandem of Holland and Poyer will make it harder for opposing teams to throw deep, complementing the pass rush and making Miami’s defense a complete unit. Whether it’s an interception in the end zone or a tackle that stops a fourth-down conversion, Holland will be in the middle of the action all season long.