The Ten Most Important Players for the Miami Dolphins

The great rookie play of Jake Long really helped Miami's offensive line. He needs to continue to grow and become an elite NFL tackle to stave off the ferocious defensive teams the Dolphins will be facing this season.

The supposed weak link of the linebacking core, Roth has a great motor and fantastic ability.

He will need to elevate his play to the level of Porter, Crowder, and Ayodele to create a fearsome foursome of starting linebackers.

A rookie who has to step up fast. If he doesn't, Jason Allen starts opposite Will Allen, and that will NOT be a step in the right direction.

Fasano had a nice year last year, catching seven touchdowns. However, for Miami's offense to succeed, he needs to be consistent for an entire season.

Phillip Merling cannot afford a sophomore slump and has to improve his play as the starting right defensive end.

Kendall Langford outplayed him as a rookie, but also should be mentioned here.

Phillip may play a bit of linebacker as well. He needs a good year.

As the backup to Jason Furguson, he will need to be ready to jump in at any point and play well as the nose tackle... a position critical to the 3-4 defense.

He will get plenty of time on the field.

Can Porter produce another insane season?

If Miami has a chance to succeed, he will have to prove he was more then just a one year return to form.

Ronnie Brown must perform better this season to be considered an elite back.

Yes, he averaged 4.3 a carry and ran for 10 scores, but a lot of that was because of the Wildcat formation.

With Pat White here to run that (possibly), he will have to prove he is a between the tackle runner who can last a 16 game season.

Ted Ginn has to show more of that explosive ability that he flashed a few times last year. If he dives into another mediocre season, the offense will flounder.

A realistic goal for him should be 800 yards receiving, 400 running, and a total of 10 touchdowns. That is what the Dolphins drafted him for, and that is what the wildcat should help him achieve.

If Ginn is down, look for the whole team to be down, unless one of the rookies surprise.

Chad HAS to have another pro-bowl year. He cannot afford to let Chad Henne or Pat White take his job.

He is the calm leader that keeps these young players steady.

He keeps mistakes at a minimum, and gets the ball to Ricky, Ronnie, Ginn, Fasano, and co.

If Henne or White step in, the Dolphins are already looking towards 2010. That is why he is the number one player on my list.