Miami Dolphins: 5 Players Who Must Take the Next Step in 2011

Whether they were great or horrible in 2010, these players need to take the next step in their development if the Miami Dolphins are to succeed in 2011.

This list is not a cop-out to just bash QB Chad Henne.

Everyone knows Henne needs to improve to help the Dolphins.

Instead, let's try focusing on some other positions for a change. Even the best QBs need help around them (prime example being Philip Rivers who had the #1 offense but still missed the playoffs).

Here is a look at five guys who need to step their game up in 2011.

Sean Smith, CB

I loved the way Smith handled his benching in 2010. He worked hard and got himself back into the starting line-up by season's end.

His attitude is one you wish the whole team had. I even enjoy his "Smithology" Twitter account, which I am sure many of you enjoy as well.

However, it is time for Sean to start making some plays and holding onto the football when it hits him right in the hands.

Despite not starting until Week 9, Smith still tied for the NFL lead with five dropped INTs (The Miami Dolphins led the NFL with 19 as a team).

There is no more time for excuses. It is time for Smith to start making some plays and help out, not only the defense, but the offense as well.

Brian Hartline, WR

It seems pretty apparent that the Dolphins like to keep Davone Bess in the slot WR role and have Hartline fill the No. 2 WR role.

I have no problem with this as long as Hartline starts showing more consistency with his hands.

The image of him just throwing the ball into Pittsburgh Steelers' James Farrior's lap still haunts me. Throw in a few dropped long balls and 2010 could have been so much better for him.

Many do not realize that Hartline is really fast. He has been clocked at 4.44 in the 40-yard dash.

If Hartline can take that next step, the Dolphins will have a dangerous WR corps.

Koa Misi, OLB

In 2010, Misi had a solid season for a rookie learning how to play the 3-4 OLB spot. If he duplicates his 41 tackles and 4.5 sacks in 2011 then it should be another solid season.

However, if the Dolphins want to be a playoff team then Misi will need to be more productive.

Cam Wake is not going to be a secret weapon anymore and opposing teams are going to double-team him.

Jason Taylor will be a nice occasional pass-rusher but Misi will also need to show he can get after the QB.

Misi will need to take advantage of a lot of one-on-one play he is going to see.

It does not matter how good your secondary is if you cannot get after the QB. When you have Tom Brady and Philip Rivers on the schedule the pass rush is going to be vital.

Anthony Fasano, TE

Whether we like it or not (and I do not) Fasano is going to be the Dolphins starting TE.

Fasano had crushing drops that killed drives far too many times in the 2010 season.

The best offenses all have a reliable TE and it is time that Fasano becomes more dependable. If they have another season like 2010, the Dolphins offense will have a hard time making progress if they are not getting any production from the TE position.

Fasano has shown flashes that he can be a solid TE, but he has to eliminate the drops in 2011.

Chris Clemons, S

He may still be fighting for his starting spot with Reshad Jones, but I think it is still Clemons' job.

The coaches like Clemons because he rarely makes mistakes; however, they think he lacks the play-making ability. Personally I would rather have the mistake-free guy than a guy who will make more mistakes for just a few more plays.

Clemons was second on the team, with three dropped INTs in 2010.

The Dolphins defense is going to be good, but the lack of big plays will hurt it.

Clemons plays the FS position which is usually the biggest play-making position on the best defenses. For example, Ed Reed and Eric Weddle do this very well.

The Dolphins need Clemons to step-up in 2011.