Five Unsung Dolphins That Will Have Solid Seasons

The Miami Dolphins were very active this offseason with the signings of Mike Wallace, Philip Wheeler, Dannell Ellerbee and Brent Grimes among others. Another popular topic of conversation has been how quarterback Ryan Tannehill will improve from a rookie season in which he led Miami to a 7-9 record. While Tannehill, Cameron Wake and the newcomers will get most of the spotlight and with it, much more scrutiny, here are five unheralded Miami Dolphins who will have solid seasons for the 'Fins in 2013:

Right tackle Tyson Clabo. (Photo: Brownsville Herald)

Tyson Clabo, Tackle
While most of the offseason focus for the Miami offensive line has centered on second-year tackle Jonathan Martin replacing former All-Pro Jake Long, the other tackle for the Dolphins, Tyson Clabo, looks to be one of the more overlooked signings of the offseason. Clabo is a former Pro Bowler with the Atlanta Falcons and thus far, has handled the right side nicely. While Martin will continue to get much of the focus, the Dolphins should have little to worry about at the other tackle position.

Chris Clemons, Safety
While Miami safety, Reshad Jones, had a Pro Bowl caliber year in 2012, the Dolphins other safety also put together a career-year. Chris Clemons, a fifth-year man from Clemson, is Miami's leading returning tackler from a year ago with 98 combined tackles. Clemons was also tied for second on the team with two interceptions. In addition to being a solid tackler, Clemons rarely got lost in coverage a season ago and seems to have a firm grasp on Kevin Coyle's defense.

Brandon Fields, Punter
Brandon Fields led the NFL last season averaging better than 50 yards-per-punt and looks to have another big year. In Miami's 17-16 preseason loss to Tampa Bay on Saturday, Fields averaged nearly 53 yards-per-punt and had two of his five kicks downed inside the 20 including a coffin corner punt that went out at the three-yard-line. While Fields won't get much recognition, he should help serve as a de facto 12th defender for what should be a very good Miami Dolphins' defense in 2013.


Koa Misi, Linebacker

Linebacker Koa Misi (Photo: MiamiDolphins.com)

With the signings of Dannell Ellerbee and Philip Wheeler and the selection of Dion Jordan third overall in the draft, the lone returning starting linebacker, Koa Misi, has become a forgotten man for the Dolphins. Misi however, may greatly benefit from the new additions. Misi has always been a better blitzer than a sideline-to-sideline linebacker and with the speed and play-making ability of Ellerbee, Wheeler and Jordan, teams likely won't focus as much on Misi which should allow him to be very effective when it comes to rushing the passer.

Jared Odrick, Defensive Tackle
With the additions on defense, Jared Odrick, a former first round pick of the Dolphins, has the versatility to become very valuable. Whether at end or tackle, Odrick's biggest strength has always been his ability to bull-rush the passer. Odrick could find himself on the inside in obvious passing downs and while teams will look to slow down the Wheelers, Ellerbees and Wakes of the world, Odrick should find himself often in one-on-one situations and will be able to get pressure regardless of where he's lined up.

Mike Ferguson is a staff writer at Dolphin Shout and the founder and editor of Outside the Redzone. Like Outside the Redzone on Facebook!  Also, follow Mike on Twitter @MikeWFerguson