Final 12 months, the Miami Dolphins didn’t create many huge performs by way of the passing sport. They threw deep down the sector much less usually than nearly any staff, with simply 9.2 p.c of their go makes an attempt touring no less than 20 yards within the air, based on Tru Media. They turned simply south of 38 p.c of their receptions into first downs, and had simply 79 passing performs that gained 16 or extra yards. 

Issues weren’t significantly better on the bottom. The Dolphins ranked twentieth within the NFL with 7.2 p.c of their carries turning into beneficial properties of 15 yards or extra, and twenty fourth with 23.4 p.c of their carries leading to first downs. 

This offseason, the Dolphins clearly made it a precedence so as to add velocity to their skill-position group. They signed speedster Will Fuller away from the Houston Texans on a one-year deal, then traded down from No. 3 to No. 6 within the draft, the place they landed former Alabama wideout Jaylen Waddle. Additionally they added athletic tight finish Hunter Lengthy later within the draft. 

The result’s a a lot quicker group of talent gamers than the staff had final 12 months. Fuller, for one, is happy. 

“You cannot educate velocity and we do have that on this staff,” Fuller stated, per NFL.com. “Not simply me and Waddle, there are different gamers with velocity, too. It will be enjoyable. We will do what the coaches ask of us and we simply going to be enjoying quick and we going to make some stuff occur.”

Word: Gamers marked with asterisks didn’t run on the mix, so instances are unofficial.

Apparently, the Dolphins pushed arduous for Fuller in free company, and that is why he ended up signing in Miami, regardless that he solely obtained a one-year contract. 

“This was my first free company, so I simply took it as I wished to go to a staff that wished me,” Fuller stated. “The Dolphins confirmed essentially the most curiosity. That is why I selected the Dolphins. And, in fact, I knew we’ve a terrific staff right here and we may do nice issues. Ever since I have been right here, it has been nice. I like the tradition right here. It is simply been simple to be right here. Like I stated, I have been within the constructing as a lot as I can. I take pleasure in being right here. I am completely satisfied the Dolphins took an opportunity on me.”

With an improved group of pass-catchers and Tua Tagovailoa now firmly entrenched because the starter underneath heart, there’s an opportunity for the Dolphins offense to take a step ahead this 12 months. If it does, the collective velocity available is more likely to play a big function.