The Miami Dolphins fell out of the playoff race with a disappointing end to the 2014 season, but the time is now to turn the page and get ready for a whole new season of ups and downs on South Beach. While they're a popular pick to make the postseason in 2015, they won't get there without some major contributions from these three unexpected sources:
DE Olivier Vernon
Vernon's name rarely got mentioned with Cameron Wake dominating the defensive headlines in Miami, and now he's even further away from the spotlight with Ndamukong Suh in town. At just 24 years old, he already has racked up 18 sacks in the past two seasons combined. Those numbers are solid, but they should skyrocket this year as he'll see single blocking almost exclusively due to Wake and Suh's presence.
RB Lamar Miller
Miller rushed for over five yards per carry in 2014, posting his first 1,000-yard rushing season (1,099) while crossing the goal line eight times on the ground. Add in his work as a developing safety valve for Ryan Tannehill in the passing game (38 receptions, 275 yards, 1 TD in 2014), and Miami has a fantasy football breakout candidate in its midst.
He doesn't (yet) have the reputation of the league's best backs, and while he certainly isn't a superstar, he belongs in that next tier of rushers and will prove that once again in 2015.
WR Jarvis Landry
Landry was so productive in his rookie season that the front office felt comfortable enough making him the Dolphins' No. 1 receiver. He had 84 catches for 758 yards and five touchdowns last season with Mike Wallace and Brian Hartline getting most of the targets. With both of them gone, he's poised for a breakout year.
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