The Miami Dolphins are expecting to have Ndamukong Suh in for OTA workouts, as reports have the top free agent acquisition reporting to offseason activities after he previously skipped those with his former team and this comes as Ryan Tannehill has signed his contract extension and is looking for players like DeVante Parker and Jay Ajayi to step up with Jarvis Landry, Jordan Cameron and Kenny Stills on offense.
According to the Palm Beach Post, Suh is expected to be in OTA workouts this offseason and it comes after he previously would skip those activities with the Detroit Lions. Suh was signed to a record $114 million contract this offseason and now he is expected to report. The Dolphins likely would not have worried if Suh did not come to OTA workouts, as they are voluntary at this time of year, but after spending so much money on the defensive lineman, they likely wanted him to show up.
Suh's conditioning isn't an issue, as he has only missed two games in his career and has not missed a start in the last three seasons. Suh had 8.5 sacks last season, but his impact is not all about numbers, as he helped the Lions have the top rushing defense in the league last year. The Dolphins took Ajayi and Parker in the draft and now Tannehill is hoping they can step up as rookies. Last season Jarvis Landry had a big year as a rookie and now the team is hoping Parker can have the same impact.
This offseason the team looked at Stevan Ridley, but they ended up taking Ajayi and now they hope he can be a strong backup for Miller. Ridley would have helped as a backup and receiver in the backfield and now Ajayi can fill that role. The Jets ended up signing Ridley after he came in for a visit with the Dolphins and Miami ended up adding Ajayi in the draft and now he could push to start for the team.
Ridley was coming off of an ACL injury and that made it a risky move for the Dolphins. Ajayi has had knee issues, but he has checked out fine and the knee was likely why the Patriots were not expected to re-sign him. Ridley had been a starter for part of his career and while Lamar Miller likely would have been the feature back if he signed in Miami, Ajayi now comes in and can push Miller.
The Dolphins have LaMichael James coming back along with Damian Williams and now Ajayi could be a solid contributor if he remains healthy. Ajayi dealt with some fumbling issues the past two seasons in college, but he can get over that and should be a solid depth option with James and Williams.
Miller is not as much of a threat out of the backfield as Ajayi is, but he could give the team a good option in between the tackles and with his speed on the outside. Miller had a solid year and he has quick feet and the ability to take the ball on short passes. The Dolphins were a decent rushing team last season and with Ryan Tannehill coming off of a strong year, they will be looking to get even better in that phase of the game.