The Miami Dolphins are entering the 2013 season with big expectations after signing Mike Wallace and others in free agency and with quarterback Ryan Tannehill entering his second year, Joe Philbin thinks the Dolphins can be a playoff team again.
The team started minicamp workouts on Tuesday and Randy Starks was in attendance for the first time all offseason, according to the Sun-Sentinel. The appearance of Starks is a welcome on for the Dolphins, as the Pro Bowl player was out of OTA workouts after the team put the franchise tag on him. He would like a multi-year deal, but he decided to be in camp to avoid a fine and chances are the team will work out a deal with him in the future.
The Dolphins have a number of issues to workout at various positions, including what to do with Jared Odrick as well as last year's draft pick Oliver Vernon. Dion Jordan has not yet joined the team due to Oregon not finishing up with school year and he has yet to sign a contract either. Starks will likely start off on the second team during minicamp on the defensive line and should move up soon and the team will also be looking to get rookie involved early.
The Dolphins added Brent Grimes and Dannell Ellerbe on defense and the team also is being careful with Jonathan Martin, who has a leg issues. Grimes has the chance to be a starting cornerback, while Ellerbe is expecting big things despite missing some OTA workouts. Tannehill is thrilled to have a player like Mike Wallace in the fold and the team feels that the running game will be fine without Reggie Bush.
Dustin Keller is planning on having a big season after dealing with injuries for the first time in his career with the Jets and after losing Anthony Fasano to the Chiefs, he will be a prime player on the offense. The running game has Daniel Thomas and Lamar Miller, with Miller looking like the starting back heading into the summer based on the way he has worked out. The team brought back Brian Hartline and is expecting even bigger numbers than last season, while Philip Wheeler, Brandon Gibson and Tyson Clabo are expected to be big contributors as free agent signings. The team went 7-9 last season and the Dolphins feel that the wild card is within reach in 2013.
