ESPN ranks Dolphins' WR, TE, RB groups vs rest of NFL
As a new season beckons, it springs newfound hope that Miami can rebound from a disappointing 8-9 finish in 2024.
One reason for optimism are the talented pieces that surround franchise quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
Though the Dolphins saw a dip in their overall ranking across the league, Miami's group of wide receivers, tight ends and running backs is still ranked among ESPN's top 10 NFL teams.
According to ESPN, the Dolphins check in right at No. 10 in the NFL in terms of its wide receivers, tight ends and running backs.
Tyreek Hill, coming off one of the best wide receiver seasons ever, saw his cumulative receiving yardage total fall from 1,799 to 959. While he was bothered by a wrist injury, the devastatingly explosive wideout didn't have a single reception of more than 30 yards after a touchdown in the opening-week win over the Jags. It seems foolish to write him off after so many years with significant production, but perhaps the 31-year-old is finally slowing down...
This is a wildly exciting group of playmakers when Tagovailoa is healthy and coach Mike McDaniel is in his bag, but last season showed how underwhelming these players can be when the conditions aren't right. - Bill Barnwell, ESPN
Any conversation about the Dolphins' offensive production has to take into account that Tagovailoa missed six games last season due to injury.
Hill should still have plenty of gas left in the tank and he has seem refocused throughout the offseason as one of the team's foundational leaders. Jaylen Waddle has a trio of 1,000-yard receiving seasons under his belt and should be eager to rebound from what was his worst statistical NFL season in 2024.
Barnwell weighted wide receivers' impact more heavily than either tight ends or running backs. Given how that's part of the metrics used to put these rankings together, it's no surprise to see the Dolphins toward the top of the league.
Miami still boasts arguably the NFL's best one-two wide receiver punch. The Dolphins replaced a Pro Bowl tight end in Jonnu Smith with a former Pro Bowl tight end in Darren Waller.
After tallying 12 total touchdowns and 1,499 yards of total offense a season ago, running back De'Von Achane appears to be one of the rising running back talents in the league.
Though the Dolphins slid from No. 3 a season ago to No. 10 in these rankings entering 2025, a healthy Tagovailoa with these weapons could spike Miami right back up the ladder in a hurry.
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