Ryan Tannehill was worth the investment for the Dolphins

Growth

One of the NFL’s best-kept secrets over the last three years has been Tannehill’s steady improvement. While the Dolphins have been terribly mediocre during his career, you can’t blame their quarterback for everything. He has gotten better each season and turned in a really nice campaign in 2014, despite Miami’s 8-8 record.

As a rookie in 2012, Tannehill started all 16 games and completed 58.3 percent of his passes for 3,294 yards, with 12 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. His quarterback rating of 76.1 was disappointing, but not horrendous for a rookie – especially when you consider that he only made 19 starts at quarterback in college after converting to the position from wide receiver.

In 2013, the Texas A&M product again started all 16 games, and this time completed 60.4 percent of his passes for 3,913 yards, with 24 touchdowns and 17 interceptions. His passer rating improved to 81.7, but he still made a lot of rookie-ish mistakes. That said, he was the undisputed leader of the franchise and kept the team focused during the nasty Richie Incognito-Jonathan Martin hazing scandal.

In 2014, Tannehill broke out and had an outstanding season. He completed 66.4 percent of his passes for 4,045 yards, with 27 touchdowns and just 12 interceptions. Those were all career-best marks, as were his quarterback rating (92.8), Total QBR (59.09) and yards per attempt (6.9).

One thing to remember about Tannehill’s improvement is that it has come without top-level targets. He has done it with guys like Jarvis Landry (who is emerging, but isn’t a No. 1 receiver), Brian Hartline and a slowly-decomposing Mike Wallace. In 2015 he will have Landry sliding into a more fitting spot as the team’s No. 2 target. He’ll also have targets in newly-acquired tight end Jordan Cameron, former New Orleans Saints speedster Kenny Stills and rookie DeVante Parker at receiver. Parker looks like he has what it takes to be a true No. 1 wideout, and Tannehill should look his way consistently in 2015.

Tannehill is now surrounded by guys who can make an impact, which means his numbers should only improve going forward.

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