NFL preseason 2015: Players with most to prove

Dec 21, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith (7) reacts after an incomplete pass during the third quarter against the New England Patriots at MetLife Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Jets 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

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Miami Dolphins – Ja’Wuan James

Why is he the pick?

James was taken in the first round last season and immediately was plugged in at right tackle. After general manager Dennis Hickey signed Branden Albert to a five-year deal in the offseason, the idea was to enter the 2014 season with bookend tackles for the rest of the decade, finally putting Miami’s longtime offensive line problems behind it. Instead, James was terrible and Albert got hurt.

According to Pro Football Focus, James ranked 80th out of 84 tackles in 2014. While he was a rookie that had to shuttle between right and left tackle following Albert’s season-ending knee injury, his play was still concerning. James has to fulfill the promise he had coming out of the University of Tennessee last year and display that he can be a long-term fixture protecting Ryan Tannehill.

What is at stake?

Tannehill’s health. Look, the Dolphins have designs on going to the postseason for the first time since they won the division in 2008. It has been a long time since Miami was any kind of real contender, stretching back 20 years or so to when Dan Marino was still at the height of his career. With a solid roster and budding star at quarterback, the Dolphins need James to be solid.

Next: New York Jets

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