5 breakout stars to watch for Miami Dolphins in 2020

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MIAMI, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 03: Eric Rowe #21 of the Miami Dolphins in action against the New York Jets in the fourth quarter at Hard Rock Stadium on November 03, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /

4. S Eric Rowe

In his first year with the Dolphins, former New England Patriots’ defensive back Eric Rowe made the move from cornerback to safety after starter Reshad Jones went down. It proved to be an advantageous move for the former second-round pick of the Philadelphia Eagles.

When 2019 was over, he had played in all 16 games for the first time since his rookie season with the Birds. But he also made 15 starts, easily a career high. He finished second on the club with 81 tackles, tied a personal best with eight passes defensed and his lone interception of 2019 was a pick-six of former teammate Tom Brady at Foxborough in Miami’s Week 17 upset of the Patriots.

With Jones released a few weeks ago and the Dolphins adding former Dallas Cowboys’ cornerback Ronald Jones to a lucrative contract, the strong safety job appears to be Rowe’s for a spell. Back in December, the team signed the five-year – who struggled to stay healthy for three seasons (2016-18) – to a three-year contract extension (via Alain Poupart of MiamiDolphins.com).

If Rowe is able to stay on the field as was the case this past season the Dolphins’ defense figures to benefit in a big way considering his knowledge of head coach Brian Flores’ system. The talent has always been there. It’s only been a question of availability.

Next: No. 3

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