The Miami Dolphins are one of the NFL teams that allows their locker room to dictate who the leaders are on the team. There’s little question that head coach Brian Flores is one of the primary figures of this squad — but Flores’ presence on the sideline can only go so far versus the leadership figures on the actual team. The Dolphins are the NFL’s second-youngest roster with an average age of 25 years of age, but yet that didn’t prevent the Dolphins from having a slew of candidates to represent the team in a captain’s role.
Brian Flores revealed on Monday that the Dolphins have voted on their team captains: here are the eight players who will represent Miami as their primary leaders as voted on by the rest of the roster.
Offense
Ryan Fitzpatrick – The second-year Dolphin has seen plenty throughout his time in the NFL and his ability to energize the rest of the offense makes him a no-brainer to hold the title of captain. He’s an elder-statesman on this team but he’s got the respect of everyone.
Ted Karras – Karras will be the glue on the offensive line as the man in the middle. His experiences in New England have helped to mold him for this opportunity as a starter — and as someone in a contract year he’s motivated to make the most of his opportunity.
Jesse Davis – Davis is the lone returning starter on the line from last year. Davis has the versatility to play almost any position on the line and his journey from a bottom of the roster developmental player to where he is now gives him the experience to mentor and guide his teammates.
Defense
Kyle Van Noy – Van Noy is the defense’s version of Ryan Fitzpatrick. He’s been around the block, he’s had tons of success in New England and he’s the second oldest player on the team — which you already know the Dolphins players tease him about. Van Noy knows this defense like the back of his hand and will serve a critical leadership role.
Elandon Roberts – Roberts, much like Karras, has been biding his time for an opportunity to shine. He didn’t get it in New England last season and came to Miami to reunite with Brian Flores and prove he can be a starter. His winning pedigree from New England definitely matters, too — reports indicate he’s been a vocal presence for the Dolphins thus far.
Bobby McCain – McCain is one of the longest tenured Dolphins on the roster. And the team clearly believes in him: they chose not to invest in a replacement free safety despite McCain playing in just nine games last season. He’s an energetic spark plug and will be a source of energy for the defense.
Special Teams
Clayton Fejedelem – Fejedelem served as a special teams captain for the Bengals in the past, so there should be no surprises that he’s serving the same role for the Dolphins as an under the radar addition for the Dolphins this offseason.
Kavon Frazier – Frazier comes from another winning program in Dallas and has had to scratch and claw to find a niche as a former 6th-round draft selection. His journey to Miami gives him the experience needed to lead and “walk the walk” for this young Dolphins’ roster.
