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5 Miami Dolphins Who Must Step Up During 2015 OTAs

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Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports

5 Miami Dolphins Who Must Step Up During 2015 OTAs

Joe Philbin
Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports

The Miami Dolphins were extremely busy this offseason and firmly believe that they are a playoff team heading into 2015. Joe Philbin and the coaching staff know that they will need their entire roster tuned up and playing to their best in order to make those goals become a reality. Which five players in particular will the Dolphins need to have step up during 2015 OTAs?

5. Jamar Taylor, CB

Jamar Taylor
Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

5. Jamar Taylor, CB

Jamar Taylor
Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Heading into his third NFL season, Jamar Taylor has to show the Miami Dolphins something and prove that he is taking steps forward. They aren't going to sit around much longer waiting for him to develop. Taylor has the talent to be a very solid NFL defensive back, but this is as close to a make-or-break season as a player can get.

4. Kelvin Sheppard, LB

Kelvin Sheppard
Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

4. Kelvin Sheppard, LB

Kelvin Sheppard
Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

The Miami Dolphins' defense has the potential to be something special with the addition of Ndamukong Suh, but linebacker Kelvin Sheppard has a chance to make an impact as well. Last season, Sheppard ended up recording 24 tackles and a forced fumble in limited playing time. He has a chance to work his way into a much bigger role with a solid offseason and is without question talented enough to do just that.

3. Josh Freeman, QB

Josh Freeman
Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

3. Josh Freeman, QB

Josh Freeman
Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Perhaps the most intriguing Dolphins player to keep an eye on during OTAs is quarterback Josh Freeman. He is looking to make his way back into the NFL after a brief break and has one of the strongest arms in the league. If he can get his head on straight and make some necessary improvements, then Freeman has a future in the NFL.

2. LaMichael James, RB

LaMichael James
Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

2. LaMichael James, RB

LaMichael James
Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

There is no question that the Miami Dolphins could use the speed that LaMichael James possesses, but they won't keep him on the roster for that reason alone. He has to prove that he can make an impact on the field and earn his roster spot with a solid offseason of work. James has yet to prove that he can be a legitimate running back, and he has to figure out a way to make himself valuable to the Dolphins in order to keep his spot.

1. Jarvis Landry, WR

Jarvis Landry
Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports

1. Jarvis Landry, WR

Jarvis Landry
Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports

Jarvis Landry has the potential to be a major playmaker for the Dolphins' offense, but he is going to have to work himself into a role. Miami acquired talented receiver Kenny Stills from the New Orleans Saints, drafted DeVante Parker and also signed Greg Jennings. If he comes through with a big offseason, Landry will find a way to force Miami's hand to put him on the field during the 2015 season.

Evan Massey is a writer for RantSports. Like him on Facebook.
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