As the 2024 NFL season approaches, the Miami Dolphins are looking to make a deep playoff run. With a talented roster and a strong team culture, there are many players who could be considered among the best on the team. However, in a recent ranking exercise, one notable absence stands out: quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.

The reasoning behind excluding Tagovailoa from the top tier is not due to his physical abilities or potential as a quarterback. In fact, many would argue that he has the skills and athleticism to be one of the top signal-callers in the league. However, given his injury history and inconsistent performances on the field, he falls short of the top group.

Here’s how the top-ranked Dolphins stack up:

1. Tyreek Hill: The dynamic wide receiver is the clear leader of the team, with an unmatched combination of speed, elusiveness, and playmaking ability. He’s a game-changer who can take over any game on any given Sunday.

2. Jaylen Waddle: The young receiver has quickly become one of the most exciting players in the NFL. With his explosive speed and impressive ball skills, he’s a nightmare to defend and a must-have target for quarterback Skylar Thompson.

3. Xavien Howard: The Pro Bowl cornerback is one of the best shutdown corners in the league, with a rare ability to lock down top receivers and make game-changing plays. His presence in the secondary is a major factor in the Dolphins’ defensive success.

4. Jevon Holland: The talented safety has developed into a key cog in the Dolphins’ secondary, with excellent range, instincts, and ball skills. He’s a true ball hawk who can make an impact on every snap.

5. Jaelan Phillips: The defensive end has emerged as a dominant force off the edge, with a unique combination of speed, power, and technique. He’s a constant thorn in opposing quarterbacks’ sides and a key factor in the Dolphins’ pass rush.

6. Raekwon Davis: The defensive tackle is a massive presence on the interior, with elite size and strength that allows him to occupy blockers and free up his teammates to make plays.

7. Christian Wilkins: The versatile defensive lineman has developed into one of the most reliable players on the team, with excellent speed and agility for a big man. He can play multiple positions and is a key contributor to the Dolphins’ defensive success.

In contrast, Tua Tagovailoa’s exclusion from this top group is due to his inconsistent play and injury history. While he has moments of brilliance on the field, he also has a tendency to struggle with accuracy and decision-making, particularly under pressure. Additionally, his injury history raises concerns about his durability and ability to stay healthy throughout the season.

Overall, while Tua Tagovailoa has the potential to be one of the best quarterbacks in the league, his limitations and inconsistencies keep him out of the top tier of Dolphins players.