The Miami Dolphins rebuild of 2019 was something that was never going to work without some significant growth and player development from those already on the roster. Head coach Brian Flores has spoken extensively about the need of his coaching staff to foster growth and improvement for those players who they work with day in and day out — and that player development is one of the staples of how this team is going to operate.

As we enter the second half of the 2019 season, that plan is coming into form. Players are improving, playing tougher and faster seemingly by the week.

The next step will be the infuse new talent into the mix that fits Miami’s vision for a contender. And while those players will come in bunches, several 2019 alumni will see this rebuild through to the end. Which players are best suited to serve as long-term building blocks for the future?

Here are our top-10:

1. LB Jerome Baker Dolphins' leader in total tackles (62).

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2. CB Xavien Howard Miami's only player with long-term contract extension.

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3. DL Christian Wilkins Dolphins' 2019 1st-round pick leads all rookie DL with 32 tackles.

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4. DL Davon Godchaux Dolphins' 2017 draft pick has 8th most tackles of any NFL DT since 2017 (122). (H/T… Dolphins' 2017 draft pick has 8th most tackles of any NFL DT since 2017 (122). (H/T to Brett Brecheisen, Football Communications for Miami Dolphins.) more

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5. WR Preston Williams Was on pace for 64 receptions for 856 yards and 6 touchdowns before ACL injury ended… Was on pace for 64 receptions for 856 yards and 6 touchdowns before ACL injury ended season in Week 9. more

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6. LB Raekwon McMillan One of the NFL's highest graded defenders vs. the run this season according to Pro Football… One of the NFL's highest graded defenders vs. the run this season according to Pro Football Focus. more

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7. FS Bobby McCain Team leader in interceptions in 2019 (2) despite changing positions this offseason.

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8. WR DeVante Parker Enjoying the most consistent season of his NFL career after signing team friendly contract extension this… Enjoying the most consistent season of his NFL career after signing team friendly contract extension this spring. more

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9. OG Michael Deiter The Dolphins' 3rd-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft has started every game at left guard.

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10. OLB/DE Vince Biegel Traded in player swap for Kiko Alonso just before the season started, Biegel leads the Dolphins… Traded in player swap for Kiko Alonso just before the season started, Biegel leads the Dolphins with 11 QB hits (more than twice any other defender). more

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