In spite of making the playoffs in 2016, the Miami Dolphins defense was among the worst in yards allowed (29th) and stopping the run (30th). During the offseason, the team made a number of changes defensive with the hopes of improving that side of the ball.

Heading into the season, who are the Dolphins 11 most important defensive players?

11. Safety, Michael Thomas

Michael Thomas has been the consummate professional during his four seasons with the Dolphins. He has been inserted in and out of the lineup and even played different positions and hasn’t complained.

Not only does Thomas bring value defensively, but he is also arguably the Dolphins best special teams player as well. With T.J. McDonald suspended for the first eight games of 2017, expect to see Thomas on the field a lot early on.

10. DE, Charles Harris

Normally a first-round pick would be higher on this list, but with Andre Branch on the defensive line, the Dolphins can ease Charles Harris in.

In his final season at Missouri, Harris recorded 61 tackles, nine sacks and 12 tackles for loss. Harris will probably be more of an impact player later on in the season than at the beginning.