Pro Football Focus names three Miami players to All-Freshmen team

Miami, FL - It's bright in Miami, and Pro Football Focus is noticing! These days, the highly regarded analytics website announced three Miami Dolphins to their exclusive All-Freshman Team. It speaks volumes about how good this rookie class is and what they can aspire to becoming in the future.

Francis Mauigoa takes the lead, improving on his Second Team honors last year to make a well-merited spot on the First. Not only was the 6'7", 320-pounder a monument in pass protection from day one, he also exhibited great mauling ability on inside runs. His preponderance cleared the way for Miami's suddenly effective running game, and he earned PFF grades of 78.3 (notably higher than any other rookie OT).

Defensive end RuBen Bain burns the Second Team with his blinding motor and provision of pass-rush activity. The agile youngster recorded 7 sacks and 14 tackles for loss over the course of the season, continually harassing opposing QBs and running backs while making his presence felt in their backfield. Such disruptive play earned him a PFF grade of 72.5, making him an ascendant star on the Dolphins' defensive line.

Completing the set is linebacker Dylan Joyce, who made All-Freshman Honorable Mention. The versatile playmaker showed great instincts and coverage abilities, with 54 tackles, an interception and five pass deflections in his first year. Because Joyce can play a number of spots and draw on both run defense as well as pass coverage, his value has added greatly to the depth and versatility for Miami's defensive unit.

These are just another chapter in the Miami Dolphins' amazing transformation. The young and talented core of these All-Freshman standouts portend a bright future for the aqua and orange.

Head Coach Mike McDaniel had this to say about the trio's recognition: