Coming into the final year of his contract, Miami Dolphin’s General Manager, Jeff Ireland, had many fans in Miami ready to show him the door. For many years Ireland proved himself to be incapable of making the moves necessary to help make the Dolphins a perennial AFC East threat. With that in mind, he clearly came into the 2013 free agency period with a plan, and one goal in mind: Win now!

While history tends to go against teams who spend big in free agency, there are several reasons as to why I feel Miami will be able to buck the trend. Despite taking heat for the large contracts given out, the Dolphins were able to fill needs as well as upgrade at many positions. For example, players like Philip Wheeler and Dannell Ellerbe will be a much improved scheme fit over Karlos Dansby and Kevin Burnett. Ellerbe and Wheeler are also much faster, and will provide better coverage in the passing game against the likes of Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski. Also, with the additions of wide receivers Mike Wallace and Brandon Gibson, as well as tight end Dustin Keller, the Dolphins showed that they were finally committed to a vision: Being explosive on both sides of the football, fielding a team of “playmakers,” and surrounding quarterback Ryan Tannehill with speed and talent that is unlike most teams in the NFL. While the “Achilles heel” of the 2013 Miami Dolphins could prove to be poor offensive line play, if Jonathan Martin is able to hold his own, the Dolphins should be a true contender to be the AFC East champions.

So what does this mean for fantasy owners in 2013? For the first time in many years the Dolphins should be able to provide fantasy value at multiple positions. Here are a few key names to keep an eye on throughout the offseason leading up to your 2013 fantasy draft.

Ryan Tannehill, Quarterback

Overshadowed by the play of fellow rookies Robert Griffin and Russell Wilson, Tannehill put together a solid campaign. With arguably the worst receiving options in the NFL, he managed to throw for 12 touchdowns and 3,294 yards. Now with several new threats on the offensive side of the ball, many should finally see what a great player Tannehill can be. Possessing one of the stronger arms in the league, and now one of the fastest wide receivers in the league as well, Wallace, do not be surprised to see some long touchdown passes this coming season. As for fantasy value, I believe Tannehill will be underrated in most fantasy drafts, which makes him a fantastic mid-to-late round pickup. While the offensive line could prove to be a problem, I expect Tannehill to be a high-end back-up quarterback, with the potential of becoming a true no. one starter.

2013 Stat Projection: 3,800 yards passing, 21 passing touchdowns, 14 interceptions

Lamar Miller, Running Back

Despite garnering a lot of attention recently in the fantasy football community, Miller should still be considered a fantasy “sleeper.” With the speed and pass- catching ability, he will be a solid option for Tannehill out of the backfield. While the Dolphins should be a pass-heavy offense, expect Miller to break his fair-share of touchdown runs as well. I believe Miller will be the featured back in Miami, beating out Daniel Thomas, however rookie Mike Gillislee could quickly become a household name if Miller struggles. Again, Miller could prove to be a nice flex- option, but most of his fantasy value could come from the passing game. He should be a nice late-round selection.

2013 Stat Projection: 195 rushing attempts, 850 yards rushing, 4 rushing touchdowns

Dustin Keller, Tight End

With the departure of Anthony Fasano to Kansas City, the Dolphins needed another option at tight end. Keller should come in and win the no. one tight end spot easily. Unless second year tight end Michael Egnew can come in and show drastic improvements, I see Keller as the only Dolphins tight end worthy of being a fantasy draft pick. Rookie Dion Sims should push for some playing time as well, but unless you are drafting against a huge Miami Dolphins “homer,” Sims and Egnew should both be available on the waiver wire. Keller should be another mid-to-late round selection and could prove himself to be a solid no. one tight end in deeper fantasy leagues.

2013 Stat Projection: 60 receptions, 700 yards receiving, 4 receiving touchdowns

Final Thoughts

Expect the Dolphins team defense/special teams to be a potentially high-reward defense this year, despite facing a daunting 2013 schedule. Rookie kicker Caleb Sturgis should come in and take the starting duties away from veteran Dan Carpenter, since Carpenter has seen a decline in production recently, and Sturgis provides a cheaper option. Wallace should be the top fantasy-performer on the Dolphins in 2013, and taken highly in all drafts. Tannehill will post nice fantasy numbers, and could be a mid-to-late round steal. Miller will be the no. one back in Miami and should produce for fantasy owners, just make sure you grab him in round eight or later to maximize his value. The top tight end for the Dolphins will be Keller, and he should be a nice selection in the later rounds of most fantasy drafts.  Owners can also expect Gibson and Brian Hartline to be solid flex players in 2013. Finally, without getting into too much detail, my fantasy super-sleeper for the 2013 Miami Dolphins is running back Marcus Thigpen who could also line-up as a wide receiver. I also wanted to throw in an honorable mention of undrafted free-agent rookie receiver, Terrell Sinkfield. If Sinkfield can make the roster and see time on the field, he could quickly become a fan-favorite in Miami, as well as for fantasy owners; but this could be a year or two premature.