BOCA RATON, Fla. -- Linebacker Kiko Alonso will be one of the big mysteries facing the Miami Dolphins this upcoming season.

Can Alonso return to the form of three years ago, when he recorded 159 tackles and four interceptions as a rookie? Or will Alonso continue to struggle as he's done since knee issues set in in 2014?

Alonso is coming off the worst season of his career with the Philadelphia Eagles. He recorded just 43 tackles, one interception and missed time due to that left knee.

Miami is counting on Alonso to play a major role in the middle of its defense.

“Coming off his injury, we feel good about it being another year removed from that,” Dolphins head coach Adam Gase said at the NFL owners meetings Tuesday. “We see a guy that runs well, that he hits, he strikes. He’s going to fit into what we do really well. Him being back in a 4-3 defense, that probably suits him a little bit better.”

Gase said the plan currently is to start Alonso at middle linebacker, with Koa Misi and Jelani Jenkins expected to start outside, although that could change if Miami drafts a top-level linebacker.

Alonso should benefit from playing behind a defensive line that includes former Pro Bowlers Ndamukong Suh, Cameron Wake and Mario Williams. Alonso thrived during his rookie season in Buffalo playing behind a talented defensive line.

“I've played against Kiko with the Buffalo Bills, and I thought that kid was going to be one of the best linebackers to ever play the game,” Dolphins center Mike Pouncey said. “Obviously he's dealt with injuries over the past years, but he's healthy now. We're looking for great things out of him.”

Gase expects the Dolphins’ strength-and-conditioning operation to have a positive impact on Alonso. The team has one of the best sports-science programs in the NFL and aims to make Alonso stronger and healthier with a focus on his lower body and taking prior injuries into account.

Part of Miami's success on defense in 2016 will be based on the results of its trade to acquire Alonso and cornerback Byron Maxwell from Philadelphia. The Dolphins swapped their No. 8 overall pick for the Eagles’ No. 13 selection to execute the deal.

“I was fine with it because we got two starters and we’re going to add a third at No. 13,” Gase said. “So I look at it [as] we moved back five spots and got three starters, so I was all for it. I know this, one guy is not going to change our team, so adding three starters for us is a big deal.”