The Miami Dolphins are headed into their six-week break following the end of the offseason conditioning program and before the start of training camp. Players and coaches will be enjoying the one true down-period for the NFL, though there never really is a completely quiet period in the NFL. The Dolphins completed their veteran minicamp last week, then, as vacations began, they signed veteran safety Marcus Maye.
Minicamp and adding a new safety to the roster shake up my previous prediction of the Dolphins’ 53-man roster. What changes as we look forward toward training camp? How does Maye fit into the roster, and who could lose their roster spot because of his addition? I update my roster projections this morning.
Quarterbacks (2)
Tua Tagovailoa
Mike White
No changes here. Skylar Thompson still ends up the odd man out and lands on the practice squad under the league’s updated emergency quarterback rules.
Running backs (4)
Raheem Mostert
De’Von Achane
Jaylen Wright (R)
Salvon Ahmed
No changes here. I know a lot of people argued that Chris Brooks should make the roster over Ahmed, and maybe they are right. I need to see more from Brooks, who missed the majority of his rookie season due to injury. Jeff Wilson, Jr., factors into this battle as well. The bubble watch during training camp will be fascinating for the running back position.
Fullback (1)
Alec Ingold
The Dolphins like having a fullback, and they have a Pro Bowl one.
Tight ends (3)
Durham Smythe
Jonnu Smith
Julian Hill
This was the first of two major issues people had with my previous projection. I left Jody Fortson off the roster in the initial projection, and I am doing it again here. I know he was signed early in the free agency period and people like the potential he brings to the position, but (a) the Dolphins still have to prove they will actually use tight ends and (b) where does the roster space come from to add him to the roster? Fortson has 14 receptions in his career. If he shows out during camp, he could force his way onto the roster, but right now, it is a numbers game and I do not see it in his favor. Tanner Conner and rookie Hayden Rucci will be battling for practice squad space.
Wide receivers (6)
Tyreek Hill
Jaylen Waddle
Odell Beckham, Jr.
Malik Washington (R)
River Cracraft
Braxton Berrios
My first change is adding Berrios back to the roster. How the new kick return rules impact rosters will have to be seen, but Berrios gives the Dolphins a sure-handed option back there and could force them to keep him on the roster. Erik Ezukanma, Anthony Schwartz, Braylon Sanders, Mathew Sexton, and rookies Tahj Washington and Je’Quan Burton will all be in a battle to find roster space this year.
Offensive line (9)
Terron Armstead
Isaiah Wynn
Aaron Brewer
Liam Eichenberg
Austin Jackson
Patrick Paul
Kendall Lamm
Robert Jones
Jack Driscoll
Adding Berrios to the roster means someone has to come off the 53-man projection. In this case, Lester Cotton lands on the wrong side of the cut line. Cotton and Kion Smith could both fight their way onto the roster, but the numbers game is not doing them any favors right now. Miami could look to keep multiple linemen on the practice squad, ensuring they have depth at a position that has struggled to stay healthy the past few seasons. Chasen Hines, Ryan Hayes, Matthew Jones, Andrew Meter, and Ireland Brown could all factor into those decisions. Bayron Matos, the Dominican-born basketball player looking to convert to the NFL as a lineman, is an International Pathway Program player and should make the practice squad in an exempted spot.
Defensive line (6)
Zach Sieler
Da’Shawn Hand
Teair Tart
Benito Jones
Neville Gallimore
Brandon Pili
There has been another roster change, but this time, it is a one-for-one swap at the position, as Pili replaces Jonathan Harris in the group. There is just something about Pili that keeps me thinking he will make the roster. Harris, Pili, and Gallimore are all battling for what are likely the final two defensive tackle positions. Daviyon Nixon and Isaiah Mack need strong camps to avoid being on the wrong side of the roster bubble. Rookies Leonard Payne and Mario Kendricks need to prove themselves.
Linebackers (9)
Jaelan Phillips
David Long, Jr.
Anthony Walker, Jr.
Bradley Chubb
Chop Robinson (R)
Shaquil Barrett
Jordyn Brooks
Mohamed Kamara (R)
Duke Riley
