Bleacher Report - Erik Frenz Quarterback Starter: Ryan Tannehill Backup: Matt Moore The Dolphins have carried three quarterbacks in the past, but neither Josh Freeman nor McLeod Bethel-Thompson is good enough to warrant taking that spot away from another position that may need depth. Running Back Starter: Lamar Miller Backups: Jay Ajayi, Damien Williams, LaMichael James There could be a battle brewing between Lamar Miller and Jay Ajayi over the top spot on the depth chart at running back. For now, though, the job has to be considered Miller's to lose. NFL Media's Mike Mayock said several teams told him they took Ajayi off their board due to the knee, which was characterized as bone rubbing on bone. "One team will say, 'He's off the board because he's bone on bone,'" Mayock said. "Other teams say, 'That's fine. We'll get one contract out of him.' "The Dolphins could carry four backs, with two spots for Damien Williams and LaMichael James. Williams and James could round out the depth chart with special teams contributions and an ability to make plays in the open field—areas where former fifth-round pick Mike Gillislee has failed to make an impact thus far in his career. Wide Receiver Starters: DeVante Parker, Jarvis Landry, Kenny Stills Backups: Greg Jennings, Rishard Matthews, Tommy Streeter The battles down the depth chart could get very interesting. Jennings has a relationship with head coach Joe Philbin and should be considered a reasonably strong candidate for the final roster. Rishard Matthews does not have the same kind of bond with the coaching staff, but that hasn't stopped him from making the roster in the past couple seasons. There is a mix of young players and veterans battling it out for the sixth spot (assuming there is a sixth spot) at wide receiver, but veteran Tommy Streeter has the size and skill set to back up Parker as the boundary receiver. Undrafted rookie Christion Jones brings that all-important special teams ability as a punt returner, though, and could be a threat to the fifth or sixth spot on the roster, as well. Tight End Starter: Jordan Cameron Backups: Dion Sims, Arthur Lynch The Dolphins offense will probably feature predominantly three-receiver sets with one tight end on the field at a time. Thus, there is less of a need for a lot of depth at the tight end position. Jordan Cameron will undoubtedly be the starting tight end. Dion Sims made some plays for the Dolphins offense last year and should be locked in as the No. 2 tight end on the depth chart. He caught 24 passes for 284 yards and two touchdowns despite only running 230 pass routes. He was also an effective blocker and should continue to get reps in that role even if Cameron takes up most of the opportunities in the passing game.A back injury took Arthur Lynch out of action in the preseason last year, and he spent the 2014 season on injured reserve. As long as he's recovered, he should make the roster; the Dolphins saw enough potential in him to draft him in the fifth round last year. Offensive Line Starters: Branden Albert, Jamil Douglas, Mike Pouncey, Billy Turner, Ja'Wuan James Backups: Dallas Thomas, J.D. Walton, Jason Fox Young upstarts Jamil Douglas, Billy Turner and Dallas Thomas should be considered close to roster locks because they will all be competing for those two guard spots, but it's possible that whoever doesn't win a starting job could be cut by the end of the preseason. Former New York Giants and Denver Broncos starting center J.D. Walton should make the roster for his extensive experience at center and his ability to step in as a backup for Pouncey in a worst-case scenario. That being said, Walton has earned a negative grade from Pro Football Focus in three of his four seasons in the league (he missed the 2013 season and only started four games in 2012). Just because the Dolphins signed Jeff Linkenbach as a free agent this offseason doesn't mean he's any kind of lock to make the roster. After all, the Dolphins only gave him $50,000 guaranteed for the 2015 season. If he has a chance to make the roster, it's due to his experience at so many different positions on the offensive line; he has played every line position but center. Defensive End Starters: Cameron Wake, Olivier Vernon Backups: Derrick Shelby, Terrence Fede, Ray Drew Shelby enters his fourth year with the team, and it could very well be his last, since his rookie deal will expire following this year. Fede was a seventh-round draft pick by the Dolphins last year and earned only 82 snaps in relief duty for Wake and Vernon last season. He also played special teams, but the height of his contributions was a penalty and a missed tackle. The Dolphins also picked up undrafted free agent Ray Drew, who has a high ceiling but also needs a lot of polish around the edges. With improved pad level and work ethic, Drew could unlock the potential that made him a 5-star recruit out of high school, according to 247Sports. Defensive Tackle Starters: Ndamukong Suh, Earl Mitchell Backups: Jordan Phillips, C.J. Mosley, Anthony Johnson Mitchell's status as a starter is intriguing. He has been a part-time player throughout his career, and he maxed out at 553 snaps in 2013 with the Houston Texans. He's a much better run defender than pass-rusher, but just because he's not an every-down player does not preclude him from being a starter. At some point, Suh and Mitchell will have to come off the field. That's where Jordan Phillips, C.J. Mosley and Anthony Johnson come in. Phillips was drafted in the second round in 2015, and while he may not be ready to start right away, he could be groomed into that role in the next couple of years. Mosley has been a supplementary defensive tackle next to Suh for the past two seasons with the Detroit Lions. Johnson played only 84 snaps as a rookie last year but could see more playing time in 2015 now that he has a full year of NFL experience under his belt. Linebacker Starters: Jelani Jenkins, Koa Misi, Chris McCain Backups: Kelvin Sheppard, Jordan Tripp, Jeff Luc At linebacker, the starters will mostly be of the "developed" variety, because most of them are getting their first real crack at a starting job this year. The only exception there is Koa Misi, who has been a starter at multiple positions in his career thus far...Jenkins should be considered the front-runner to start at weak-side linebacker in 2015. Chris McCain appears primed to fill a void vacated by Philip Wheeler, but also one left by the suspended Dion Jordan, who has been a chess-piece-type player moving back and forth from defensive end to outside linebacker. The backup spots are up for a bit more competition. Kelvin Sheppard has extensive experience at middle linebacker in the 4-3, and that's where he fits best, so he seems like a logical and natural backup to Misi. Sheppard also excels against the run, where Misi has struggled at times. Jordan Tripp played a very menial role on defense as a rookie in 2014, with only 12 snaps to his credit. He also served on special teams, though, so he could find ways to make positive contributions in 2015 even if his role doesn't expand much on defense this year. Cornerback Starters: Brent Grimes, Jamar Taylor Backups: Brice McCain, Bobby McCain, Will Davis, Zack Bowman The search continues, however, for the No. 2 cornerback. The Dolphins hope they have found their man in Jamar Taylor, a 2013 second-round draft pick who has struggled at times in his two-year career. He has yielded completions on 37 of the 53 passes in his direction throughout his career (69.8 percent) with two touchdowns and has not registered a single pass breakup, according to Pro Football Focus. He still has two years left on his contract, but after two years of inconsistent play and filling in as a backup, this could be a do-or-die year for Taylor with the Dolphins. Even after determining whether or not Taylor has what it takes to be the No. 2 cornerback, the Dolphins then must decide on Nos. 3-5 or 6. Brice McCain has extensive experience as a slot cornerback, and as a coveted free-agent signing, he should be a front-runner for spot No. 3. His play has taken a dip lately, and he allowed 84 completions on 128 passes thrown into his coverage from 2013-2014 (65.6 percent) with seven touchdowns and four picks, according to PFF. Will Davis was looking primed to be a prominent cornerback in the Dolphins' defensive backfield last year, but an ACL tear took him out of the lineup. If he can pick up where he left off, he could be a major factor in the defensive rotation. Rookie Bobby McCain could push for some opportunities in the slot, as well. Zack Bowman is 30 years old and is most likely on the downside of his career, but his starting experience and special teams experience should work in his favor in his push to make the roster. Safety Starters: Reshad Jones, Louis Delmas Backups: Michael Thomas, Cedric Thompson Thanks to the presence of veteran safety Reshad Jones, the Dolphins have secured one of their two starting safety spots. Jones has started 56 of the past 65 games for the Dolphins at safety, with four of his absences due to a suspension last season. He has never been recognized for his accomplishments in the form of Pro Bowl selections, but he has been a high-quality starter whether lining up at free safety or strong safety. Louis Delmas was the other starting safety last year, and it appears he will be the starting safety once again in 2015. From there, it's all about finding the backups. Michael Thomas has been a key backup for the past couple of years, filling in at varying safety and cornerback spots while also contributing on special teams. His versatility and experience covering kicks and punts will help him lock up a roster spot. Cedric Thompson's physical upside makes him an intriguing prospect. He showed off great athleticism at his pro day this offseason; the 6'0" and 208 pound safety ran a 4.48-second 40-yard dash and posted a 10'2" broad jump and 21 reps on a 225-pound bench press. The fifth-round pick can't consider himself "safe" from the chopping block, but if he can use his physical tools to show some value on special teams, he should make the cut. Specialists Kicker: Andrew Franks Punter: Brandon Fields Long Snapper: John Denney It's time to end the Caleb Sturgis experience. The Dolphins kicker has made only 77.5 percent of the field goals he has attempted in his two-year career, and though he could still turn it around, time is running out. Not only is Sturgis dealing with a quad injury, but the Dolphins have also acknowledged Sturgis' shortcomings by adding Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's Andrew Franks to their roster this offseason. Franks will be competition for Sturgis, but there's also a chance neither one makes the roster. Franks made 37 of 56 attempts in college (66.1 percent), and that number would have to go way up to be considered acceptable at the NFL level. As for the punting and long-snapping duties, there are no surprises there. Fields has been one of the better punters in the NFL over his career, and although he's making $2.52 million in 2015, his experience and readiness should make him the favorite over rookie free agent Matt Darr. Full 53-Man Roster Projection QB (2): Ryan Tannehill, Matt Moore RB (4): Lamar Miller, Jay Ajayi, Damien Williams, LaMichael James WR (6): DeVante Parker, Jarvis Landry, Kenny Stills, Greg Jennings, Rishard Matthews, Tommy Streeter TE (3): Jordan Cameron, Dion Sims, Arthur Lynch OL (8): Branden Albert, Jamil Douglas, Mike Pouncey, Billy Turner, Ja'Wuan James, Dallas Thomas, J.D. Walton, Jason Fox DE (5): Cameron Wake, Olivier Vernon, Derrick Shelby, Terrence Fede, Ray Drew DT (5): Ndamukong Suh, Earl Mitchell, Jordan Phillips, C.J. Mosley, Anthony Johnson LB (6): Jelani Jenkins, Koa Misi, Chris McCain, Kelvin Sheppard, Jeff Luc, Jordan Tripp CB (6): Brent Grimes, Jamar Taylor, Brice McCain, Bobby McCain, Will Davis, Zack Bowman S (4): Reshad Jones, Louis Delmas, Michael Thomas, Cedric Thompson ST (3): Andrew Franks, Brandon Fields, John Denney Unless otherwise noted, all advanced statistics provided by Pro Football Focus and all salary-cap and contract information provided by Over The Cap.
Theres no way Tony Lippett doesn't make the 53 IMO. We drafted him knowing he's raw going into a position switch. Leader, character, special teams player, etc... Upside might be Richard Sherman esque. Also has size we covet. He won't make it to our PS IMO. Will Davis is the odd man out. We don't need another Nickle CB with the McCain bros. No Walt Aikens? I also think Vigil and Hull will be in contention to make the team. At most for their upside at LB, but also special teams. We need some thumpers there I dont see Anthony Johnson making the team because of CJ Mosely.put him on the PS IMO. I don't think Tommy Streeter makes the 53 either. We're probably not carrying 6 WR and 3 TE. Especially when Jordan Cameron is a hybrid WR/TE. I'm also interested in seeing Josh Freeman this off season. Gotta replace Moore at some point in the future. Can't pay Tanny 16 million and Moore 5 mill. Maybe PS material.
I'm shocked Aiken's and Lippett don't make the team. Also I have no idea who would be the kicker if Franks and Sturgis are both gone. I don't know if they should keep four backs. Maybe 3 but I can't see 4. I wonder if Phillips will make the starting lineup. If can he play at a high level, it can make for a nasty run defense. Overall I like this projection roster you put together. It's going to be interesting to watch how all of this will play out.
I agree with everything you posted except the Josh Freeman part. He flat out sucks. Just keep Moore for one more season (we can afford that) and draft a young QB to groom next year. Totally agree that there is no way Tony Lippett doesn't make the 53. If we put him on our PS he will absolutely get poached by another team. I think we cut Will Davis, I don't like his game at all. LB is up in the air right now. I'm going to assume the coaching staff knows what they're doing and keep the best ones. Also, I would love to see somebody on the team that actually plays a real position take over Long Snapping duties for John Denney. He does a great job for us, but every year I hate having to keep one slot on our 53 just for that. I know most teams do that, but I still hate it.
I know R Mathews has some talent, but I don't see the point in keeping him as the final WR when he's likely gone soon. I'd rather keep one of the young WRs and develop them with some occasional real game-time snaps.
Other than Freeman, I basically think your substitutions are more likely. I had zeroed in on those same players as I read through that list. The one other question I had was about the third TE. There have been some reports that suggest that the tall guy (I'm blanking on his name) and Stonebrunner (sp?) may be in the lead for that last spot.
As of now, I think I'd go with the following: QB - Tannehill, Moore RB - Miller, Ajayi, Williams, L. James* WR - Stills, Parker, Landry, Jennings, Matthews* TE - Cameron, Sims, Lynch* OL - Albert, Douglas, Pouncey, Turner, J. James, Fox, D. Thomas, Linkenbach*, Walton* DL - Wake, Suh, Mitchell, Vernon, Shelby, Fede, Mosley, Phillips, Johnson* LB - Jenkins, Misi, C. McCain, Tripp, Sheppard, Paysinger, Vigil* CB - Grimes, Taylor, Br. McCain, Bo. McCain, Davis, Lippett S - Jones, Delmas, Aikens, M. Thomas, Thompson K - Sturgis* P - Fields LS - Denney * - indicates a guy I think you could swap out for someone else or replace with a cut from another team. For instance, you could swap out LaMichael James for Christion Jones if the coaching staff likes Jones' return abilities. I'd still like to see if they can't acquire someone to develop as a long-term backup QB.
Yea substitute Lippett and Aikens for Johnson and Streeter and I like it a lot more (Streeter is too inconsistent, with all that size and speed he would have stuck somewhere if he had hands). The 53 is all about protecting assets, and both Aikens and Lippett both have a ton of upside imo. Also I'm not so sure Thomas makes the team, I know he's good on special teams and a solid back up but I think Thompson and Aikens have a lot more upside back there.
I'd take off Johnson, Streeter, and Bowman. Maybe Davis over Bowman if he sucks in preseason. Add in Lippet, Aikens, and either Matthews with Hazel on the PS, or Hazel with Matthews cut. I think if you roster Delmas you need to carry 5 safeties. I'd also like to carry a 4th TE because of Jordan's injury history, but Miami might be able to skirt by Sims, Lynch, and whoever the PS TE is (are? I'd probably carry 2 on the PS squad for 2015)
Hard to keep reading or take seriously after this genius comment: "Jennings has a relationship with head coach Joe Philbin and should be considered a reasonably strong candidate for the final roster."
I think that all 4 of the UDFA LB's have a chance to make the team ( I would rather keep the youngins and let Sheppard go. Also, I think that Lippett and Aikens make the team as well as AJ Francis makes it I believe.
Well at this point, with Denny's years of service and good special teams player, I say keep him until ready to retire a Dolphin....that is unless his game has fallen off which I doubt. What a gig.Lol.
I know he's been great for us for a long time, but wouldn't it be nice if those duties were fulfilled by a position player? IIRC, I think somebody mentioned a while back that Jordan Phillips has experience as a long snapper.
Maybe that's what I was thinking then. Have we even been trying him out there? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Not that I've heard/read, but I'd have to assume he'd be the emergency guy if John Denney ever got hurt in a game.
Get rid of Drew, Streeter and Davis and add Lippett, Linkenbach and Aikens And keeps Sturgis over Franks