Miami Dolphins Camp Battles: Defensive End

The Miami Dolphins have at least one stalwart at defensive end, but that won’t eliminate a camp battle set to happen for the 2017 season.

Back in March, the Miami Dolphins inked defensive end Andre Branch to a three-year, $24 million contract, which all but locked him into a starting job opposite a 35-year old Cameron Wake in 2017.

We already know Wake is going to be a starter this season barring a complete physical collapse. He shocked many doubters last year when, at 34 years old, he came off a torn Achilles and racked up 11.5 sacks and five forced fumbles in 16 games after playing the first month of the season as a part-time player.

However, that second starting job may not be so secure for Branch after all. With the 22nd pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, the Dolphins selected Missouri defensive end Charles Harris. Harris showed outstanding pass rushing ability in the SEC and looks far better on film than his measurables at the Combine would lead you to believe. Still, there were plenty of questions surrounding him entering the NFL, particularly his ability to stop the run.

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Then OTAs came, and Harris wowed coaches and media alike. Granted, it was just OTAs. But now there is suddenly a lot of chatter surrounding this position and hype building behind the rookie first-rounder. If he continues to flash excellence in training camp and preseason like he did at OTAs, he could see a much larger role, much sooner than anticipated this upcoming season.

ESPN’s James Walker was at OTAs and had this take:

"Harris, Miami’s first-round pick and No. 22 overall, flashed early and often during organized team activities and minicamp. Watching Harris hold his own against 2016’s first-round pick, offensive lineman Laremy Tunsil, was among the most intriguing parts of spring practices. Harris’ quick first step was problematic, even for Tunsil. Initially, I had reservations about the Dolphins drafting another defensive end for an already deep group that includes Pro Bowler Cameron Wake, starter Andre Branch and veteran backup William Hayes. But Harris’ youth and athleticism add a different dynamic, and he should make an impact despite a limited role."

While Harris still has plenty to prove, this is looking like it’s turning into a great problem to have for Miami. I fully expect Branch to have a major role, but this could become a rotational situation for the Phins.

Branch is the better run-stopper, or at least we expect him to be. Wake is getting up there and age and Harris is an explosive edge-rusher with a dynamic spin move. Throw William Hayes into the rotation as a veteran, who can do it all with his versatility, and this line could be deep and scary for opposing offenses, especially the quarterbacks.

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Wake should play most downs. Nevertheless, they will get him rest when possible. You will see Branch a bit more than Harris, and Hayes will step in more on running downs, though he can get at the quarterback as well. Look for Harris to play opposite Wake on obvious passing down, perhaps with Hayes sliding inside next to Ndamukong Suh. If they can stop the run, this could be one of the best lines in the NFL in 2017.

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