Miami Dolphins: 2018 Training camp stock watch, Day 1
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Offensive Line
By all accounts, the Miami offensive line has looked better to open up camp than it has at any point since Ryan Tannehill has been the established starter. The most notable improvement seems to be in the interior line. The additions of left guard Josh Sitton, center Daniel Kilgore and the development of right guard Jesse Davis seem to be a success at first glance.
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If these guys are as good as they look early, and we can see Ju’Wuan James and Laremy Tunsil play to their potential at tackle, this could be an outstanding offensive line. Even if they can crack the top 12 best offensive lines in the NFL, it would be a massive improvement from anything this team has had to work with in the Tannehill era.
Running Backs
As expected, Kenyan Drake opened up camp as the Dolphins starting running back with veteran Frank Gore not far behind him on the depth chart. Both backs saw significant work and both looked really strong. Drake reportedly showed off his dynamic talents while Gore dominated inside with his hard-nosed veteran style. A strong rushing attack could make all the difference in the world for this offense in 2018.
We will continue to watch the running backs as a camp battle throughout the summer, but it’s most likely Drake will open up the season as the starter averaging about 14-18 touches a game and Gore will contribute with about 8-12 touches per game, depending on how things play out.
Cornerbacks
One of the most important camp battles for a spot in the starting lineup this season is the No. 2 corner opposite Xavien Howard. Cordrea Tankersley will look to hold off Tony Lippett, who is returning from a torn Achilles. Both corners looked good on Day 1, with Lippett standing out a bit more after picking off Brock Osweiler.
Tankersley opened up as the starter, but this is clearly an open battle. I have been open about my money being on Lippett to win this job — if not by Week 1, at some point early in the season.