Miami Dolphins: First depth chart breakdown
Defense – Defensive Line
DE Cameron Wake, Williams Hayes, Andre Branch, Jonathan Woodard
DT Jordan Phillips or Davon Godchaux, Gabe Wright
DT Akeem Spence, Vincent Taylor, Jamiyus Pittman, Anthony Moten
DE Robert Quinn, Charles Harris, Cameron Malveaux, Claudy Mathieu, Quincy Redmon
The thing that just sticks out like a sore thumb here is Branch listed as third string behind Hayes, which likely makes him the fifth man in the rotation at defensive end just a year removed from a big contract.
This is not good for him and he needs to make improvements quick. Everything else is as expected. This line will be a steady rotation of players, similar to what we’ve seen in Seattle the past few years. The most intriguing battle is Phillips and Godchaux and I’m sure one of them couldn’t bump Spence.
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Linebackers: Kiko Alonso, Jerome Baker, Mike Hull, Cayson Collins
Raekwon McMillan, Chase Allen, Quentin Poling
Stephone Anthony, Terrance Garvin, Frank Ginda
The real battle here seems to be Anthony verse Allen even if it isn’t listed that way. We already know Rae and Kiko are locked into their spots. It will be fun to see how Baker or if Baker fits into this defense, but he will likely remain in his current spot all preseason and into the regular season. Mike Hull will be looking to make the team again as a special teams ace after a few not so impressive starts last year and the rookie Poling will be interesting to track up to Week 1.
Cornerbacks
Xavien Howard, Torry McTyer, Tony Lippett, Taveze Calhoun, Jonathan Alston
Bobby McCain, Cordrea Tankersley, Jalen Davis, Cornell Armstrong
This isn’t indicative of much because we all know McCain is a slot corner. While he is guaranteed more playing time than anyone here aside from Howard at this point, he will not be the other guy on the outside. That battle is between McTyer, Lippett, and Tankersley.
Right now it looks like McTyer may be getting out from behind Howard and be playing opposite him Week 1. However, it’s still a little bit early for that and things can change quickly. This is the premier battle to watch throughout the preseason though.
Safety
Reshad Jones, Maurice Smith, Jordan Lucas, Trae Elston
T.J. McDonald, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Walt Aikens
It’s going to be very interesting to see what the Dolphins do with McDonald. I believe like most that Fitzpatrick will ultimately be a starter, but how does this shake out?
There is just a ton of talent there. Fitz could serve as a nickel or dime corner at times and slide McDonald in at safety. The idea of slotting McDonald in at linebacker has also been floated out there.
Biggest camp battle for all 32 teams. dark. Next
There has been a lot of talk of a three safety system as well. I can’t wait to see how this trio is utilized.