Who’s rising, who’s falling one week into Miami Dolphins training camp
The Miami Dolphins are not ready for the season.
But they’re a lot closer to being ready than they were just one week ago.
Saturday was by far their crispest, most entertaining practice of training camp thus far, a sign that perhaps the fog from their seven-month layoff is finally lifting.
Of course, that narrative could change with a stinker on Monday. But as of now, there are themes emerging: The run game should be much improved over 2019; several rookies already look like keepers; and there is no quarterback competition — Ryan Fitzpatrick is miles ahead of Tua Tagovailoa in performance.
But as we kick off the second week of padded practices, let’s go one step further. Here’s a list of those whose arrows are pointed up, and those who have a lot of work to do before cut-down day in two weeks:
Rising: Noah Igbinoghene
The third of the Dolphins’ three first-round picks hasn’t just been their most impressive rookie so far. He’s been their most impressive defensive player overall.
The athletic, feisty cornerback out of Auburn has matched up with the Dolphins’ top receivers — and more than held his own. He had an interception and multiple pass breakups Friday, and is absolutely in the mix to start on the boundary if Xavien Howard isn’t ready for Week, 1.
Falling: Nik Needham
No Miami Dolphins cornerback had more defensive snaps than Needham in 2019 (742), but he’s no lock to make the team after the offseason addition of Igbinoghene and Byron Jones.
The Dolphins seem inclined to give Jamal Perry (the defender formerly known as Jomal Wiltz) every chance to make the team, and Needham had some bad busts on the back end in Week 1.
Rising: Ex-Patriots linebackers
The Dolphins pledged a combined $33 million in guarantees to Kyle Van Noy, Kamu Grugier-Hill and Elandon Roberts in the spring.
They expect a return on that investment, and so far, they’ve gotten it. All three have been active in practice — with Robert’s intensity surpassing his ability — and it wouldn’t be a major surprise to see all three not only make the opening-day roster (especially with Vince Biegel on injured reserve) but to also see them on the field at the same time this fall.
Falling: Homegrown Dolphins linebackers
Jerome Baker is hurt (although it’s not believed to be serious). Andrew Van Ginkel is still finding his way after a injury plagued rookie season.
And Raekwon McMillan needs something good to happen to him — quick. He has been largely invisible during Week 1 of camp, and he’s probably not a great system fit. Brian Flores’ scheme is designed to stop the pass. McMillan’s skill set is designed to stop the run. He did play a lot of special teams in 2019. That could be his only path to making the roster again in 2020.
Rising: Preston Williams
A week ago, we wondered if Williams was going to be ready for the opener. Now we’re wondering if DeVante Parker is still the team’s No. 1 receiver.
Williams was one of the league’s best rookies before his season-ending knee injury, catching 32 passes for 428 yards and three touchdowns in eight games. He’s looked great in the lead-up to his sophomore campaign. Route running will never be Williams’ strength, but he gets down the field and is a big, nimble target in the air.
Falling: Chester Rogers
The Dolphins are almost certainly keeping Williams, Parker, Jakeem Grant and Isaiah Ford. But they need a No. 5 receiver. The job is there for Rogers — who has started 22 games in four seasons — to seize.
He hasn’t. He’s struggled to get open. Struggled to catch the ball. And struggled to hang onto the ball when he does catch it. That’s a bad combination.
Rising: Solomon Kindley
This mountain of a man is not only a good bet to make the team, he’s put himself in position to play meaningful snaps on the offensive line once the season arrives.
Falling: Julien Davenport
Exactly the same as Kindley — if by “the same,” you mean “the opposite.”
This story was originally published August 23, 2020 at 2:39 PM.
