Kelly: Dolphins have three weak areas on the final 53-man roster
Hopefully Chris Grier kept all his receipts from this spring’s shopping because plenty of the decisions made by the team’s general manager on cut day weakened areas the Miami Dolphins knew they needed to fortify this offseason.
Miami’s injury-decimated receiving corps will begin the year with two healthy receivers in Braxton Berrios and Malik Washington.
The defensive line, which was ravaged by free agency, still needs reinforcements because of the early release of Teair Tart, and Tuesday’s surprising cut of Neville Gallimore and Jonathan Harris, whose contracts were virtually guaranteed when the defensive tackle signed with Miami.
And the Dolphins are seemingly beginning 2024 with the exact same interior offensive linemen — Robert Jones, Liam Eichenberg and Lester Cotton — whose struggles rushed Tua Tagovailoa’s operating time because of their shaky pass protection in Miami’s critical December and January losses.
Unless Grier gets active with waiver wire claims, and/or signs a few veterans who were released by the 31 other NFL teams, this is the best the Dolphins can do heading into Sept. 8 season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
OFFENSE
Quarterbacks | B-
Tua Tagovailoa, whose new five-year deal makes him one of the five highest-paid players in the NFL, has taken the next step as a leader in Miami, and seems to be blossoming in this offense. Skylar Thompson outperformed Mike White in camp and the preseason, but White could return as a member of the practice squad since Tagovailoa leans on him for game preparation.
RUNNING BACKS | A-
Jeff Wilson Jr. seemingly outlasted Chris Brooks to join Raheem Mostert, De’Von Achane and rookie Jaylen Wright on the activer roster. Don’t be surprised if Miami re-signs Brooks, who was injured in the preseason, to the practice squad if he isn’t claimed.
RECEIVERS | C
The vision was for Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle and Odell Beckham Jr. to be Miami’s trio of receivers, but Beckham hasn’t participated in a single practice because of a pre-existing injury. Now he will miss at least the first four games, if not more. Erik Ezukanma was waived despite having a left foot injury. Braxton Berrios and Malik Washington must step up and become the third receiver while River Cracraft rehabs his shoulder injury.
TIGHT ENDS/FULLBACKS | B+
Jonnu Smith, Durham Smythe, Julian Hill and fullback Alec Ingold are a solid foursome for this group. Tanner Conner impressed early, but was sidelined by injury. However, Miami will continue it’s third year of investing in the former college receiver. Rookie Hayden Rucci could join the practice squad if he isn’t claimed.
OFFENSIVE LINEMEN | C-
The Dolphins were forced to use 12 different starting combinations of offensive linemen because of injuries to all the opening day starters at different moments last season. The line finished the season with three backups in all of the starting interior spots. That’s why Miami kept nine offensive linemen on the 53-man roster. Isaiah Wynn begins the year on the PUP because of his leg injury, and the hope is that he’ll be healthy by midseason. Andrew Meyer likely made it on temporarily because of center Aaron Brewer’s hand injury. The rest of the linemen are OT Terron Armstead, OT Austin Jackson, OG/C Liam Eichenberg, OG Robert Jones, OT Kendall Lamm, OT Patrick Paul (R), OT/OG Jack Driscoll and OG Lester Cotton.
EDGE PLAYERS | C
Jaelen Phillips, who is nine months into rehabbing an Achilles injury, is healthy enough to start the season on the active roster, unlike Bradley Chubb (ACL) and Cameron Goode (patella tendon), who began the season on the PUP. Phillips, Emmanuel Ogbah, Quinton Bell and Chop Robinson will serve as a four-man rotation until Chubb returns to full strength. Robinson, the Dolphins’ first-round pick, will be used as a pass rushing specialist because of his limitations as a run defender. Rookie Mohamed Kamara also made the team.
DEFENSIVE LINE | C+
▪ On: Zach Sieler, Calais Campbell, Da’Shawn Hand, Benito Jones (injured), Brandon Pili
▪ Off: Isaiah Mack, Neville Gallimore, Jonathan Harris, Robert Cooper, Leonard Payne Jr.
▪ Analysis: This unit happens to be one of Miami’s thinnest positions, which means don’t be surprised if there’s a post-cut signing, or a waiver wire claim made, especially after Neville Gallimore and Jonathan Harris’ surprising releases. Benito Jones’ injury, which hasn’t been disclosed, seemingly force Miami into keepingBrandon Pili, the only backup nose tackle on the roster to join linemen Zach Seiler, Calais Campbell and Da’Shawn Hand.
INSIDE LINEBACKERS | C+
▪ On: Jordyn Brooks, David Long Jr. (injured), Anthony Walker Jr. (injured), Duke Riley, Channing Tindall.
▪ Off: Curtis Bolton, Dequan Jackson.
▪ Analysis: Jordyn Brooks, David Long Jr. and Anthony Walker Jr. all have starting experience, and should be able to anchor the interior of Miami’s defense. Problem is, all three of them are nursing injuries that could carry on into the season. That’s why Channing Tindall, who had a strong preseason showing, makes it onto the 53-man roster for the third straight season. Duke Riley also returns to the team.
CORNERBACKS | B-
▪ On: Jalen Ramsey, Kendall Fuller, Kader Kohou, Ethan Bonner, Cam Smith (IR- designated to return), Storm Duck (R), Siran Neal.
▪ Off: Isaiah Johnson (R), Jason Maitre (R).
Jalen Ramsey, Kendall Fuller and Kader Kohou are Miami’s starting cornerbacks. Ethan Bonner and Cam Smith are the top backups while Siran Neal makes it onto Miami’s 53-man roster because of his special teams contributions as a gunner. Smith’s troublesome hamstring injury got him placed on injured reserve with a designation to return. Three undrafted rookie cornerbacks showcased ability, but only Storm Duck made it onto the 53-man roster. Isaiah Johnson and Jason Maitre could be signed to the practice squad.
SAFETIES | B
Jordan Poyer and Jevon Holland are viewed as Miami’s starters, but both have struggled with injuries this camp. That’s why keeping Marcus Maye, who has started 77 NFL games, was a wise move. Elijah Campbell makes it onto the 53-man roster for a third straight season because of his special teams contributions to join Patrick McMorris. Cutting Nik Needham wasn’t easy because of his history with the team, and versatility he brings as a player. But he could potentially be added to the practice squad, as can Mark Perry.
SPECIAL TEAMS | C-
Cutting Blake Ferguson, who signed an extension this offseason, leaves Miami without a long snapper. Jason Sanders returns as a kicker, and Jake Bailey will handle punting duties.
