Kelly: Examining 10 Dolphins players on the roster bubble | Opinion
The biggest fear most Miami Dolphins fans have around this time of year is that their team will give up too early on some young player, cut him possibly hoping to re-sign him to the team’s practice squad, but another team claims him off the waiver wire.
You know, just like how the Dolphins ended up with standout defensive tackle Zach Sieler when the Baltimore Ravens were trying to sneak the 2018 seventh-round pick onto its practice squad late in the 2019 season until Miami poached him.
“It’s funny because I got to Baltimore and I’m seeing all of this success [Sieler is] having in Miami, and I’m like, ‘We cut that guy? What in the world?’ But sometimes that happens,” Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver said, referring to his previous job as the Ravens’ defensive line coach. “There’s a lot of good players that have been cut and have made a name for themselves in this league. When I played for the Ravens, we cut James Harrison. I think he was pretty good.”
Harrison became a five-time Pro Bowl selection and was the 2008 NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
When Miami finalizes its 53-man roster, which will likely begin the day after Saturday night’s final preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Miami’s decision makes will be forced to make a handful of tough decisions on players.
Here’s a look at 10 of those difficult decisions, examining some of the better players on the roster bubble.
Receiver Tahj Washington: Washington, the Dolphins’ 2024 seventh-round pick, spent all of last season on injured reserve because of a knee injury he sustained that summer. He has flashed at times during training camp, joint practices and the exhibition season (seven receptions for 86 yards), especially when it comes to making the first defender miss. But Malik Washington is the primary slot receiver, and Dee Eskridge has made more plays in this offense and should have secured the fifth receiver spot.
Tight end Tanner Conner: Conner, a converted college receiver the Dolphins have spent three seasons investing in, has consistently been a training camp tease. He has flashed playmaking skills, like his six-catch, 48-yard performance in Miami’s preseason win against the Lions. His presence on the roster might be necessary because he’s Darren Waller’s understudy as the move tight end.
Offensive guard Daniel Brunskill: The only backup offensive linemen who has shined consistency is Andrew Meyer, but it’s possible he can begin the 2025 season on injured reserve because of his undisclosed injury. Helping Brunskill’s cause to make the initial 53-man roster is the fact Liam Eichenberg is also nursing a leg injury that has kept him from practicing all training camp. Brunskill might begin the season on the 53-man roster, but it’s also possible that the Dolphins will try to sign him to the team’s practice squad.
Defensive lineman Matt Dickerson: Dickerson, who split the 2024 season between the Dolphins’ practice squad and 53-man roster, has been a consistent performer all camp. He’s able to play the two- and three-gap technique, which gives him position versatility. But with the Dolphins expected to keep rookies Kenneth Grant, Jordan Phillips and Zeek Biggers on the 53-man roster, Dickerson is realistically jockeying for one of the final three spots on Miami’s 53-man roster. That means special teams contributions will be factored in. Whoever initially survives might be let go the next day if Miami claims someone off the waiver wire.
Inside linebacker Channing Tindall: Tindall has been a disappointment as Miami’s 2022 fourth-round pick, but there’s a chance the Dolphins might keep him as a fifth inside linebacker because of his special teams play, which has improved. But the former Georgia standout will need to prove he’s worth a continued investment in the final preseason game, otherwise he’s headed to chopping block because there are four inside linebackers ahead of him, and Eugene Asante has shown superior instincts.
Pass rusher Cameron Goode: Goode had a difficult 2024 because he spent most of the season rehabbing a petella tendon injury he sustained in late December of 2023. He’s not dynamic as a pass rusher, but he’s reliable, and the best value he brings to the team is as a core special teams contributor. Miami must decide if his special teams contributors allow him to upstage the young, talented pass rushers.
Pass rusher Derrick McLendon: McClendon, who spent most of last season being developed on Miami’s practice squad, has been a demon on the edge, consistently harassing opposing quarterbacks during practice. He had a productive preseason game against Chicago, logging three tackles and a sack. But he blended in against the Lions (another three tackles). McClendon needs to shine on special teams to make Miami’s 53-man roster, but he’s definitely a priority to add to the practice squad if he isn’t claimed.
Pass rusher Grayson Murphy: Murphy, a one-dimensional pass rusher who has outshined Mohamed Kamara in training camp, spent all of last season on injured reserve because of a knee injury he sustained last preseason. It’s clear he has gotten better, and the two sacks he produced in the preseason helps his case for the 53-man roster. But the recent addition of Matthew Judon makes it even more competitive for the young pass rushers who have shined in camp. Murphy will need to dominate the Jaguars in the joint practice and the final preseason game to make Miami’s coaches think hard about exposing him to the waiver wire.
Cornerback Jack Jones: Jones has the second-most experience in this young and inexperienced cornerback unit, but he’s quite undisciplined on and off the field. He struggled in the joint practice against Detroit. If the Dolphins can get Jones to clean up a bit he might blossom into a top-tier NFL starter. But there is a chance Jones can make the team regret any investment it makes in him like the past two teams that cut him.
Safety Patrick McMorris: This is a deep safety group when it comes to young players worthy of playing time and an investment. Miami could easily go with Jordan Colbert or John Saunders Jr. behind the top four safeties and rookie Dante Trader Jr. If the Dolphins keep a sixth safety it will be because that player has excelled on special teams as a core contributor.
This story was originally published August 20, 2025 at 2:00 PM.
