The Miami Dolphins (along with every other team in the NFL) must cut their roster down to 53 players by August 31. As the public has seen on HBO’s “Hard Knocks,” this is certainly not an easy task for a team that has a lot of position battles.
The current roster can be found here. We all know that cuts and pickups can be made after the fact so the following is my prediction for the 53-man roster of the Miami Dolphins using the current rosters.
Offense (26 players)
Quarterback (3): Ryan Tannehill, Matt Moore, Pat Devlin
On Monday, August 20, the Ryan Tannehill era in Miami officially began. With Tannehill as a rookie starter, he will need a backup like Matt Moore to help him. Pat Devlin makes the team because he has played well and because of David Garrard’s injury. The Dolphins will likely reach an injury settlement with Garrard.
Running Back (4): Reggie Bush, Daniel Thomas, Lamar Miller, Steve Slaton
Reggie Bush leads the Dolphins backfield with Thomas as his primary backup.
Fullback (1): Jorvorskie Lane
The Dolphins likely will not feature the fullback but each team needs one and Lane has earned it.
Wide Receiver (6): Davone Bess, Brian Hartline, Legedu Naanee, Marlon Moore, Rishard Matthews, Clyde Gates
I think this is easily the hardest position to pick. Outside of Davone Bess, no one is guaranteed a job. Brian Hartline, who was expected to be a starter, has been injured the whole preseason.
Tight End (4): Anthony Fasano, Charles Clay, Jeron Mastrud, Michael Egnew
The Dolphins will likely carry four tight ends because they need a second blocking tight end (Mastrud) and although Egnew has struggled, they cannot afford to cut him as a rookie. Look for him to be inactive on Sundays for most of the year, though.
Offensive Tackle (3): Jake Long, Jonathan Martin, Nate Garner
Martin, a rookie, will get the start at right tackle.
Offensive Guard (3): Richie Incognito, John Jerry, Artis Hicks
Jerry needs to keep his weight under control.
Center (2): Mike Pouncey, Josh Samuda
Samuda, an undrafted free agent, could see some playing time as a guard.
Defense (24 players)
Defensive End (4): Cameron Wake, Jared Odrick, Olivier Vernon, Derrick Shelby
The Dolphins need one of the other three defensive ends opposite of Wake to step up and alleviate double teams that he will undoubtedly go up against.
Defensive Tackle (4): Paul Soliai, Randy Starks, Kheeston Randall, Tony McDaniel
Tony McDaniel earns a hefty salary for a backup. Although he is good in his role, the Dolphins could ultimately send him packing and pick up a cheaper alternative as they head into the season.
Weakside Linebacker (2): Koa Misi, Josh Kaddu
Koa Misi has been a disappointment in his tenure in Miami. He will start the season but could be replaced quickly.
Middle Linebacker (3): Karlos Dansby, Jason Trusnik, Austin Spitler
With Dansby battling an injury in the preseason, I feel that it would be wise for the Dolphins to carry a couple of backups behind him.
Strongside Linebacker (2): Kevin Burnett, Gary Guyton
The Dolphins will probably look to add a veteran linebacker before the season starts.
Cornerback (5): Sean Smith, Vontae Davis, Richard Marshall, Jonathan Wade, Nolan Carroll
Although Richard Marshall has overtaken Vontae Davis’ starting spot in the preseason, Davis will probably regain it during the regular season.
Safety (4): Reshad Jones, Chris Clemons, Jimmy Wilson, Tyrone Culver
Jones and Clemons will start but Jimmy Wilson, who can also play corner, could see a lot of playing time and even start as the season progresses.
Special Teams (3 players)
Kicker: Dan Carpenter
Punter: Brandon Fields
Long Snapper: John Denney
All three are among the NFL’s best at their respective positions.
A final note: some of the players that are cut, like “Hard Knocks” favorite Chris Hogan, could remain with the Dolphins on the practice squad.
More commentary on the Miami Dolphins from Yahoo! Contributor Network:
Top Five Stories for the Miami Dolphins on “Hard Knocks”: A Fan’s Preview
The Top Five Miami Dolphins of All Time: A Fan’s Take
Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/mia
Michael Pellegrini is a lifelong fan of the Miami Dolphins. His first real memory is actually of Joe Montana throwing an interception at the goal line in Miami’s win over the Kansas City Chiefs in the 1994 Wild Card round.
