Miami Dolphins pre-camp roster prediction

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It’s that time of year to make predictions. Today on the eve of the teams first practices it’s time to predict the final 53 man roster ahead of the start of training camp. The Dolphins got good news today when the opted to not place Branden Albert on the physically unable to perform list. How will the entire team shape up over the next four weeks? Time of course will tell but it’s still fun to spark debate on who will actually make the roster.

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Let’s start with the special teams as they will take up three roster positions. Brandon Fields and John Denney are locks but questions remain about kicker. Caleb Sturgis is not a very good kicker. He is inconsistent on field goals and inconsistent on kick-offs. The Dolphins only brought in one kicker to compete, a rookie from a very small school. It’s very possible that the the Dolphins will have to look to the free agent market by camps end if one, Sturgis can’t get back from his groin injury, or two, he does come back and is as inconsistent as last year.

1: John Denney

2: Brandon Fields

3: Kicker (who is good question)

Quarterbacks

Ryan Tannehill and Matt Moore are the only sure locks at the position. The Dolphins entered 2014 with only two QB’s and it’s very likely they will again this year. I don’t see Josh Freeman or McLeod Bethel-Thompson making the 53 man roster.

4: Ryan Tannehill

5: Matt Moore

Running back

Lamar Miller eclipsed 1,000 yards last season and is entering a contract year while the Dolphins drafted Jay Ajayi during April’s draft. With LaMichael James and Damien Williams battling for the 3rd spot it’s Mike Gillislee who seems to be the odd man out. I think James has a shot at making the roster this year but that will be determined by his special teams contributions. For the purpose of these predictions, I’m going to leave him off as I don’t see him making the roster as a running back.

6: Lamar Miller

7: Jay Ajayi

8: Damien Williams

Tight-end

Tough position to call this year aside from Jordan Cameron and Dion Sims. For the first time in his career, Sims has an on-field mentor in Cameron. While Charles Clay was good he wasn’t a prototypical tight end that Sims could learn from. The pressure this year is on the remaining tight ends. Arthur Lynch spent the entire season of 2014 on IR and the Dolphins have added some competition this off-season. For me it’s what happens with Tim Semsich the 6’8″ un-drafted rookie who caught just about everything during OTA’s. If he can continue that play he will challenge for a roster spot.

9: Jordan Cameron

10: Dion Sims

11: Arthur Lynch

12: Tim Semsich

Wide-receiver

The top four spots are locked in with Jarvis Landry, DeVante Parker, Greg Jennings, and Kenny Stills. It’s that last one or two spots that are up for grabs. The competition will come down between Matt Hazel, Michael Preston, and Rishard Matthews. I think the Dolphins will keep five.

13: Jarvis Landry

14: DeVante Parker

15: Greg Jennings

16: Kenny Stills

17: Matt Hazel

Offensive line

This is a tough unit to call given the fact that so many questions surround the two guard positions. Unfortunately the depth isn’t what the Dolphins need or should have planned for. They have some veterans on the roster that can help out but are not suited to consistent starter. I looked at this is a versatility issue so I’m leaning towards keeping players that play multiple positions.

18: Branden Albert

19: Jason Fox

20: Ja’Wuan James

21: Mike Pouncey

22: Billy Turner

23: Jamil Douglas

24: J.D. Walton

25: Jeff Linkenbach

26: Jacques McClendon

27: Dallas Thomas

That does it for the offensive side of the ball. To see who the remaining 26 players from the defensive side of the ball are, continue reading.

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