Miami Dolphins Kick Off OTAs

Dec 15, 2013; Miami Gardens, FL, Miami Dolphins running back Marcus Thigpen (center) is greeted by wide receiver Mike Wallace (left) and tight end Charles Clay (right) after scoring a touchdown during the second half against the New England Patriots at Sun Life Stadium. The Dolphins won 24-20. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

The Miami Dolphins were back out on the practice fields today for their first session of organized team activities, or OTAs for short. Before the session began, we were all pondering many things that we hoped would be answered today. Needless to say, the majority of those concerns or questions were answered.

Last year’s SLB Koa Misi received the first crack at the middle linebacker spot, moving Dannell Ellerbe, last year’s MLB to Misi’s old position. The team also opened with Philip Wheeler remaining in his weak-side spot. While this does not mean much – it’s the first day of OTAs, things can change very, very quickly – I for one did not expect any shift in the linebacker trio. Misi had been rumored to move to the middle spot, but that had been rumored for years. Keep an eye on this one moving forward. It seems as though the team may be looking for their best option at MLB pitting Misi against Ellerbe to find their best combination of the three backers.

TE Michael Egnew was working with the first team offense as the team’s “seam-threat” tight end. Miami had been rumored to be interested in obtaining a seam-threat option either via free agency or the draft, but if Egnew can come to life a bit and prove his third-round worth, the team would be in a great position with a plethora of good, young tight ends.

First-round pick, Ja’Wuan James worked at right tackle today with the first team, and last year’s “bust” in tackle/guard Dallas Thomas worked as the first string left guard between Albert and Pouncey. Neither of these surprise me as I am NOT one to give up on a first, second, or third round pick until AT LEAST three seasons into their career. I have shown my loyalty to Egnew and have done the same with Thomas. If Thomas can get himself going, Miami may have a very good offensive line for QB Ryan Tannehill to run his offense behind.

Former St. Louis Rams G Shelley Smith worked as the first team right guard, which is no surprise to anyone out there really. The most surprising part is this tweet from Sun-Sentinel’s Omar Kelly:

It’s unlikely Smith, who has never really been a full-time starter, will be handed a job. But he may be able to seize the opportunity and run with it.

CB Cortland Finnegan opened as the starting corner opposite Brent Grimes, with last year’s second round pick Jamar Taylor backing him up. EXTREMELY telling in that Will Davis, another young corner, was Grimes’ back-up. Looks like it may be Taylor v. Finnegan for that top spot opposite Grimes.

WR Armon Binns was participating today as well, which is a great sign. He caught a few deep bombs from back-up QB Matt Moore. Miami has a decent group of receivers, which is not a bad thing, if they can stay healthy/get healthy.

G Billy Turner will battle Dallas Thomas for the left guard spot between the two pro bowlers in Mike Pouncey and Branden Albert. Great spot for both players and should be a fun battle to keep an eye on. Don’t sleep on Turner possibly battling Smith for the RG spot if, BIG IF, Dallas Thomas can grab the left guard spot and run with it (please?!?!).

Thank the lord we get some great news on Dion Jordan, by the way cut the trade talk BS. NOT HAPPENING! Jordan receiving a full-offseason to bulk up a bit and recover from shoulder and god only knows what other injuries the kid was dealing with. Hopefully he can kick in into full gear and get some quality snaps in this year – not saying that he didn’t last year, but you know what I mean DolFans.

Lastly, Jordan Tripp worked as the team’s third-string middle linebacker today. Tripp is receiving an extensive look at middle backer, which is where I actually valued him during the draft process. If the team can develop Tripp and Jenkins, they could have a solid young linebacking corp.

Remember, OTAs do NOT mean much of anything. Teams tend to experiment with different styles and with players in different positions. BUT, it’s finally something to talk about! So what do you think?