Miami Dolphins training camp preview: Safeties

We have covered all of the positions heading into training camp sans one. Safeties. The Miami Dolphins will enter the 2015 training camp season with a lot of hope at the position. There are eight safeties heading into camp for the Dolphins this year. Miami carried seven safeties into the 2014 regular season but that does not mean they will do so again.

Last year Miami lost Louis Delmas and Michael Thomas to injuries and this year they are hoping that both will make considerable contributions to the team this season.

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Louis Delmas

Delmas has yet to finish a complete season in the last three years. He was lost last season to an injury that put him in IR. There was a lot of speculation that Delmas would not be retained by the Dolphins but they signed him to another one year deal this off-season. When healthy, Delmas made a big impact on the Dolphins defense but Miami can’t rely on him to stay healthy all season. Barring injury he should not only make the roster but start.

Reshad Jones

Jones is a staple at safety for the Dolphins and will be again this year. He had a poor showing in 2013 but rebounded for a very good 2014 season. Health isn’t much of a concern with Jones. A leader from the position, Jones should once again by the leader in 2015. His play has been very beneficial to the Dolphins and this year will be no different. With an increased pass run the Dolphins safeties will have a good shot at making plays and Jones should see an increase over his 2014 numbers.

Michael Thomas

Before his chest injury put him on IR in 2014, Thomas was one of the best special teams players the team had. In addition he started making big gains in the secondary but his season was cut short. Thomas is in a perfect position to challenge Delmas for playing time this year and if Delmas is lost, Thomas may see himself the starter.

Walt Aikens

The Dolphins are high on Aikens talent potential but he needs to play more consistent. He saw plenty of action in 2014. He was active for 15 games and had one interception. This training camp will be important for him as he tries to show the coaches that their investment in him was correct.

Don Jones

Jones didn’t make the 53 man roster and was claimed by the Patriots. Later the Dolphins brought Jones back but his contribution to the team was insignificant. Jones is in a bad position as there are better players ahead of him and talented prospects behind him. He will get a chance to prove that he is worth a roster spot but it’s not looking as though he will make the 53 this year based on OTA impressions.

Jordan Kovacs

The final roster spot at the position, should the Dolphins opt for seven safeties this year will come down to Kovacs and Jones. Kovacs has made far more impact on special teams than he has as a safety where he really hasn’t done much. Like Jones, he could be out of the 53 this year.

Cedric Thompson

Another of the Dolphins many fifth round draft picks, Thompson has a lot of growing to do as a cornerback at this level but he should find plenty of opportunities to learn throughout training camp. Thompson has a lot of potential and upside but it’s too early to believe that we will see what he can offer, especially in 2015. He shouldn’t have a problem making the roster.

Shamiel Gary

This Oklahoma State product spent the 2014 season with the Chicago Bears. He will find it difficult to break into the to the Dolphins 53 man roster but it’s not impossible given the youth and some of the inexperience and inconsistency by some of the players. Special teams is where he will try and make an impact.