Miami Dolphins pre-camp roster prediction
By Brian Miller
Nov 23, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Miami Dolphins linebacker Chris McCain (58) before the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
I currently have the Dolphins keeping three special teams players and twenty four offensive players. As I stated a player like LaMichael James may make the roster but a player like Tim Semsich may not. The Dolphins of course could add more lineman help as well which would throw everything out the window. This page is about defense.
Defensive line
The Dolphins have great depth along the defensive line where newcomers Ndamukong Suh and C.J. Mosley will look to plug the gaping run defense of a year ago. Earl Mitchell will also be a lock along the defensive line as will 2nd round pick Jordan Phillips. After that it gets a little different. Competition for the final few spots will mostly feature a key camp battle between A.J. Francis and Anthony Johnson for what could be the final spot on the defensive line.
28: Ndamukong Suh
29: C.J. Mosley
30: Earl Mitchell
31: Jordan Phillips
32: Anthony Johnson
33: A.J. Francis (I’m going to stick with my thinking that Miami will carry six defensive lineman)
Defensive ends
This is probably the easiest position to call as the Dolphins will carry only four defensive ends and all four are contributors in some way.
34: Cameron Wake
35: Olivier Vernon
36: Terence Fede
37: Derrick Shelby
Linebackers
Tough to call this season for sure with so many un-drafted rookies who could make an impact during camp. I fully expect to see an exciting camp battle unfold behind the teams starting trio of Koa Misi, Jelani Jenkins, and Chris McCain. Can Jeff Luc, Zach Vigil, or Mike Hull make the final 53? It’s going to be an interesting competition to find out. I can’t predict which one I think will make the roster because for now I only have the Dolphins carrying six linebackers. This is one of those reasons we have seen it to be so difficult to make cuts and finding players that are expendable to keep players with potential.
38: Koa Misi
39: Jelani Jenkins
40: Chris McCain
41: Jordan Tripp
42: Spencer Paysinger
43: Kelvin Sheppard
Cornerbacks
Brent Grimes, Brice McCain, and Jamar Taylor are secure in their roster spots but after that it gets a little dicey. Competition this year will include veterans Zach Bowman and Will Davis fighting off rookies Tony Lippett and Bobby McCain. This will be a very interesting camp battle to watch and it’s going to be a very close call.
44: Jamar Taylor
45: Brent Grimes
46: Brice McCain
47: Tony Lippett
48: Zach Bowman
49: Bobby McCain
Safeties
This is a pretty easy position to call as well. The Dolphins are as close to being solid as they have in years but health is a concern. Louis Delmas has missed all our part of each of the last four seasons and this year he is once again playing on a one year deal.
50: Louis Delmas
51: Reshad Jones
52: Cedric Thompson
53: Michael Thomas
Conclusion
There are several players that I think have a good shot at making this years roster but they will be at the expense of other players obviously. LaMichael James, Mike Hull, Jeff Luc, Zach Vigil, and Will Davis all come to mind. Davis in particular. How training camp shapes up health wise will also have a large impact on who stays and who goes. As camp progresses I will try and reevaluate this list weekly to swap out some of the fringe players and to account for injury but for now, this is my list.