Miami Dolphins players still on the bubble

Roster cuts have been made for the Miami Dolphins but that doesn’t mean that they will be sitting around today feeling all warm and fuzzy inside. The players that is. Several players who made the roster may not be on the roster come tomorrow.

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This is the real NFL. Where teams cut down to 53 and still continue to turn over their roster in the days afterwards. Today is important for the team as they will wait to see which of their own players clear waivers, look at other waiver players and then form their practice squad. In addition, the team could add jettisoned players to their own 53 roster. They will have to make more tough decisions if that is the case.

Fans look at the wire and see players who can help the team immediately and in most cases they will see two to four guys that could be brought in to help the team win, challenge for a back-up position or in some cases push a starter for playing time. Yesterday we looked at what positions could see turnover today and you can read that here.

Today we are going to take a look at the Dolphins roster and which players are candidates to be replaced should the Dolphins find suitable options on the free agent list. It’s not a science by any means but teams will churn the bottom of their roster throughout the year and the players who made the roster as the 48th to 53rd players are always in danger of losing their spots ahead of the seasons start.

Will Davis – Davis had a good final pre-season game but he has reportedly been on the trade block since last week. The Dolphins apparently haven’t received much interest. It’s doubtful that their asking price is too high as Davis would only likely net a 7th round pick in exchange, a 6th at best and that is pushing it. Coming off a season ending injury in 2014 doesn’t help. The Dolphins currently have seven cornerbacks and while that’s not a huge number, they are carrying several others that could find themselves on the bottom of this churn.

Zach Bowman – Bowman hasn’t looked great at corner but he hasn’t been as dismal on second look. He has contributed on special teams and that has really been the catalyst for keeping him. It’s unlikely that the Dolphins will make him one of the first to go should they add players but he isn’t exactly out of the woods just yet.

Tony Lippett – From all indications from local media, Lippett is a favorite of the Dolphins management which helps his case. Still, he could be a player that the Dolphins look at as someone they can move to the practice squad. Lippett, like Bowman won’t be on the early end of releases should the Dolphins make moves.

Neville Hewitt – Many were surprised that Hewitt made the roster over Jordan Tripp and even fellow un-drafted rookie Jeff Luc. Hewitt has had some highs and lows but performed mainly average throughout pre-season. He has some potential and the coaches feel this is a kid that can develop. That being said, he is definitely one of the players that could be expendable. The Dolphins don’t need to find another linebacker to release him.

Jacques McClendon – It was a surprise when the Dolphins cut Sam Brenner on Saturday but it was more of a surprise that the team kept McClendon over him. McClendon did not look good in camp and it doesn’t bode well for him to stay on the roster long. Especially if the Dolphins look at the wire to see what’s available. They will have league wide competition for lineman though, for example, in Cleveland the Browns kept just six offensive lineman which means they will not only be turning over their current roster but their line as well.

LaMichael James – James had good games and bad games in pre-season and also was the primary kick returner that doesn’t make him safe. For James to get released the Dolphins would have to find a suitable replacement on the waiver list. It’s not impossible as their are some players out there including former Patriot and Dolphin Jonas Gray. But will the Dolphins swap Gray for James? James has more potential on this team given the fact he returns kicks and Gray does not. The Dolphins do however lack a bruising tailback.

Jay Ajayi – Relax, Ajayi won’t be cut. He is however a candidate for the short term IR and the Dolphins could move him to that list to free a roster spot without making any other cuts. Ajayi has a broken rib with a timetable to return of 4-6 weeks. The short term IR is six weeks. The Dolphins can only use this designation once and passed on the opportunity to shelve Jordan Tripp with the designation.

C.J. Mosley – It was a mild surprise when Mosley made the roster. That doesn’t mean he will stay. His salary is fully guaranteed if he is on the roster week one of the season so keep an eye on his future. He could be released and then brought back after week one. It’s happened with other teams before. He would be able to sign with anyone but at this point and his play this pre-season he may find suitors a little thin at the outset.

Andrew Franks – It would be a surprise if the Dolphins released their new rookie kicker. Franks beat out Caleb Sturgis and the Dolphins had considered placing him on the practicing squad. Franks isn’t about to get claimed off waivers but there are several kickers including veteran Nick Novak who was made available on Saturday. Should the Dolphins go with a more tested veteran, Franks could be waived with the hopes of stashing him. To be honest, this is a scenario I do not see happening. If the Dolphins are going to replace Franks, it will be in the first month of the season if he is struggling to make his kicks.

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