The Miami Dolphins roster is set, for the most part. We could still see a few minor changes here and there but the roster, which is always fluid, is complete. Yesterday following the addition of players to the practice squad, Dolphins GM Dennis Hickey spoke with the media about his 2015 roster.
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Miami made a few choices that had fans and some in the media scratching their head but in reality we are talking about the bottom 1/8th of the roster at best. The Dolphins are confident in their starting groups and while tough decisions were indeed made, the top 3/4 of the roster were never in any real question.
"“It’s about keeping the best players,” Hickey said. “Especially at premium positions, if you have quality players at those positions, it’s a good problem to have.”"
The Dolphins decided to keep six wide-receivers and seven cornerbacks on the roster. Hickey spoke about rookies Bobby McCain and Tony Lippett both of whom made the roster.
"“We felt like those guys earned it and they played well and we’re excited about what they’re capable of.”"
At wide-receiver where Matt Hazel who started training camp slow, came on strong in the final three weeks earning a roster spot and forcing the Dolphins to keep six receivers.
"“We liked what he brought to the table,” Hickey said. “Watching what he did in the offseason and the growth that he made, that’s what we like to see from young players is making growth and showing up. Every preseason game he showed up and made plays. We really like what he brought as a route runner and the upper progression of a guy that was drafted, was on the practice squad last year and continued to progress.”"
Perhaps the biggest surprise came on Sunday when the Dolphins used a waiver claim on quarterback Logan Thomas. Thomas was outplayed in almost every aspect of the game while in Arizona. The Cardinals head coach, Bruce Arians is considered one of the best QB developers in the league but after only one season opted to give up on Thomas. It’s possible they were hoping to stash him on their practice squad believing he wasn’t ready to be on the 53.
"“We really liked what we saw,” Hickey said. “Obviously we tracked him in draft preparation last year. We like the skill set, the size, the arm strength, the arm talent. We saw development from year one to year two. We’re always excited to get with our coaches. They do such a great job of developing players and (we’re) anxious to get them in that quarterback room with Ryan Tannehill and Matt Moore and learn from those guys and get with our coaches.”"
Andrew Franks and Matt Darr will start the 2015 NFL season as the Dolphins two specialists. Both players beat out veterans Caleb Sturgis and long time Dolphins punter Brandon Fields.
"“There’s a lot of things that go into those decisions,” Hickey said. “We base it on a totality of work. One, we feel like he has an NFL-quality leg. We like the way he approaches the game and what he did for us. What he did for us in preseason games, practice and a lot of those things. Again, working with guys over a long period of time, we felt confident that Andrew Franks could do a good job for us.“Obviously he has a strong kickoff leg, but we also liked what he brings as a field goal kicker. Excited to see him work.” Hickey added in regards to Franks."
As the Dolphins moved towards the number 53, the team opted to stay with two tight-ends and instead signed Tim Semisch and Jake Stoneburner to the practice squad. Hickey talked about this decision as well.
"“We feel confident about our (tight ends),” Hickey said. “Obviously Jordan Cameron has come in and done a great job. Dion Sims, we really like what he brings to the table. We signed two guys to the (practice squad), Jake Stoneburner, who we have a lot of confidence in, and Tim Semisch, another young tight end that we feel really bright about his development. We like those guys and we really felt that was the right move for us.”"
Finally, Hickey spoke about the roster as a whole and what could be expected in the coming days.
"“It’s a fluid process that continues to progress,” Hickey said. “There’s been a lot of roster maneuvering. Still fluid, but we like where we are now and now the focus is on the Washington Redskins as we prepare to play them next Sunday.”"
MiamiDolphins.com was the source of the Dennis Hickey media question and answer session.