Miami Dolphins have two practice squad spots open

The Miami Dolphins began filling out their practice squad players yesterday around noon when teams were notified of their waiver awards. As of this morning the Dolphins still had two spots open they will need to fill.

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No real surprises came yesterday and the Dolphins managed to keep players on their squad that were with them during the pre-season. Of those players a few actually were thought to be candidates for the teams 53 man roster. Keeping players of familiarity is good for the team and continues the continuity that they are building. In addition they already have a good idea of what they have any number of these players could be signed to the 53 man roster at some point during the season.

Here is a look at the practice squad minus the two open positions of course.

Sam Brenner – Brenner was really solid during training camp but the Dolphins opted to keep veteran Jacques McClendon. Perhaps they want more time to evaluate him. They don’t need more time to evaluate Brenner. Brenner has been with the team for three seasons and was the player who jumped in and started on literally a days notice when Jonathan Martin quit the team. He has been able to play guard and center and this year competed with Billy Turner, Dallas Thomas, and Jamil Douglas for a short time as well. Brenner needed to come back as he continues to grow into his position.

Jake Stoneburner – The addition of Stoneburner to the PS is a smart move as it gives the Dolphins that third tight end they are not carrying on the roster. The Dolphins opted to go with Jordan Cameron and Dion Sims. Normally two tight ends would be no big deal as the Dolphins have rarely needed more than two. However in the past they also had Charles Clay who could play the position from his assigned H-back spot. Jordan Cameron has a history of concussions so the decision to keep only two was a bit of surprise but now the team has another option should there be a need for it. Stoneburner showed good hands and consistent route running but he needs to develop more and will get the opportunity to do so. Stoneburner is also a much better blocker than a pass catcher at this early stage of his career.

Tim Semisch – Semisch has a lot of potential, but for now it’s strictly potential. He showed flashes in camp that he could develop and he has grown quite a bit since joining the team. He wasn’t ready for the 53 man roster although he put up a very good battle to prove he belonged on it. Semisch will get the time to develop into an NFL tight end. He is tremendous size that eventually could provide the Dolphins with a big red-zone target but for now he needs to learn the details of the position.

McCleod Bethel-Thompson – MBT being on the PS is no surprise. The surprise came when the Dolphins claimed Logan Thomas off waivers and had to keep him on the 53 man roster. MBT did not have a good pre-season but at times he showed potential. Last season MBT was on the PS as well and barring a major change he will spend the entire 2015 season on the same. The QB is very raw right now but it’s obvious that he can make most of the throws he needs to work on his vision and decision making however. With Matt Moore’s contract up after the season it’s unlikely that the Dolphins will bring him back so MBT could be the teams future back-up. If he can improve.

Mike Hull – Hull, an un-drafted rookie spent most of camp battling fellow linebackers Zack Vigil, Jef Luc, and Neville Hewitt. Vigil and Hewitt made the squad and Hull was returned to the PS. Hull has a lot of upside but the game seemed a little fast for him at times. In pre-season games he made quality tackles but also missed quite a few and found himself out of position on others. He was also unable to fully impress on special teams. He did however show that he can develop and he has a lot of what you look for in a linebacker. He will have the practice squad to continue to learn and improve.

Jeff Luc – It was reported yesterday that Luc had been signed to the practice squad but the Miami Dolphins have yet to make that change so for now we will leave him off until it’s official. Luc will likely, if yesterday’s news was accurate take one of the two remaining spots on the practice squad.

Deandre Coleman – The Dolphins love defensive tackles and Coleman who needs a lot of work will get the chance to learn from some of the best in the business. The Dolphins are hoping that Coleman will develop over the season and perhaps make a more realistic run at the roster in 2016. The active player to watch is C.J. Mosley who was largely unimpressive in camp. If the Dolphins feel that Mosley is not helping the team he could get released paving the way for Coleman to move up. Mosley is also on a one year deal so Coleman could be groomed to take over a valuable depth position next season.

Aundrey Walker – Some believed that the Dolphins would keep Walker on the 53. They have some depth issues across the offensive line but he struggled too often to warrant using a spot on. Walker has some nice upside and potential be needs to develop as a lineman at this level. He will get plenty of practice throughout the season to gain that experience. A little more time in the weight room will help his base and arm strength and practice will  help him learn the footwork necessary to play in the NFL effectively.