A closer look at Miami Dolphins 1st depth chart

Aug 13, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh (93) reacts to a play during the first quarter of a preseason NFL football game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

DEFENSE

Left Defensive End – Cam Wake will get the not of Derrick Shelby. I don’t know about you but I never saw this coming and am completely shocked.

DT – The Dolphins don’t designate which side they are putting their tackles but if you read the depth chart from left to right, Ndamukong Suh is not only, as expected, the first team DT but is also lining up next to Cameron Wake. If that is the plan, it’s going to be a huge year for Wake. Suh is backed up by C.J. Mosley who was a surprise keeper to the 53.

Earl Mitchell starts next to Suh forming a powerful one-two punch in the middle. He is backed up by 2nd round rookie Jordan Phillips. A.J. Francis is the teams third string DT.

Right Defensive End – Olivier Vernon returns to rule the right side with the up and coming Terrence Fede backing him up. Expect to see a lot of Fede this year. I suspect the Dolphins want to get a good look at him ahead of Vernon’s impending free agency in 2016.

Linebacker – Linebacker has been a huge concern entering the season and who was going to start where has been debated and tossed around since the start of training camp. For now, Koa Misi will indeed return outside and Kelvin Sheppard has taken the middle spot with Jelani Jenkins on the opposite side of Misi. Chris McCain didn’t show enough to warrant a starting job and is listed number two behind Misi with Spencer Paysinger behind Jenkins. Un-drafted rookie Zach Vigil is holed up behind Sheppard but should see increased playing time as the season moves along.

CB – We knew Brent Grimes would start on one side but what about the other? That has gone to Brice McCain. Whether by earning it or the fact that Jamar Taylor has missed time with a groin issue, McCain is slated to start week one as the top member of the depth chart. Behind Grimes is Will Davis, then rookies Bobby McCain and Tony Lippett. Behind McCain is Jamar Taylor and veteran Zack Bowman.

Safety – The Dolphins lost Louis Delmas to another ACL injury and on the first depth chart it’s Walt Aikens taking his place. The 2nd year player has had his good moments and bad moments through camp and pre-season but the Dolphins are confident he can do the job. He is backed up by Michael Thomas while starter Reshad Jones will be backed up by Jordan Kovacs.