Dolphins expectations for training camp
Looking ahead at what might be of interest taking place in this upcoming Dolphins training camp.
The points of emphasis made here may not cover all the important factors and will not be in any order of importance.
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Laremy Tunsil
The Dolphins lucked into one of if not the best option at tackle in the last draft. This could lay out the ground work to help fortify the offensive line for many years to come. What is of concern presently are the more instant return on results which factor into Ryan Tannehill getting over the hump. Tunsil making the change to guard hinges on this more instant outcome.
Tunsil has not caught on as a guard in fact he still has practiced for the most part with the second line team. Having the pads on with contact might help his development with having to go up against bigger opponents he now sees with the switch to guard.
There is a starting spot for the right guard position open also with many in line to compete namely notable regulars Dallas Thomas, Billy Turner, Jamil Douglas of which Thomas and Turner may have benefited from extra weight training. Some new veteran additions were brought in for the line Jermon Bushrod and Kraig Urbik who might start to pick things up after Bushrod had injury concerns and Urbik well he is an older Vet.
Jakeem Grant
So far so good from his own admission along with his special teams coach as well, but that was with no pads or contact. When the pads and contact come it will be interesting to see how Grants statement of “You can’t hit what you can’t catch” plays out.
He has shown resilience and evasiveness at the College level, now we get more of an insight as to if that will transcend at the next level. It will also show if any opposing players can stay with him with the pads on.
It is important for Grant to catch on as a return specialist it helps free up Jarvis Landry to expand his role. This is something that had been in the plans for the Dolphins for some time now. Many players had been tried for this role up until now and it might finally be coming into fruition.
Leonte Carroo
The factor here is to push Stills and or take the reins himself. Having good all around play from the wide receiving corps is important, look at the factor Rishard Matthews played last season.If that good wide receiving corps play can be spread more evenly it will work to a greater effect.
Kiko Alonso
We get to see how he will look with the increased physicality the training camp brings. The last season he played with the Eagles left some questions as far as physicality – injury. Cameron Wake can fall under the same category as well as Dion Jordan should he be reinstated.
Outlook
A few things that might fall into the Dolphins favor are the depth at the receiving corps and with that could come some twists with special play packages for Carroo and-or Grant/ Landry to mix things up. The added depth that might come on the offensive line would be of great importance and long overdue.