Miami Dolphins TC: What to watch for over the next week
By Tyler Olson
Miami Dolphins Training Camp is back in action today after a much needed off day yesterday.
More from Phin Phanatic
- Tua Tagovailoa practicing with teammates is everything a leader does
- 4 offensive tackles Miami Dolphins could draft at 51
- Miami Dolphins don’t need CB help but these 5 could be available at 51
- 4 players that could replace Wilkins if Miami Dolphins don’t re-sign him
- Miami Dolphins have a starting point with Wilkins after Simmons deal
We’re starting to get a feel for what the coaching staff is wanting to do with specific players. That may all change in a blink of an eye, however, with one mistake.
We also know where the team needs to pick it up before week one against the Seattle Seahawks rolls around. The boys in teal are far from looking like a Super Bowl contender at this point.
Regardless of any Super Bowl talk, we’re all just glad for football to be back.
Practice after a day off is always a great time to see if the coaches went in and made any changes. So what can we watch for moving forward against the New York Giants in just nine days?
Cornerbacks – Does the front office dip into the free agent market for a veteran?
We know the team is struggling at this spot. Rookie 2nd round pick Xavien Howard is out with an injury, and the inexperienced trio of Bobby McCain, Ifo Ekpre-Olomu and Tony Lippett are struggling as is Michael Thomas in the nickel spot.
Can we see Walt Aikens make a move back to cornerback? He has the talent to play in the NFL, and I believe new defensive coordinator Vance Joseph can work with what he’s struggled on thus far in the league.
Ultimately I’d prefer a move to the free agent market at this point. Veterans Leon Hall and Antonio Cromartie are both there for the taking. Howard won’t be ready to step in at CB2 right off of an injury into the regular season; only way we can be comfortable with it is if he does indeed come back and get some experience throughout the preseason.
Offensive Line – What’s the starting rotation?
More from Dolphins News
- Tua Tagovailoa practicing with teammates is everything a leader does
- 4 offensive tackles Miami Dolphins could draft at 51
- Miami Dolphins don’t need CB help but these 5 could be available at 51
- 4 players that could replace Wilkins if Miami Dolphins don’t re-sign him
- Miami Dolphins have a starting point with Wilkins after Simmons deal
As of right now it’s too early to tell but it needs to improve. The only way quarterback Ryan Tannehill is going to take that next step forward is if he can feel comfortable in the pocket and right now he’s getting pressured everyday in practice.
The tackle positions are all-but solidified with Brandon Albert on the left and Ja’Wuan James on the right as is the center spot with all-pro Mike Pouncey. It’ll be interesting to see if Albert makes a move in to left guard and rookie Laremy Tunsil gets some staps with the 1st team at left tackle.
Speaking of Tunsil, we need to see him step up at left guard – or wherever he’s plugged in at – and own his spot. We also need Jermon Bushrod to solidify his spot at right guard as we’ve all seen Dallas Thomas’ struggles since he came into the league; Omar Kelly of the Sun Sentinel has stated that Thomas is looking better but until we see it in game action we won’t really know.
Running Back – Can anyone stay healthy?
Jay Ajayi, Damien Williams and Isaiah Pead have all been bit by the injury bug in camp. Don’t even ask me where Daniel Thomas is because, well, Daniel Thomas. That has put Arian Foster in as the unofficial #1 back and Alabama rookie Kenyan Drake is getting more snaps with the two’s.
Both Foster and Drake have a history of injuries. If one of them goes down within the next week it could be the sign of a long season at a position with so many questions and concerns.