Final 53 Miami Dolphins roster predictions with surprises
By Brian Miller
There is little question that the Miami Dolphins offensive line is worrisome. Laremy Tunsil has not looked like the franchise left tackle that everyone had thought he would be but this has been pre-season so the regular season will let fans know for certain.
While Tunsil is the least of the Dolphins worries, the rest of the line is still a question as well. Ja’Wuan James needs to improve on the right side and questions about Mike Pouncey’s health will be asked all year-long. It is, in the end, the left guard position that has everyone worried.
Kraig Urbik was released earlier in the week after a knee injury took him off the field for an extended period. Urbik was pretty close to a lock to make the roster at the time of injury. The injury and subsequen release has allowed Jesse Davis to step up.
Davis isn’t ready to start yet but he should be the starter week one. He will likely get better as the season progresses and while he may not be starter quality yet, he isn’t necessarily a liability at the position. The Dolphins seem to be pretty high on him and it would be a surprise if the team signed a street free agent to take over the position.
Predictions: James, Bushrod, Pouncey, Jesse Davis, Laremy Tunsil are the starters. Jake Brendel, Anthony Steen, Isaac Asiata, Sam Young should be the back-ups.
Outside: Eric Smith and Avery Young could potentially take the Sam Young spot.
Cut: Isame Faciane, Sean Hickey, Avery Young, Eric Smith
23 players have made the roster according to my predictions.
Special Teams
Matt Darr is battling against Matt Haack in a surprise punting battle. Haack has looked good but Darr has been very good in recent years. This battle will not be salary related. Daar is scheduled to make just over $600 thousand and Haack will make just over $400 thousand. Daar has a $300 cap hit.
Predictions: Matt Daar and Andrew Franks, John Denney
Cuts: Matt Haack, Winston Chapman
Current roster number: 26
If only the Dolphins could get Jordan Phillips to play at the same level consistently. When Phillips has his head in the game he is a brutal defender but more often than not it appears that he is in another place all together. Gase is trying to get the most of him but so far it’s so inconsistent that Phillips may not be the starter opening weekend.
It is hard to argue that Davon Godchaux has been the steal of this years Dolphins draft and he could be pushing for the starting gig. While not as surprising as Godchaux, Vincent Taylor has also impressed as well.
Miami could have a stellar defensive line but they too need more consistency as their last pre-season game was horrible.
Predictions: Ndamukong Suh, Davon Godchaux, Jordan Phillips, Vincent Taylor, Nick Williams,
Cut: Lawerence Okoye
Defensive ends: Miami is stacked to the brim with talented defensive ends and should be good at the position for years to come. Charles Harris has not been as impressive as some of his fellow rookie first and “second” round defenders but he is grouped with some solid talent.
Predictions: Cameron Wake, Charles Harris, William Hayes, Andre Branch, Terrence Fede,
Outside: Cameron Malveaux, Julius Warmsley
Cuts: Malveaux, Warmsley, Praise Martin-Oguike, Joby Saint Fleur,
Current roster stands at 36.