Comparing the Miami Dolphins 2019 roster to the 2018 team is scary
By Brian Miller
The Miami Dolphins look nothing like they did in 2018, whether that is a good thing or a bad thing remains to be seen.
This years Miami Dolphins roster is so different from last years that you may not even recognize the names of the players that are filling out the 53 man roster. That isn’t a joke or an exaggeration. The Dolphins around 30 new players this year.
Brian Flores and Chris Grier have made a lot of changes to the roster with many coming via released veterans, trades, and major impacts to starters.
Here is a position by position look at namely the big changes. Last years primary starters are listed with a line out notation.
QB:
2018: Ryan Tannehill, Brock Osweiler, David Fales
2019: Ryan Fitzpatrick, Josh Rosen
Changes across the board needed to be made here so in that regard, the new faces are a positive in terms of the organization and it’s future.
WR:
2018: Kenny Stills, DeVante Parker, Jakeem Grant, Danny Amendola, Albert Wilson
2019: DeVante Parker, Preston Williams, Jakeem Grant, Albert Wilson, Allen Hurns
Kenny Stills’ departure was likely due to a combination of his contract, his production, and his distractions. In other words, it was needed.
RB:
2018: Kenyan Drake, Kalen Ballage, Frank Gore, Sinorice Perry
2019: Kenyan Drake, Kalen Ballage, Myles Gaskin, Patrick Laird, Mark Walton, FB Chandler Cox.
It is a big group that will likely change at some point but for now the team is rolling with six in the backfield.
TE:
2018: Mike Gesicki, MarQueis Gray, A.J. Derby, Durham Smythe
2019: Mike Gesicki, Durham Smythe, Nick O’Leary
O’Leary was added after the final cuts last year and was signed to a one-year etension. He is the current starter.
OL:
2018: Laremy Tunsil, Josh Sitton, Daniel Kilgore, Jesse Davis, Ja’Wuan James, Zach Sterup, Sam Young, Ted Larsen, Jake Brendel.
2019: Daniel Kilgore, Jesse Davis, Evan Boehm, Chris Reed, Shaq Calhoun, Michael Dieter, Danny Isidora, Julie’n Davenport, Isaiah Prince,
HUGE changes from last year. Sitton was released and then retired, James was allowed to leave via free agency, and Tunsil was traded. Only Kilgore remains from last years offensive line.
ST:
2018: Matt Haack, Jason Sanders, John Denney
2019: Matt Haack, Jason Sanders,
The release of John Denney two days after final cuts were made was a shock.
DL:
2018: Cameron Wake, Andre Branch, Robert Quinn, William Hayes, Charles Harris, Vincent Taylor, Akeem Spence, Davon Godchaux, Jordan Phillips
2019: Charles Harris, Trent Harris, Jonathan Ledbetter, Nate Orchard, Davon Godchaux, Christian Wilkins
Phillips was released mid-season and Vincent Taylor was released on Monday (today). The Dolphins are very thin at defensive tackle and defensive end.
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LB:
2018: Kiko Alonso, Raekwon McMillan, Jerome Baker, Stephone Anthony, Chase Allen,
2019: Raekwon McMillan, Sam Eguavoen, Jerome Baker, Vince Biegal, Deon Lacey, Avery Moss, Andrew Van Ginkel,
The Dolphins traded Kiko Alonso for Biegal.
CB:
2018: Xavien Howard, Cordrea Tankersley, Walt Aikens, Cornell Armstrong, Torry McTyer, Bobby McCcain
2019: Johnson Bademosi, Xavien Howard, Chris Lammons, Eric Rowe, Jomal Wiltz, Steven Parker, Ken Webster
Considerably different unit from last season. Tankerlsey on the injured list but still on the roster. Bobby McCain moved to safety.
S:
2018: Reshad Jones, T.J. McDonald, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Maurice Smith
2019: Walt Aikens, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Reshad Jones, Bobby McCain
Overall the Dolphins gutted their roster from top to bottom jettisoning 16 listed starters. Yes, the Dolphins are definitely rebuilding.