One of Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel’s favorite sayings is, “Adversity is opportunity.” If that’s true, he and his staff have a huge opportunity after a disappointing preseason opener.
Among those opportunities: Tweaking the Dolphins’ 53-man roster projections and their depth chart, which have come more and more into focus as the weeks progress.
Miami Dolphins 53-Man Roster Projection | Offense
McDaniel all but revealed most of his starting lineup Friday night. Ten of the 11 spots are all but locked in based on many factors, including the fact that nine of those players were not forced to play against the Falcons.
But that doesn’t mean the Dolphins’ offensive roster is static. The total number of projected offensive players on the Dolphins’ 53-man roster dropped by one based on a string of poor performances in the last week.
Quarterback
After a very underwhelming preseason game and week of practice, Skylar Thompson’s concern should be less about being Tua Tagovailoa’s primary backup and more about making the Dolphins’ 53. Right now, we have him off the active roster (and on the practice squad) in Week 1.
- Tua Tagovailoa
- Mike White
Skylar Thompson discusses his night pic.twitter.com/KZC2aCpzWA
— Adam Beasley (@AdamHBeasley)
Running Back
No changes this week to this list, but if Myles Gaskin has another week like the one he just had, we’re going to have to seriously reassess. Gaskin had 57 yards on seven carries against Atlanta.
- Raheem Mostert
- Jeff Wilson Jr.
- Salvon Ahmed
- De’Von Achane (R)
- Alec Ingold
Wide Receiver
We really struggled with this position group this week, and it’ll probably change two more times before cutdown day. For now, we’re giving Erik Ezukanma (67 yards from scrimmage on 10 touches) the edge over River Cracraft, but both have a real chance to make the team. Cracraft might do enough on special teams to convince the Dolphins to keep seven receivers.
- Tyreek Hill
- Jaylen Waddle
- Cedrick Wilson Jr.
- Braxton Berrios
- Robbie Chosen
- Erik Ezukanma
Tight End
This is another tough call on the final spot of the position group. The Dolphins listed Tyler Kroft ahead of Julian Hill on their initial depth chart, and that might be how this ultimately shakes out. But for now, we’re giving the nod to Julian Hill, who has been the more dangerous target in camp.
- Durham Smythe
- Eric Saubert
- Julian Hill (R)
Offensive Line
Considering how much we and others have banged on Liam Eichenberg and Austin Jackson, it’s only fair we give them their due after solid games against the Falcons. The Dolphins keeping Kendall Lamm out of harm’s way against the Falcons was revealing.
- Terron Armstead
- Robert Hunt
- Connor Williams
- Austin Jackson
- Liam Eichenberg
- Robert Jones
- Dan Feeney
- Isaiah Wynn
- Kendall Lamm
Miami Dolphins 53-Man Roster Projection | Defense
Lost amid all the rough edges on offense last week was a smooth, efficient, and dominant performance by Vic Fangio’s defense. The group gave up just six points, 13 first downs, and 4.3Â yards per play against Atlanta.
Interior Defensive Line
With the Dolphins’ top three all kept out of the Falcons game, Josiah Bronson and Brandon Pili had a chance to showcase their abilities. Pili had the better night, with four tackles (including one for loss) and a quarterback hit.
- Christian Wilkins
- Zach Sieler
- Raekwon Davis
- Brandon Pili (R)
- Josiah Bronson
EDGE
No change here yet, but Mitchell Agude might ultimately end up beating out Malik Reed if he keeps playing like he did Friday night (two tackles for loss and a sack).
- Bradley Chubb
- Emmanuel Ogbah
- Jaelan Phillips
- Malik Reed
Linebacker
Welcome to the PFN 53-man roster projections, Channing Tindall. The third-round pick from 2022 was not a part of our first two versions but has been trending in the right direction. He led the Dolphins with nine tackles and had a sack against Atlanta.
- Jerome Baker
- David Long Jr.
- Andrew Van Ginkel
- Duke Riley
- Channing Tindall
Cornerback
The Dolphins keep taking hits in their secondary. The latest to go down? Rookie Cam Smith, who hurt his shoulder late in his dazzling preseason debut. Before the injury, Smith had four tackles (including one for loss) and a pass breakup.
- Xavien Howard
- Kader Kohou
- Cam Smith (R)
- Noah Igbinoghene
- Eli Apple
- Keion Crossen
Safety
We’re probably late in recognizing that Elijah Campbell is well on his way to making this team. We righted that wrong, swapping in Campbell for Verone McKinley III.
- Jevon Holland
- Brandon Jones
- DeShon Elliott
- Justin Bethel
- Elijah Campbell
Miami Dolphins 53-Man Roster Projection | Special Teams
Jason Sanders and Jake Bailey both got an opportunity to kick off Friday. That role and who will return punts and kicks are the only questions remaining on special teams.
Kicker
- Jason Sanders
Punter
- Jake Bailey
Long Snapper
- Blake Ferguson
Complete Projected Miami Dolphins Depth Chart
Wide Receiver
- Tyreek Hill
- Robbie Chosen
Wide Receiver
- Jaylen Waddle
- Braxton Berrios
Wide Receiver
- Cedrick Wilson Jr.
- Erik Ezukanma
Quarterback
- Tua Tagovailoa
- Mike White
Running Back
- Raheem Mostert
- Jeff Wilson Jr.
- Salvon Ahmed
- De’Von Achane
Fullback
- Alec Ingold
Tight End
- Durham Smythe
- Eric Saubert
- Julian Hill
Left Tackle
- Terron Armstead
- Kendall Lamm
Left Guard
- Liam Eichenberg
- Robert Jones
Center
- Connor Williams
- Dan Feeney
Right Guard
- Robert Hunt
- Isaiah Wynn
Right Tackle
- Austin Jackson
- Kendall Lamm
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Interior Defensive Line
- Christian Wilkins
- Josiah Bronson
- Brandon Pili
Interior Defensive Line
- Zach Sieler
- Raekwon Davis
EDGE
- Bradley Chubb
- Malik Reed
EDGE
- Emmanuel Ogbah
- Malik Reed
EDGE
- Jaelan Phillips
- Malik Reed
Weakside Linebacker
- Jerome Baker
- Duke Riley
- Channing Tindall
Strongside Linebacker
- David Long Jr.
- Andrew Van Ginkel
Cornerback
- Noah Igbinoghene
- Cam Smith
Cornerback
- Xavien Howard
- Keion Crossen
Cornerback
- Kader Kohou
- Eli Apple
Safety
- Jevon Holland
- Justin Bethel
Safety
- Brandon Jones
- DeShon Elliott
- Elijah Campbell
Kicker
- Jason Sanders
Punter
- Jake Bailey
Long Snapper
- Blake Ferguson
