As we continue to work our way through the offensive positions for the Miami Dolphins going into Training Camp 2020, the front five is proving to be a real focal point for their potential success. And that focus includes the center position, which the Dolphins will be hoping becomes a position of stability in 2020.
The pivot man for the Dolphins has lacked consistency and effectiveness in recent years. In an attempt to rectify that, the Dolphins brought free agent Ted Karras in from the New England Patriots as a young upgrade and hope he will be a catalyst for the team upfront.
However, there are other options to be the Dolphins’ center in 2020. Below, we will take a look at the players in the mix to be in that all-important position in the center of the offensive line.
Karras brings potential and a winning tradition to Miami
The Dolphins signed Karras, a former starter in New England, to a 1-year, $4M deal this offseason. His experience playing with former league MVP Tom Brady will be invaluable to this offense. Karras has tasted greatness while winning a Super Bowl as a member of the Patriots and will be a crucial piece that Brian Flores needs to bring those winning ways to Miami.
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Karras started 15 games at center for the Patriots last season after being a key reserve the previous three seasons. He is the favorite to start at the same position for Miami after the Dolphins moved on from former starter Daniel Kilgore before the 2020 NFL Draft.
While Karras still has youth on his side, he brings the experience this offense needs. He could end up as a top 10 player at the center position for the Dolphins in 2020. If everything works out the way that Miami hopes, Karras could be the nucleus for one of the better young offensive lines in the AFC for years to come.
Familiar faces competing in new places
One name that keeps popping up in these position previews for the offensive line is veteran Jesse Davis. Despite his versatility and experience as a starter at guard and tackle for Miami, Davis could have an opportunity to compete at center headed into 2020.
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Davis has been mentioned as competition to both rookie tackle Robert Hunt and rookie guard Solomon Kindley in 2020, but it looks like he may also be in the mix at center for the Dolphins. Davis has reportedly received reps in the middle of the offensive line early on and could be an option there to start the year if Karras stumbles.
The team could just be doing their due diligence in case of an injury, but Davis continues to be a valuable commodity to this unit and the Dolphins’ coaches. The former undrafted free agent will likely see heavy snaps during 2020, whether that be as a starter or reserve on this Miami offense.
Another promising rookie, Donell Stanley, joins the mix
While star rookies like Tua Tagovailoa and Austin Jackson get most of the 2020 headlines, another promising rookie in center Donell Stanley is flying under the radar. Stanley was a 2020 UDFA signee out of South Carolina with great size that has joined the mix at the center position.
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He joins Karras, Davis, and Keaton Sutherland as players that could see reps from the pivot spot this season in Miami. Sutherland played in three games for the Dolphins in 2019, making two starts. He figures to be Stanley’s most significant competition to make the roster and provide depth.
Stanley made 38 total starts in a storied six-year career for the Gamecocks in the Southeastern Conference. He has experience at both guard and center, which could be invaluable as the team whittles down the final roster spots. As a former team captain, he has the type of character and toughness to be a solid contributor in 2020 as a rookie lineman.