Updated Dolphins 53-man roster projection after preseason opener vs. Bears
After rookies and veterans all had opportunities to make their case in the opening preseason game, not much has changed from last week's mock roster projection:
Quarterbacks (3)
Tua Tagovailoa, Zach Wilson, Quinn Ewers
All three Dolphins quarterbacks saw action against the Bears. While starter Tua Tagovailoa was efficient, backups Zach Wilson and Quinn Ewers struggled.
Still, given Tagovailoa's injury history, there's no reason to expect the Dolphins to carry fewer than three quarterbacks, and Ewers should be rostered to start the season.
Running Backs (4)
De'Von Achane, Jaylen Wright, Ollie Gordon II, Alec Ingold (FB)
There's a slight change here, as Gordon, who looked promising with eight rushes for 33 yards and a goal-line touchdown leap, is set to become the third back. Mattison, who scored a 1-yard touchdown, left the game with a neck injury that required season-ending surgery. Miami also worked out Jamaal Williams on Monday, which is something to keep tabs on.
Wide Receivers (6)
Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Malik Washington, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, Tahj Washington, Dee Eskridge
The Dolphins have a few candidates for the final receiver spots, with veteran returner Dee Eskridge and second-year receiver Tahj Washington both making strong cases.
Eskridge impressed on kickoff returns, while Washington made several nice catches, showing shiftiness and an ability to gain yards after the catch. Washington led Miami in receiving yards with 53 on three receptions.
If Miami keeps six receivers, Eskridge's special teams value will be hard to overlook, and Washington is doing everything possible to secure a spot. Undrafted rookies Theo Wease Jr. and Andrew Armstrong look more like practice squad options for now.
Tight Ends (3)
Darren Waller, Pharaoh Brown, Julian Hill
No changes here. Miami's tight end group leans more toward blocking than receiving threats. Veteran addition Darren Waller remains on the PUP list, but is expected to be ready for Week 1. Pharaoh Brown and Julian Hill should be safe roster picks thanks to their blocking ability.
Tanner Conner will need standout performances in the next two preseason games to push for a roster spot, but his lack of consistency in the regular season, coupled with needs at other positions, could work against him.
Offensive Line (9)
Patrick Paul, Jonah Savaiinaea, Aaron Brewer, James Daniels, Austin Jackson, Liam Eichenberg, Daniel Brunskill, Larry Borom, Andrew Meyer
Last week, head coach Mike McDaniel noted that backup center Andrew Meyer could miss 'weeks.' With uncertainty about whether he'll need to go on PUP or injured reserve, he's penciled into the 53-man roster for now, with adjustments to come after final cuts.
Kion Smith could be the odd man out, though he's a practice squad candidate. Should Meyer be moved to IR post-announcement, Smith could be elevated.
The Dolphins could also keep an eye on potential veteran swing tackles released around the league, as additional depth would be valuable.
Defensive Line (5)
Zach Sieler, Kenneth Grant, Benito Jones, Jordan Phillips, Zeek Biggers
No changes here, though veteran Matt Dickerson made a strong impression against Chicago with multiple tackles, including one for a loss. Rookie Zeek Biggers adds special teams value and nearly blocked a kick Sunday. Fellow rookie Jordan Phillips tallied three tackles and proved to be a force in the trenches, showing potential for early snaps.
Linebackers (9)
Jaelan Phillips, Bradley Chubb, Chop Robinson, Quinton Bell, Jordyn Brooks, Tyrel Dodson, K.J. Britt, Willie Gay Jr., Grayson Murphy
The linebacker group remains intact. Willie Gay Jr. had a solid game with multiple tackles and a half sack. K.J. Britt contributed three solo tackles, one assisted stop, and a pass defended.
Second-year linebacker Grayson Murphy recorded a sack, flashing pass-rushing upside, though run defense improvement is still needed. Derrick McLendon also played well, with a sack and two tackles for loss, and could land on the practice squad, if not the 53.
Cornerbacks (6)
Storm Duck, Kendall Sheffield, Jack Jones, Mike Hilton, Jason Marshall Jr., Ethan Bonner
Miami's cornerback depth remains a question mark due to injuries, but the group is likely to stay at six players. Duck is emerging as a starter, with Jones pushing for the second cornerback role. Hilton should handle nickel duties, while Marshall and Bonner provide depth.
Bonner deflected a pass that led to a Patrick McMorris interception. His speed could secure him the final cornerback spot, though UDFA B.J. Adams is also in the mix.
Safeties (5)
Minkah Fitzpatrick, Elijah Campbell, Ifeatu Melifonwu, Patrick McMorris, Dante Trader Jr.
With veteran Ashtyn Davis sidelined by injury and his return timetable uncertain, there's a chance he opens the season on IR. Fitzpatrick anchors the group, while Campbell could see more defensive snaps in addition to his special teams contributions. McMorris, entering his second season, is looking for an expanded role after a solid preseason showing.
Specialists (3)
Jason Sanders, Ryan Stonehouse, Joe Cardona
Ryan Stonehouse and Jake Bailey continue to battle for punting and holding duties. Stonehouse unleashed a 50-yarder, while Bailey topped him with a 59-yard punt downed inside the 20. For now, we're sticking with Stonehouse, who has a rapport with new special teams coordinator Craig Aukerman.
This article originally appeared on Dolphins Wire: Dolphins 53-man roster projection after preseason opener vs. Bears
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