MIAMI GARDENS — Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel has been asking his players a question.
“I have a depth chart to fill out,” McDaniel says. “Can you help me out with it?’
Standout players Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Jonnu Smith, De’Von Achane, Zach Sieler, Bradley Chubb, Jaelan Phillips and Jordyn Brooks have clearly defined starting roles.
But there are actually starting and playing time spots up for grabs in organized team activities, training camp and preseason joint practices and games.
“The biggest thing is I want people to show me who they are,” McDaniel said. “I don’t like looking at a guy, looking at their name plate and judging them off of last year, the year before. I want to see how they compete and what they do with the opportunity.”
5 Miami Dolphins position battles to watch
Cornerback: Cam Smith, Storm Duck, Jason Marshall, Ethan Bonner, Isaiah Johnson
The scoop: Leaders in the clubhouse to replace Jalen Ramsey and Kendall Fuller are Storm Duck and Cam Smith. But Miami will be open to playing time for Marshall, the fifth-round rookie, or former undrafted cornerbacks Bonner or Johnson. The Dolphins are counting on Smith to stay healthy and show growth as a young professional. It would be disappointing if the former second rounder did not become a first-time starter. Don’t sleep on Duck, who played 358 defensive snaps as an undrafted rookie. Look for general manager Chris Grier to add another veteran before the season starts.
Safety: Ifeatu Melifonwu, Ashtyn Davis, Elijah Campbell, Patrick McMorris, Dante Trader
The scoop: Leaders in the clubhouse to replace Jevon Holland and Jordan Poyer as starters are Ifeatu Melifonwu and Ashytn Davis. They are both very athletic. Coaches are high on Melifonwu, citing speed, intelligence, physicality, blitzing ability, range and cover skills. He does have an injury history. Davis, a former hurdler, is fast and can cover and tackle. It can be argued neither player has yet to reach their NFL ceiling.
Defensive line: Jordan Phillips, Zeek Biggers, Matt Dickerson, Benito Jones, Matthew Butler
The scoop: Veteran Zach Sieler and rookie Kenneth Grant figure to get lots and lots and lots of playing time. How quickly do rookies Jordan Phillips and/or Zeek Biggers earn the trust of coaches? Is Matt Dickerson an intriguing sleeper pick for playing time? Phillips, a fifth-rounder, is only 20 years old. The Dolphins consider Phillips a strong run-stopper with good work ethic and pass-rush potential. Biggers, 6-foot-5, 321 pounds, is an intriguing developmental seventh-rounder.
Inside linebacker: Tyrell Dodson, Willie Gay, K.J. Britt
The scoop: Dodson figures to get most of the reps in three-down situations. He’s an asset against the pass. Willie Gay has intriguing athleticism. Gay has an injury history but has started nine playoff games for the Chiefs and earned two Super Bowl rings. K.J. Britt is a heavy, thumping run stopper. “You’ve got to have some killer instinct,” Britt says. A lot of playing time decisions here may come down to opponent and situation.
Punter: Ryan Stonehouse, Jake Bailey
The Scoop: Ryan Stonehouse and Jake Bailey have both had All-Pro seasons in the NFL, which make this an unusual competition. Stonehouse has a big leg and has punted for new special teams coordinator Craig Aukerman. “It’s all about competition,” Aukerman said, citing deciding factors such as directional punting, distance and hang time.
Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jschad@pbpost.com and follow him on Instagram and on X @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe’s free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Miami Dolphins OTA and training camp: Top 5 position battles
Reporting by Joe Schad, Palm Beach Post / Palm Beach Post
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
