Miami Dolphins roster projection 2024: Resetting 53-man depth after preseason week 2
MIAMI GARDENS - The Miami Dolphins defeated the Washington Commanders 13-6 in a NFL preseason game on Saturday at Hard Rock Stadium.
Quarterback Tua Tagovialoa shined with a touchdown on his only drive of the night.
With only three training camp practices left, it's the perfect time to drop the latest way-too-early 53-man roster projection and depth chart prediction.
Dolphins general manager Chris Grier and coach Mike McDaniel must choose the best roster to allow Miami to win a playoff game for the first time since 2000.
Miami could surely still add a veteran interior offensive lineman before the kickoff to the 2024 NFL season.
A Dolphins' 53-man roster projection and depth chart prediction:
Quarterbacks (2)
Tua Tagovailoa, Mike White
Man, the backup quarterback competition is tight. A recent NFL rules change would allow Miami to promote Skylar Thompson from the practice squad to the active 53-man roster before any game, in order to be eligible to serve as emergency quarterback. That third quarterback could join the game even if not on among the Dolphins' game-day actives. It's still possible Thompson beats out White.
Wide Receivers (6)
Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Braxton Berrios, Odell Beckham, Jr., River Cracraft, Erik Ezukanma
Seventh rounder Tahj Washington is already out for the season. Odell Beckham needs to practice before he can play. Will he practice this week? Ezukanma edges out Malik Washington in this latest roster.
Running Backs (5)
Raheem Mostert, De'Von Achane, Jaylen Wright, Jeff Wilson, Chris Brooks
It's certainly possible Miami keeps only four backs, with Wilson or Brooks off the initial 53. We'll monitor Brooks' injury in the last game.
Fullback (1)
Alec Ingold
Pro Bowler.
Offensive Line (9)
Terron Armstead, Austin Jackson, Kendall Lamm, Isaiah Wynn, Aaron Brewer, Robert Jones, Patrick Paul, Jack Driscoll, Liam Eichenberg
Miami could very well add a veteran guard before the season starts. Wynn has been completely absent and it's hard to say he'll be ready for the season. Lester Cotton could make the roster if Wynn is ready. Or they'll add a veteran. Projected starters at guard for the moment are Eichenberg and Jones. Kion Smith (ACL) is unfortunately out for the season.
Tight end (3)
Durham Smythe, Jonnu Smith, Julian Hill
Tanner Conner misses the cut here. He was injured in the first game, which is a shame because he was playing well. He'll have to beat out Jody Fortson, who also missed the last game. We'll suppose one or both to practice squad.
Defensive Line (6)
Zach Sieler, Calais Campbell, Benito Jones, Da'Shawn Hand, Jonathan Harris, Brandon Pili
In this scenario, Da'Shawn Hand makes the roster and Neville Gallimore, Isaiah Mack and Daviyon Nixon don't make the cut. Teair Tart has been cut. We've added Pili back to the 53, though this is a tough one.
Linebacker/Edge (8)
Jaelan Phillips, Chop Robinson, Mo Kamara, David Long, Jordyn Brooks, Anthony Walker, Emmanuel Ogbah, Quinton Bell
In this scenario, Bradley Chubb begins the season on the physically unable to perform list, meaning he'd miss at least the first four games. Channing Tindall and Duke Riley also fail to make the cut here. Ogbah replaces retired Shaq Barrett. We considered keeping only four backs - deleting Chris Brooks or Jeff Wilson - and adding Tindall or Riley. Bell needs to flash in games as he had in practice.
Cornerback (6)
Jalen Ramsey, Kendall Fuller, Kader Kohou, Cam Smith, Siran Neal, Ethan Bonner
In this scenario, Bonner beats out Nik Needham make the 53. This is a great battle. It's possible Needham is kept here as the 53rd player and Miami goes with one fewer running back.
Safety (4)
Jevon Holland, Jordan Poyer, Marcus Maye, Elijah Campbell
Patrick McMorris is a draft pick and he's played well. He's squeezed in this scenario after the addition of Marcus Maye. Campbell and Neal can all play corner and safety. McMorris is a 50-50 proposition at the moment. They could certainly create a spot for him.
Special Teams (3)
Jason Sanders, Jake Bailey, Blake Ferguson
Bailey will work to improve in 2024. He had a perfect line drive kickoff on Saturday.
Owner Stephen Ross: Miami Dolphins are Super Bowl contender
Rookie Report Cards: How did Chop Robinson, Patrick Paul grade out vs. Washington?
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 depth chart prediction during training camp 2024