MIAMI GARDENS - The Miami Dolphins defeated the Atlanta Falcons 20-13 in the NFL preseason opener on Friday at Hard Rock Stadium.

Rookie running back Jaylen Wright shined.

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 guard before the kickoff to the 2024 NFL season.

A Dolphins' 53-man roster projection and depth chart prediction:

Quarterbacks (2)

Tua Tagovailoa, Mike White

A recent NFL rules change allows Miami to elevate Skylar Thompson from the practice squad to the active 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. Neither backup shined in the preseason opener.

Wide Receivers (6)

Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Braxton Berrios, Odell Beckham, Jr., River Cracraft, Malik Washington

Seventh rounder Tahj Washington is already out for the season. Odell Beckham needs to practice before he can play. Washington edges out Erik Ezukanma 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.

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. 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 is the Dolphins' 54th man 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 we'll say is the 55th man on the roster here. We'll suppose one or both to practice squad.

Defensive Line (6)

Zach Sieler, Calais Campbell, Benito Jones, Da'Shawn Hand, Jonathan Harris, Teair Tart

In this scenario, Da'Shawn Hand makes the roster and Neville Gallimore, Isaiah Mack and Daviyon Nixon don't make the cut.

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. Cam Brown is the last player cut in the front seven in this scenario. If Phillips isn't ready, add Brown. We considered keeping only four backs - deleting Chris Brooks - and adding Brown or Riley.

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 potentially a great battle. This should be an important training camp for both. 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 played very well in the preseason opener. But he's squeezed in this scenario after the addition of Marcus Maye. Campbell and Neal can all play corner and safety.

Special Teams (3)

Jason Sanders, Jake Bailey, Blake Ferguson

Bailey will work to improve in 2024.

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