Miami Dolphins 53-Man Roster Predictions: Post-OTA Edition
Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
Following an 11-6 campaign and a loss in the Wild Card Round, the Miami Dolphins are back at work. They’ve held their voluntary OTAs and now look toward the upcoming mandatory minicamp, then training camp.
Their end goal is to make a deeper run in the playoffs, but before that happens, Miami must first put together the best 53-man roster they can. With that being said, let’s dive into their roster and predict which players make the team in Week 1.
Quarterback (3):
Tua Tagovailoa
Mike White
Skylar Thompson
It’s always tempting to stick with two quarterbacks but given Tua Tagovailoa’s injury history, it makes more sense to go three deep here.
Tagovailoa is coming off his best season as a pro and desires a new deal. Miami hasn’t been ready to commit to him, making this a make-or-break season for the former first-round pick.
Running Back (5):
Raheem Mostert
De’Von Achane
Jaylen Wright
Salvon Ahmed
Alec Ingold
This might be the deepest position on the roster following the addition of Jaylen Wright in the NFL Draft. Wright is an underrated option who could shine, but for now remains third on the depth chart due to the talent ahead of him.
De’Von Achane was off to a hot start before being injured, but still had 800 yards in 11 games. Raheem Mostert crossed 1,000 yards for the first time in his career. At age 31, he had 1,018 yards and led the league with 18 touchdowns.
Miami rounds out this group with fullback Alec Ingold and running back Salvon Ahmed, who is no slouch himself.
Wide Receiver (6):
Tyreek Hill
Jaylen Waddle
Odell Beckham, Jr.
Braxton Berrios
Malik Washington
Tahj Washington
Jaylen Waddle just signed a three-year extension for $84.75 million. His deal includes $76 million guaranteed. Miami sees him as the future No. 1 based on those numbers but he still comes in as WR2 thanks to the presence of Tyreek Hill. As if there wasn’t enough talent here, they also signed Odell Beckham, Jr. and have Braxton Berrios, who doubles as a solid return man, as a fourth option.
Rookies Malik Washington and Tahj Washington have the inside track to make the cut, as well. Having said that, this would be an easy spot to lose a player if they decide to go deeper at another position.
Tight End (3):
Jonnu Smith
Durham Smythe
Julian Hill
The tight end group wasn’t great in 2023, though Jonnu Smith might change that. An underrated offseason addition, Smith had 50 receptions for 582 yards and three TDs as the second tight end in Atlanta. Smith gets a shot at being TE1 in Miami, and his presence also moves Durham Smythe back to the No. 2 spot, which is where he’s best served.
Offensive Line (9):
Terron Armstead
Isaiah Wynn
Aaron Brewer
Robert Jones
Austin Jackson
Patrick Paul
Kendall Lamm
Liam Eichenberg
Matthew Jones
The offensive line lost Robert Hunt and Connor Williams this offseason. They’ll be hard to replace but overall, the starting line isn’t terrible.
On the bench, they have rookie Patrick Paul, who could be an eventual replacement for Terron Armstead. Undrafted rookie Matthew Jones’ versatility gives him the edge to hang on to a roster spot.
Defensive Tackle (6):
Zach Sieler
Teair Tart
Da’Shawn Hand
Benito Jones
Neville Gallimore
Jonathan Harris
Zach Sieler is a massively underrated player who had 10 sacks in 2024. Miami will lean on him as they try and replace Christian Wilkins. Teair Tart and Neville Gallimore are both new additions who add valuable depth.
EDGE (4):
Jaelan Phillips
Bradley Chubb
Chop Robinson
Shaq Barrett
As if Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb didn’t offer enough firepower, Miami signed Shaq Barrett and snagged Chop Robinson with Pick 21 in the draft. Not only are they strong on the edge, but they have a great mix of youth and experience.
Linebacker (4):
David Long
Jordyn Brooks
Anthony Walker
Duke Riley
Jordyn Brooks and Anthony Walker, Jr. bring new life to the linebacking corps. David Long had over 100 tackles last year and now has some impressive help around him.
Cornerback (5):
Jalen Ramsey
Kendall Fuller
Kader Kohou
Siran Neal
Cam Smith
Miami is top-heavy at cornerback. Jalen Ramsey and Kendall Fuller are good. Kader Kohou has been a pleasant surprise. Beyond that, they’re not elite but Cam Smith could develop into a real player entering his sophomore season.
Safety (5):
Jevon Holland
Jordan Poyer
Elijah Campbell
Mark Perry
Patrick McMorris
Jevon Holland and Jordan Poyer are the unquestioned starters. Elijah Campbell is a special teams stud who can provide some depth. Behind him, two rookies are in line to fill out the depth chart. Sixth-round pick Patrick McMorris and undrafted free agent Mark Perry both have plenty of upside going forward.
Specialists (3):
Jason Sanders
Jake Bailey
Blake Ferguson
Jason Sanders missed just four field goals in 2024 and Jake Bailey’s punting was solid during his first year with the Dolphins. Blake Ferguson enters year five and has been steady as a long snapper. No need to change anything here.
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