In what has proven to be a busy offseason of moves for the Miami Dolphins, it’s easy to forget that there are going to be some epic battles on the way once training camp arrives. Unfortunately, not everyone will stick around once Week 1 gets here.
There are several players on both sides of the ball who are considered ‘fringe’ guys for the final roster. After OTAs and mandatory minicamp wrapped up, though, we’ve got an idea on four guys who may not be around for the season opener:
4. Erik Ezukanma
For Erik Ezukanna, AKA EZ-E, it isn’t a matter of doing a bad job, but more or less him not standing out. Now cleared from an injury that could have ended his career, Ezukanma is hoping to get back on track and he will need a great training camp to make the roster in 2024.
Ezukanma wasn’t horrible during OTAs, but he needs to stand out. Two drafted rookies are looking for a roster spot and the Dolphins already have Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and Odell Beckham Jr. as locks to make the team. Braxton Berrios will also probably make the final 53. That leaves little room for error and even less for a guy like Ezukanma, who has yet to show the consistency he needs to. Ezukanma will need to fend off River Cracraft as well.
3. Mike White
Mike White or Skylar Thompson will not make the 53-man roster, but will be part of the practice squad if they clear waivers. White, due to count more than $3 million in cap space, needs to show far more than Thompson in camp.
During OTAs, he was o.k. but not special and the Dolphins need him to be special. White will get his opportunities in training camp, but his OTA sessions, according to some, were less than ideal for him. Plain and simple, he isn’t doing enough to prove to Mike McDaniel and Co. that he can be a solid No. 2 option.
There’s been plenty of speculation too that Miami could look to add a veteran quarterback late in free agency, with Ryan Tannehill’s name being floated around quite a bit. Tannehill is still a free agent and he’s obviously no stranger to Miami. The hope is that Tua Tagovailoa will sign a new deal, but if he ends up being a camp holdout, will people really trust White or Thompson? Not a chance. That’s where someone like Tannehill could come in if the worst-case Tua scenario comes to fruition.
Regardless of if Tagovailoa signs or not, don’t forget that he has battled injuries as well. That’s why having a stud backup quarterback is so important in today’s NFL. If the price is right, Tannehill would make sense for Miami and the writing would of course be on the wall for White there too.
2. Jeff Wilson Jr.
The best chance for Wilson to make the 53-man roster is his relationship with McDaniel. The problem for Wilson isn’t the talent. He has it, and he is capable. The problem is the Dolphins are deep at running back.
De’Von Achane and Raheem Mostert have separated themselves. Wilson is competing with Salvon Ahmed and Chris Brooks, while Jaylen Wright is now penciled in as the third running back. Wilson is up against a wall this year and he needs to show more than just being good. Will he be able to do so? He has a mountain to climb at camp.
1. Julian Hill
The Dolphins thought enough about Julian Hill during last year’s OTAs and minicamp to bring him to training camp, and he won a spot on the 53. In 2023, Hill saw the field consistently, but also showed his inexperience. Through OTAs this year, it was reported that Hill was just average, while free agent Jody Fortson looked good. Fortson is a big key to Hill’s future.
Miami will keep Durham Smythe and Jonnu Smith, but who will take the final one or two spots at tight end for the Dolphins? Fortson may have the inside track for one of those, leaving Hill competing with Tanner Conner and a highly-regarded undrafted prospect in Hayden Rucci.