Dolphins Depth Chart Bubble Watch, V. 3

by Matty I on Aug 13, 2009 12:15 AM EDT in 2012 Miami Dolphins News

We're now well into training camp and just days away from the first preseason game of the year. And this means it's time to once again update the "depth chart bubble watch" with the latest developments from camp.

Again, just incase you haven't seen this before, the idea behind it is simple - to put together a projected 53-man roster and to highlight which players I feel are on pace to just barely make the team and which just miss the cut. And it's important to note that this is not how I predict the roster will look once the preseason comes to a close. Instead, it's simply a snapshot that examines how Miami's 53-man roster might look if the cuts were to be done at this very moment.

The depth chart and some notes can be found below right after the jump...

	1st Team	2nd Team	3rd Team
QB	Chad Pennington	Chad Henne	Pat White
RB	Ronnie Brown	Ricky Williams	Patrick Cobbs
FB	Lousaka Polite
WR	Ted Ginn	Patrick Turner	Brandon London
WR	Greg Camarillo	Davone Bess	Brian Hartline
TE	Anthony Fasano	David Martin	John Nalbone
LT	Jake Long	Andrew Gardner
LG	Justin Smiley	Andy Alleman
C	Jake Grove	Joe Berger
RG	Shawm Murphy	Donald Thomas
RT	Vernon Carey
	1st Team	2nd Team	3rd Team
DE	Kendall Langford	Randy Starks
NT	Jason Ferguson	Paul Soliai
DE	Phillip Merling	Tony McDaniel	Lionel Dotson
SOLB	Jason Taylor	Quentin Moses	Erik Walden
ILB	Channing Crowder	Reggie Torbor
ILB	Akin Ayodele
WOLB	Joey Porter	Cameron Wake	Charlie Anderson
CB	Will Allen	Vontae Davis	Jason Allen
CB	Eric Green	Sean Smith
S	Yeremiah Bell	Chris Clemons
S	Gibril Wilson	Tyrone Culver
	1st Team	2nd Team	3rd Team
K	Dan Carpenter
P	Brandon Fields
LS	John Denney

PUP: Matt Roth
Last 5 On: Jason Allen, Erik Walden, Quentin Moses, Brandon London, Charlie Anderson
First 5 Off: Nate Jones, Anthony Armstrong, Ike Ndukwe, Nate Garner, Joey Haynos
Next 5 Off: Ernest Wilford, William Kershaw, Tearrius George, Brandon Frye, Rod Wright

Some notes on this:

Even though Quentin Moses is listed ahead of Erik Walden, I think he's the one keeping Matt Roth's seat warm. Once Roth begins practicing, I expect Moses to be the one who falls off the roster thanks to Walden's exceptional special teams play.
It's not a coincidence that my "last 5 on" are all guys who contribute on special teams.
Notice that Ike Ndukwe has fallen from on the 53-man roster to one of the first 5 off. That's what a bad camp and a healthy Donald Thomas will do.
I wouldn't at all be surprised to see the Dolphins keep just 5 outside linebackers and 4 inside linebackers - adding William Kershaw to the team thanks to his special teams play. That would likely mean either Charlie Anderson or Erik Walden would be shown the door.
I'm still not sold on the coaching staff keeping 6 receivers. For now I'll keep 6 on, but I wouldn't be shocked to see an extra defensive player kept instead.
John Nalbone over Joey Haynos. Why? Nalbone has been lights out in camp from all reports and had the best day of all the pass catchers in Saturday' scrimmage. But he'll have to remain consistent and perform in the preseason if he wants to ensure his spot.

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Comments

Matty

my question is what do you think they will do with Barth? Put him on the practice squad or get rid of him? This is if/when he doesn’t beat Dan out.

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by dolphinsinbuffalo on Aug 13, 2009 12:19 AM EDT reply actions

Get rid of him.

I don’t recall a team ever keeping a K on the practice squad.

We're all goin' down to the creek tonight; it's gonna be a gas! You're comin', right?

by Dave.Phuller on Aug 13, 2009 12:39 AM EDT up reply actions

yup

he’s just here to keep Carp on his toes.

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by Matty I on Aug 13, 2009 1:00 AM EDT up reply actions

How dare you put Henne behind Pennington!!

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by Little Nicky 21 on Aug 13, 2009 1:03 AM EDT up reply actions

I think they're also trying to find someone with a little more leg....

Carpenter is very accurate, but I don’t think they trust him to kick over 50 yds, as he only kicked one all of last year (but he did make that one).

by luvs2drnk on Aug 13, 2009 12:44 PM EDT up reply actions

Seattle did

I think the Seahawks played Mare and keep Brandon Coutu on the practice squad last year. It happens rarely and I don’t see it here.

by swankel on Aug 13, 2009 1:55 AM EDT up reply actions

Your icon looks like a giant pimple lol

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by EverybodyLovesDolphins on Aug 13, 2009 9:26 AM EDT up reply actions

Camarillo ahead of Bess?

Thanks for the updates! I’m out on the Left Coast and glad to have it.

The guy who writes the blog for the SF Giants calls talk like this “rosterbation”, and it totally feels like that…

Anyway, I thought I heard that Bess has been starting wiith the first team since the start of camp—did I misunderstand?

Also, I noticed you still think Green will be the starting CB, even though Smith’s been starting all week. Why?

by JASCruz on Aug 13, 2009 3:22 AM EDT reply actions

I agree...

Right now i think Davone is the starter. I feel like they both have very good hands, but davone is a little bit faster. He probably would have had a decent shot at being the starter last year, but he was an undrafted free agent.

by phinfan Neal on Aug 13, 2009 9:22 AM EDT up reply actions

you gotta keep in mind this is the week that the coaches rotate players into different spots to test them out

I’m not ready to move Bess ahead of Camarillo or either rookie corner ahead of Green until they remain there for a couple preseason games.

For example, we’ve had three different players work with the first team at DE opposite Kendall Langford. Phillip Merling, Tony McDaniel, and Randy Starks. But because Starks is the one currently working there, I’m not going to move him to starter on my depth chart – not until he remains there for some time.

That’s why I haven’t moved Bess or Smith up yet.

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by Matty I on Aug 13, 2009 1:13 PM EDT up reply actions

Couple of things...

Bess is already ahead of Camarillo. Will stay there.

JD Folsom will make the team as another special teamer, plus as your depth chart points out linebackers (he will get more reps as an ILB) are on short supply right now.

Walden has not been practicing well. Moses has been practicing very well, getting consistent pressure against on the second team.

Finally, Sean Smith will start in the first preseason game and stay there.

But, the logjam at safety is a nice problem. How fast this regime can improve a position!

Loyal to Joey Porter after 07. Loyal to Jason Taylor during trade. Laughed at John Beck (whole time). Strong supporter of the Chad competition.

by The Phinisher on Aug 13, 2009 8:10 AM EDT reply actions

i luv bess and all but on this he is a slot guy

like wes welker they have him as the 3rd widereciever even tho hes better than the number 2. so ya camarillo gets the nod at #2 wr IMO until turner takes it from him =D
the turner thing prolly wont happen this year tho

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by Davone_Is_BessT on Aug 13, 2009 12:33 PM EDT up reply actions

I can't wait

Im tired of reading about how the team is doing, I want to see some action. Don’t get me wrong, reading quenches my thirst, but it doesnt satisfy me. I want a cold glass of Miami Football….

Can’t wait till sunday for i can get my first glimpse at my team. I know its not a real game, but who cares it’s still Miami Dolphins football. I wanna see how ronnie, porter, jt, smith and waker are doing Im so excited!!!!!

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by EverybodyLovesDolphins on Aug 13, 2009 9:31 AM EDT reply actions

Wake*

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by EverybodyLovesDolphins on Aug 13, 2009 9:32 AM EDT up reply actions

You'll have to wait till Monday night

by luvs2drnk on Aug 13, 2009 11:38 AM EDT up reply actions

Nalbone baby

picking his crap up…..adda boy rook.

Ive heard a few times on the radio now that Jason Allen will probally get traded for a future pick once the games get played.

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by Rzayo24 on Aug 13, 2009 9:53 AM EDT reply actions

... I hope we can begin saying he's gonna Nail-Bone the defense of so-and-so...

… as to Jason… heh heh heh

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by Alpha6 on Aug 13, 2009 3:51 PM EDT up reply actions

Some Observations...

1. SOLB looks weak to me. None of us doubts JT’s pass rushing ability (in retrospect, it turns out that bringing him back was a solid move), but how about depth at the position? Particularly concerning is the fact that we don’t have a solid run stopper outside of Roth at there. Does anyone think that Moses or Walden can hack it at the position. I guess we’ll see.

2. That last CB spot will come down to Jones versus Jason Allen. Even though Allen is a solid ST contributor, I don’t believe he’ll make the roster. His coverage skills simply haven’t improved to the point where he justifies a roster spot. Jones on the other hand has value in certain packages.

3. Nalbone makes the roster as the 3rd TE. Although he’s a project, he’s a good blocker and a good pass catcher—the total package. Wilford likely won’t make the team.

4. I’m still concerned about DE. Langford is solid, but the rest? I understand the argument about developing young talent, but I still believe a vet presence would be very helpful here. Kevin Carter or Vonnie Holliday would work well here. I was expecting a big camp in particular from Merling. Maybe he’s not a good practice player…again, we’ll see.

5. O-line on paper looks greatly improved. Nice mix of vet talent and young up and comers. Thomas will start the season at RG; Murphy is a solid depth guy who still needs further development.

6. I want to see more consistency out of Ted Ginn Jr. Hartline and Turner seem promising and Bess will be a solid slot receiver for us.

by liberty513 on Aug 13, 2009 10:17 AM EDT reply actions

Ginn needs to step it up, he hasnt done much this week

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by Patssuck456 on Aug 13, 2009 11:34 AM EDT up reply actions

To me Ginn is looking more and more...

like..
Chambers!! There, I said!!
Ginn=Chambers

Great potential, but(the BIG but) he doesnt show on EVERY play. What a waist

Thank god 4 Hartline and Turner

I will see the Dolphins win a SUPER BOWL before i die(22 years and counting)

by Aleta on Aug 13, 2009 11:51 AM EDT up reply actions

I'll say it

Ginn < Chambers, or Teddy less than Chris, at least so far (unless you give him credit for his outstanding family).

by Sparcells on Aug 13, 2009 12:10 PM EDT up reply actions

Funny thing is they are polar opposites

Chambers was big, but too slow. While Ginn is fast, but too small. I will give Chambers the edge because I think he’s got better hands.

by luvs2drnk on Aug 13, 2009 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions

chambers was not big

cud jump like hell tho

by Davone_Is_BessT on Aug 13, 2009 12:43 PM EDT up reply actions

chambers 5-11
ginn 5-11

by Davone_Is_BessT on Aug 13, 2009 12:44 PM EDT up reply actions

I didn't say tall....

Big is Chambers is 210lbs, Ginn is 180lbs.

by luvs2drnk on Aug 13, 2009 12:46 PM EDT up reply actions

o that kinda big lol

my bad

by Davone_Is_BessT on Aug 13, 2009 12:55 PM EDT up reply actions

Although I admit,

I did think he was taller than 5’11", but that extra 30 pounds makes a big difference when a DB tries to press you.

by luvs2drnk on Aug 13, 2009 1:06 PM EDT up reply actions

Jones won't beat Allen out.

He might not make it next year, but I don’t see any other DB’s knocking him off the roster this year.

by luvs2drnk on Aug 13, 2009 11:43 AM EDT up reply actions

6 WRs is more probable than you think

With the whole Pat White packages they are developing, I think you’ll see some spread formations with 5 WR sets, or even 4 WR and a TE. But even if they go with 4 WR and a TE, they’ll still need the extra depth at WR to make it effective in case of injuries.

by luvs2drnk on Aug 13, 2009 11:51 AM EDT reply actions

not necessarily

both Ronnie and Ricky have been getting work split out wide as receivers.

So I don’t think increased usage of 5 WR sets means it’s more likely we keep 6 receivers. But with that said, I HOPE we keep 6 because I think Brandon London has a lot of talent – and is a solid special teams player, too.

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by Matty I on Aug 13, 2009 1:17 PM EDT up reply actions

I'm in agreement with keeping the six,

but I’m pulling for Armstrong instead of London, and I’m not quite sold on Hartline either. It’s going to go down to the last pre-season game for the final WR cuts to be made.

by luvs2drnk on Aug 13, 2009 1:42 PM EDT up reply actions

yup

this is going to be the toughest battle of all the positions – which should make even the 4th preseason entertaining to watch even if the starters barely play

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by Matty I on Aug 13, 2009 2:55 PM EDT up reply actions

I don't think 6 make it on the 53 man roster.

Five tops. With only 3 or 4 on the 45 man game day roster. To Matty’s point above (or below), Ronnie and Ricky have be working at WR. Why would you want your 4th or 5th WR on the field instead of Ronnie or Ricky? Why would you want your 4th or 5th WR on the field instead of Fasano? I wouldn’t.

by ct1361 on Aug 13, 2009 4:56 PM EDT up reply actions

Ummm, probably because they are a WR

And it forces the defense to put in a dime or quarter package. Which opens the field more for White when he runs, which he probably will in most 5 WR sets. With the new spread formations they’re going to be adding, I’m thinking 5, 4 at least on the 45 game day roster.

by luvs2drnk on Aug 14, 2009 7:34 PM EDT up reply actions

comparing lists

since i just did mine a couple days ago….

biggest omission …
IMHO – Nat jones will make the team…

some of our few differences
OL – not a big one but i just don’t seem much upside to alleman and think that he will get chumed in favor of frye under the mantra that bigger and younger is always better with these guys… but not one that i feel strongly about…

TE – i’ve got haynos but Nails has been better of late… my theory is they need haynos being the only run blocking TE on the team and they figure they can stash nails on the practice squad – but the last couple practiec reports are making me question that…. maybe martin will get chummed via a trade if nails can fill the downfield role?

finally i’m pleased to see or maybe frighten that the LB’s are the same and there aren’t any real hard choices there… which is the scary part because there isn’t a ton of youth and up side (by which i mean players who aren’t maxed out on ability/experience) …. it is an area that will NEED to be addressed in the very near future.

Chad Pennington - The Lame Ducker aka the progress stopper.

So do you think the Jets intentionally did it to set the organization back 3 years or was it just an unintended side effect of their move.

by W NY Fins Fan on Aug 13, 2009 9:33 PM EDT reply actions