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Dolphins Depth Chart Bubble Watch, V. 4

With one preseason game in the books and another just days away, the depth chart is starting to come a little bit more into focus.  So I figured it's time to update the "depth chart bubble watch" to reflect what we saw on the field on Monday night.

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...

Star-divide

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
WR Davone Bess
Greg Camarillo Brian Hartline
TE Anthony Fasano David Martin John Nalbone
LT Jake Long
LG Justin Smiley Andy Alleman
C Jake Grove Joe Berger
RG Donald Thomas
Shawn Murphy
RT Vernon Carey Nate Garner
1st Team 2nd Team 3rd Team
DE Kendall Langford Tony McDaniel
NT Jason Ferguson Paul Soliai
DE Randy Starks
Phillip Merling
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 Sean Smith
Nathan Jones

S Yeremiah Bell Chris Clemons
S Gibril Wilson Tyrone Culver Courtney Bryan
1st Team 2nd Team 3rd Team
K Dan Carpenter
P Brandon Fields
LS John Denney

PUP: Matt Roth
Last 5 On: Jason Allen, Courtney Bryan, Nate Garner, John Nalbone, Erik Walden
First 5 Off: Brandon London, Andrew Gardner, Chris Williams, Ernest Wilford, Anthony Armstrong
Next 5 Off: Ike Ndukwe, Joey Haynos, William Kershaw, Brandon Frye, Connor Barth

Some quick notes on this:

  • The release of Eric Green made room for me to keep Courtney Bryan.  The coaches like the kid a lot.  He can play either safety spot and is a solid special teams player.  But the Dolphins could go with six receivers instead of a fifth safety.  Or they could actually bring in a free agent cornerback - there are some veterans with lots of experience currently available.
  • I can't say I have any real idea how the outside linebacker position will shake out.  At this point, we know Taylor, Porter, and Wake will make this team.  Roth will as well - but could start the year on the PUP list if he doesn't practice soon or is unable to consistently practice.  As for the others, it's anyone's guess.  None of the 2nd or 3rd stringers outside of Wake really "flashed" on Monday.
  • You can't help but wonder what happens if Chris Williams continues to get better as a return man.  Could he be the 6th receiver on the roster despite only having one real role?  If London or Armstrong don't show something during preseason games, I wouldn't be shocked.
  • I like Andrew Gardner but he didn't play much on Monday.  It makes you wonder if the Dolphins are trying to hide him from other teams so they can sneak him onto their practice squad.  As I have it now, Vernon Carey would swap to LT if, heaven forbid, Jake Long went down.
  • Ernest Wilford may have made a play on Monday night - but anyone could have really made that play.  It was broken coverage and Wilford took advantage.  But I was really impressed with John Nalbone's blocking while working with the second-team offense.  And he's reportedly been much more consistent catching the ball in practice.  Right now, I think he's got the inside track for the final TE spot.

0 recs  |  Comment 63 comments |

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Hey Matty

Did it hurt to leave Brandon London off of your list?

I have a feeling that David Martin won’t be around. I think they really like Nalbone then they can kind of pair him up with Fasano in those 2 TE sets that they like to use. I’m also shocked at the kicking situation. How did it come to this?!

"If anything goes bad, I did it. If anything goes semi-good, we did it. If anything goes really good you did it. That's all it takes to get people to win football games for you."

Coach Paul Bear Bryant

by AussieKen on Aug 20, 2009 1:18 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

i really like david martin

hes athletic, not afraid of contact and makes plays when needed. wilford is out IMO.

"Life's a bi*ch but god forbid the bi*ch divorce me"- Nas
"They ask me what I'm writin' for; I'm writin' to show you what we fightin' for"- Talib Kweli

by Davone_Is_BessT on Aug 20, 2009 1:29 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

yeah so would I.

Bodyguard of the Official Matty I Fan Club.
Don't question my fandominium.

by dolphinsinbuffalo on Aug 20, 2009 12:27 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

me 2

Self-proclaimed president of the Pat White fan club.

by samdaman on Aug 22, 2009 8:50 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

matty

Error in final paragraph. “but caught” maybe anyone could have caught?
 Nice article

Head Of Security..
What The Deuce?

by E_Dove on Aug 20, 2009 1:24 AM EDT via mobile reply actions   0 recs

Is Andy Alleman really that good...

that we need him filling a roster spot while Chris Williams is left off?

by FishNFinz on Aug 20, 2009 3:09 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I dont know about alleman either

I personally liked Chris Williams more, he got good return skills. I think the coaching staff has a crush on this kid, he has potential.

Chief of Paprazzi for the official Matty I Fanclub.
Gieco Needs A New Slogan...So Easy A Jets Fan Can Do It LOL

by EverybodyLovesDolphins on Aug 20, 2009 8:49 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I doubt Allenman makes the team

We have Smiley, Thomas, Murphy and Berger to play guard. We are in trouble if we only keep 3 tackles

I probably know Judo! How many of you can make the same boast?

by Souwantmyname on Aug 20, 2009 1:28 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

They like Alleman because he can play any spot on the line.

Now I didn’t say he plays them very well, but he’s a suitable backup utility lineman.

by luvs2drnk on Aug 20, 2009 1:36 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Another Devin Hester?

My initial reaction to Chris Williams’ bonehead play leaving us at our 1yl Monday night was: kid’s outta here. Then Tony got in his face and he was Devin Hester for the remainder of the game. I like him and I hope he continues to improve.

Wide right again! Another graduate of the Norwood school for problematic kickers.....

by PhearThePhinzz on Aug 20, 2009 7:03 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

C Will Go!

I hope they try out Chris Williams as a receiver as well as a returner in this Sat’s game. If he shows he can run routes and catch, then he is much more useful to the team and would warrant a roster spot. I would love to see him get some bigtime YAC as a receiver. The kid has great vision and amazing burst speed. Hey, Welker started out as just a returner before being converted to a receiver and that worked out ok. I thought C Will’s returns were the most exciting part of the game. Funny, Wake’s sack and the Sean’s interception, were my other favorite plays of the game. Go Newbies!

by Dolphriend on Aug 20, 2009 8:08 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I would like to see Chris Williams get a couple screen passes in the next preseason game

If he does well I say keep him on the roster

I probably know Judo! How many of you can make the same boast?

by Souwantmyname on Aug 20, 2009 1:30 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Ike Hilliard

Matty, What about Ike? I though he looked really quick on Monday.

by Cowphins on Aug 20, 2009 8:13 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I think Ike Hilliard retired. Sorry, man.

Lex Hilliard, on the other hand, looked good.

by icerob on Aug 20, 2009 9:11 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

You guys beat me to the punch

I was going to say the same thing. That kid look quick as all get out and seemed to have some power as well. I know he was going against second and third team but does this kid have some upside to him. I don’t believe we’ve heard to much about him during camp. I’m sure with all the focus on Henne, White, Davis, Smith and Wake. We just don’t see to get much news on these other guys. Anyways I thought he looked pretty good and explosive myself.

by D0lphins4Life on Aug 20, 2009 9:22 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

great that is - too early for me!

Attorney General of the Matty I Fan Club

by PhinsTifosi on Aug 20, 2009 8:33 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

lol

i liked “freat” – didn’t know what it meant but it sounds cool

by Matty I on Aug 20, 2009 10:22 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Great Notes

I also think Chris Williams makes it as the #6 receiver if he continues to make good runs on the kick-offs. Not sure if he would get on the field as a receiver , but he helps alot with field position. Did anyone see Ellis play Nose tackle on Monday? Is he still around?

Miami Dolphins 2008 AFC East Divison Champions
"I likem me some UDFAs"

by Phintastic on Aug 20, 2009 9:07 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

All this talk about receivers & d-backs

Is interfering with the depth we lack on the O-line.

Armchair QB's always complete the pass and armchair coaches always pick the right players.

Yes, Larry Little is still the man.

by Tunaflipper on Aug 20, 2009 9:20 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

(N)O-line BU

That wiff by Jake Long’s BU was embarrassing and resulted in Henne getting crushed by a 300+lb DT. Not good.

by Dolphriend on Aug 20, 2009 10:05 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Fryed

I believe it was Brandon Frye that got left looking like he had a senior moment on that play.

by Dolphriend on Aug 20, 2009 3:18 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think Gardner stays.

Current Phinsider Feud Points: 23

by Patssuck456 on Aug 20, 2009 10:06 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Like I said

I think the coaches like Gardner – but I wonder why he barely played on Monday night. That’s what makes me think they want to sneak him to the PS.

This is the first version where I left Gardner off. But if he plays more – and plays well – in upcoming games, look for me to move him back on.

by Matty I on Aug 20, 2009 10:24 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Few battles left

1. Cobbs/Hilliard
2. Nalbone/Haynos
3. C. Williams(WR & K/PR)/C. Bryan – I see us going with 6 receivers instead of 5 safeties with 2 great ones and 2 solid bu’s

by Dolphriend on Aug 20, 2009 10:21 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I don't see Cobbs/Hilliard as a battle

Sparano LOVES Patrick Cobbs. He’s a terrific 3rd back, he’s a good receiver out of the backfield, and he’s a good special teams guy.

If this regime had their way, they’d have 10 Patrick Cobbses on this team.

by Matty I on Aug 20, 2009 10:25 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Cobbs stats

Cobbs had 12 carries for 88 yards in all of 2008? It would take 10 of him to equal one Ronnie. Yes, he was decent catching the ball (thanks in part to an 80 WC flea flicker, which was a thing of beauty), but god knows we have plenty of receiving targets now. This is a running back position we are talking about. I don’t think 88 yards on the ground makes him a shoe-in.
I personally want Cobbs to stay if nothing else just for his ST contribution, but my post was about RB competition, and Hilliard was the leading rusher of the game – 9/42yds. Cobbs had 2/6 yds. There has to at least be some consideration there.

by Dolphriend on Aug 20, 2009 10:47 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I don't think there is much consideration

Cobbs will be on the team, I think he is a virtual lock which is interesting to say for a third string back, but he brings more to the tabel then his stats. Hillard also ran well against scrubs, got to take pre-season stats with a grain of salt.

The Patriots Suck

by k2oconnor on Aug 20, 2009 10:55 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Would like to see

Hilliard with the first team OL to see what he can do, but even Ronnie/Ricky didnt have that much success with them.
Could he make it back onto the PS for his 2nd year? He did run pretty good on Monday night.

Miami Dolphins 2008 AFC East Divison Champions
"I likem me some UDFAs"

by Phintastic on Aug 20, 2009 11:47 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think you took my comment wrong

I didn’t mean Cobbs is some great back. But his style of play and his versatility make him a special role player on this team.

There’s no way Cobbs doesn’t make this roster.

by Matty I on Aug 20, 2009 12:49 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Cobbs is a stud

I would like to see him get more plays than last year. He had a great game at Houston, then never got that many
plays called him after that, At least that i can remember. Cobbs and Williams returning kicks, i’m up for that.

Miami Dolphins 2008 AFC East Divison Champions
"I likem me some UDFAs"

by Phintastic on Aug 20, 2009 6:41 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Some tough choices ahead

6 Receivers vs 5 receivers
6 OLBs vs 5 OLBs
Offensive Tackles
Safeties

which players play game day vs inactive

Just means we have some talent this year…

Miami Dolphins 2008 AFC East Divison Champions
"I likem me some UDFAs"

by Phintastic on Aug 20, 2009 11:49 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Better then having no talent!

I’m interested to see how Hartline develops…the guy played pretty good ball for Ohio state.

"If he raced his pregnant wife he'd finish third." --Tommy Lasorda(on catcher Mide Scioscia)

by chazzilla on Aug 20, 2009 12:30 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

most definitely

previous years we were wondering who we could get off the waiver wires. I dont think we even did that very well.

Miami Dolphins 2008 AFC East Divison Champions
"I likem me some UDFAs"

by Phintastic on Aug 20, 2009 3:17 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hopefully a proven vet gets cut that is familiar with Parcells

I probably know Judo! How many of you can make the same boast?

by Souwantmyname on Aug 20, 2009 3:38 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm onboard with most of these.

Although I’d go with a 6th receiver over a 5th safety. Now who takes that 6th spot, will be determined I think by how well C. Williams does in the next 3 pre-season games returning kicks and punts. If he continues to do well, it’s his. If not, then it’s up for grabs between Wilford, Armstrong, and London. If Hilliard has another decent game like he had against the Jags, I wouldn’t be suprised if you saw him start taking snaps away from Cobbs. Don’t get me wrong, I like Cobbs, but if we’re looking for Ricky’s eventual replacement. Hilliard is a better fit than Cobbs.

by luvs2drnk on Aug 20, 2009 12:42 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Step Up And Learn to Snap

Can someone please step up and learn how to be a solid long snapper, in addition to their day job…we sure could use that roster spot.

Didn’t JT practice this under Cam?

by nyfishfan on Aug 20, 2009 1:05 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Is Denny not cuttin' the mustard?

Armchair QB's always complete the pass and armchair coaches always pick the right players.

Yes, Larry Little is still the man.

by Tunaflipper on Aug 20, 2009 1:21 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Nobody likes a LS eating a roster spot

I probably know Judo! How many of you can make the same boast?

by Souwantmyname on Aug 20, 2009 1:37 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

yea but if u got a good one, u don't let him get away

Nobody ever talks about the long snapper until something goes horribly wrong in a big spot.

Denney is reliable – why mess with it?

by Matty I on Aug 20, 2009 1:49 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

... this guy's listening...

Adjutant General, Matty Fan Club
64 "Phinsider Fued" Points..!!
"What's the point of getting in a sword fight with a guy you can run away from?" - Chris Doleman

by Alpha6 on Aug 20, 2009 7:14 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

... this guy's listening...

Adjutant General, Matty Fan Club
64 "Phinsider Fued" Points..!!
"What's the point of getting in a sword fight with a guy you can run away from?" - Chris Doleman

by Alpha6 on Aug 20, 2009 7:14 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

he is the only one!

Attorney General of the Matty I Fan Club

by PhinsTifosi on Aug 20, 2009 7:18 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

no because I've listened and agreed

with you. So it is me and that fish that smokes.

Don't question my fandominium.
"the notorious D.I.B."- samdaman

by dolphinsinbuffalo on Aug 20, 2009 11:10 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I know. I was really talking about the people here who want Denny dropped

cause they do not think about how important that position really is.

Attorney General of the Matty I Fan Club

by PhinsTifosi on Aug 21, 2009 8:33 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

yeah I know. Atleast we do.

Don't question my fandominium.
"the notorious D.I.B."- samdaman

by dolphinsinbuffalo on Aug 21, 2009 12:33 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

... that fish is a Snapper, btw....

Adjutant General, Matty Fan Club
64 "Phinsider Fued" Points..!!
"What's the point of getting in a sword fight with a guy you can run away from?" - Chris Doleman

by Alpha6 on Aug 21, 2009 12:35 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Whats up with 5 safeties?

Im slightly interested to see what goes on with that. I dont think any team really needs 5 safeties. Unless that 5th man was a good special teamer. I say get rid of the 5th dude, get rid of Jason Allen, and bring in one of the FA CB’s.

Phin fan from Germany

by tuscanitunr on Aug 20, 2009 1:39 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I think that Chris Williams

will contribute more than another 6th receiver based solely on returns. Now, this is supposing that he keeps playing like he did Monday. With the runs he was making, it doesn’t look like it was a fluke.

Would you rather have:
- A 6th receiver who catches maybe 8 balls for 80 yards in a season
- A 6th receiver who catches no balls but averages 30 yards on kick returns and occasionally takes on to the house.

I would go with the KR. And as soyouwantmyname said above, give the kid some screen passes to see what he can do. He won’t last 2 days on the practice squad.

Dolphins and Gators baby!

by gatorfin on Aug 20, 2009 1:53 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I think that Williams not being a special teams coverage team contributor could hurt him

The staff could decide B-London and his abilities on the coverage team is more important.

But if Williams has 3 more big games returning, it’ll be hard to overlook him.

by Matty I on Aug 20, 2009 2:43 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

What's wrong with....

Changing London to Corner and having 6’3" and 6’4" on the corners :p

Participant in New CKC Record: The Fall of Duckie!!! 1325 Comments!!

by Heater OsE on Aug 20, 2009 2:47 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

First pre-season game...

…doesn’t exactly blow my kilt up. Lets see how Williams looks as the pre-season gives him some more touches, some more returns. I saw things that he did that cant be taught, they just come naturally to some return guys. I dont know if we have a potential Billy ‘White Shoes’ Johnson here, but if we have a Johnnie Lee Higgins or Cribbs, we have ourselves a dynamite return guy. I agree that if we put him on the practice squad, we’ll be trying to cover him this season.

Go Dolphins! Go Gators!! #1 and #1!!

Wide right again! Another graduate of the Norwood school for problematic kickers.....

by PhearThePhinzz on Aug 20, 2009 2:32 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

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