2011 Miami Dolphins Depth Chart Bubble Watch #1

With the Dolphins' fifth training camp practice starting later today, it's time to bring back a very popular post from the last couple of preseasons.  Over the past few years, Matty I had posted the "Depth Chart Bubble Watch" series, a quick look at what players may make it onto the final, 53-man roster.

In fact, why don't I let him explain how this works.  From his first Depth Chart Bubble Watch post last year:

"For those that are new to the site, let me quickly explain. It's a "March Madness-esque" look at the Dolphins roster. The idea behind it isn't so much to nail down and predict the depth chart at each position. Instead, it is to help put together a possible 53-man roster. It is more or less based on my opinions - taking into account practice reports, how the team is lining up by unit (first team, second team, etc...), and how they perform in preseason game action (once the preseason gets underway).

"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."

With that explanation, let's delve into the chart:

Last 5 On: Nate Ness, Phillip Merling, Brett Brackett, Ray Feinga, Jimmy Wilson
First 5 Off: Lydon Murtha, Frank Kearse, Phillip Livas, Ryan Baker, Mark Masterson
Next 5 Off: Tyrone Culver, Jeron Mastrud, Marlon Moore, Patrick Carter, Quinton Spears, Roberto Wallace

Some notes on this, keeping in mind that this is very preliminary for now:

• I'm not at all comfortable with the offensive line. I fully expect this to change many, many times between now and Week 1.
• I don't really see the Dolphins keeping six CBs, but I'm nt sure who will go.  I think the 5th spot comes down to Nate Ness and Benny Sapp.  Personally, I like Sapp, so that's why he is listed in that spot right now.
• The wide receiver spots are wide open.  Other than Marshall, Hartline, and Bess, I think anyone could make the team.  I would imagine the Dolphins take five into Week 1, but six wouldn't surprise me.
• I have Hartline listed as the number two wide out, simply to keep Bess in the slot.  I'm not sure if that's the way the Dolphins will actually list them, but Bess in the slot is the best use of his abilities.
• Even though he was the 7th round pick, I think the team really likes Jimmy Wilson.  I see them trying to convert him to a safety, and barely making the roster.  If he slips to the practice squad, I wouldn't be shocked.
• I have Kearse missing the roster, but I really like his size.  He's another guy I see the Dolphins putting on the practice squad, especially with the depth this team will have at the D-line.