Depth Chart Bubble Watch: Vol. 2

You'll remember that last week I began a new weekly segment that would look at the Dolphins' depth chart in the same way analysts examined the NCAA Tournament leading up to the announcement of the field of 65.  It's kind of a fun way to look at the roster and guess who might make the final 53-man roster based on whose stock might be rising/falling in camp, as well as a great conversation/debate starter.

You can see the first edition of this segment by clicking here.

The latest version of it is below after the jump, as well as some explanations regarding why I chose who I chose.

PUP: Michael Lehan
Last 5 On: Renaldo Hill, Patrick Cobbs, Edmond Miles, Joey Thomas, Junior Glymph
First 5 Off: Jayson Foster, Justin Peelle, Rob Ninkovich, Dan Carpenter, Reagan Mauia
Next 5 Off: Lex Hilliard, Lionel Dotson, Daren Heerspink, Rod Wright, David Kircus

First thing to note is that for the 2nd week in a row, I have Lehan listed on the PUP list.  Until he shows that he can practice and play, that's where I'll keep him.  Once he does return, the two that should be worried are Renaldo Hill and Joey Thomas, as it's likely that one of them will lose their roster spot to Lehan.  Special teams could be the deciding factor there.

Also, you'll notice I have both Parmele and Cobbs making the team.  I just listed them both as 3rd teamers because I didn't want to make a column for just one player listed as a 4th teamer.  In reality, I think Parmele will be the actual #3 RB while Cobbs makes the team because of his effort and special teams play.

Next, I'm sure many will disagree with me leaving Jayson Foster off of the roster and keeping Davone Bess on it.  But the bottom line is that Bess is a better overall receiver than Foster is.  And if the Dolphins leave Bess unprotected and attempt to place him on the practice squad, a WR-hungry team like Kansas City, Chicago, or Minnesota could snatch him up onto their 53-man roster.  Foster is probably a little less likely to be placed on an active roster.

But if you insist on Foster making the team, I think the Dolphins could create a roster spot to keep both he and Bess.  Keeping 6 receivers is rare, but it could potentially happen if this staff is that enamored with Foster's speed and quickness.  Potential positions to create an extra roster spot would be cutting a safety and only keeping 4 (likely Renaldo Hill right now).  Another option, if this staff likes what they see out of the Vonnie Holliday/Matt Roth outside linebacker experiment, would be to take away an OLB roster spot (Junior Glymph: beware).

One other thing to keep an eye on is the kicker battle.  Feely's roster spot is not as safe as I originally thought.  I have Carpenter listed as one of the final cuts, but if he impresses in the preseason, he could unseat Feely as Miami's kicker.  The only thing I'd worry about is how risky it is to have a rookie as your kicker in this league, especially playing in cities like Foxboro, East Rutherford, and Buffalo each year.

So that's all for now.  Thoughts?