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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:

First Team Second Team Third/Fourth Team
QB Chad Henne Matt Moore Tom Brandstater
RB Daniel Thomas Reggie Bush Nicolas Grigsby
FB Lousaka Polite
WR Brandon Marshall Julius Pruitt Clyde Gates
WR Brian Hartline Davone Bess
TE
Anthony Fasano
Charles Clay
Brett Brackett
LT
Jake Long
Allen Barbre

LG
Richie Incognito
Ray Feinga

C
Mike Pouncey
Joe Berger

RG
John Jerry
Garrett Chisolm

RT
Vernon Carey
Marc Colombo


First Team
Second Team
Third/Fourth Team
LDE
Kendall Langford
Tony McDaniel
Phillip Merling
NT
Paul Soliai
Ronald Fields

RDE
Randy Starks
Jared Odrick

LOLB
Koa Misi
Jason Taylor

LILB
A.J. Edds
Kevin Burnett

RILB
Karlos Dansby
Austin Spitler

ROLB
Cameron Wake
Jason Trusnik

CB
Vontae Davis
Will Allen
Benny Sapp
CB
Sean Smith
Nolan Carroll
Nate Ness
S
Yermiah Bell
Jimmy Wilson

S
Chris Clemens
Reshad Jones


First Team
Second Team
Third/Fourth Team
K
Dan Carpenter


P
Brandon Fields


LS
John Denney




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.