Dolphins Rookie Report Card: Week 8

DE Dion Jordan (1st Round Pick, 3rd overall). Grade: C-

For the first time this season, we saw a glimpse of one of the expected applications of Jordan's athleticism: man coverage on an elite tight end. It was just one instance, but the rookie seemed to capably cover Rob Gronkowski on a deep route. It's obvious that Jordan has the physical ability to be used this way, but an unanswered question is if he has the refined coverage skills to be a reliable counter against the league's best receiving targets. Hopefully, before the season finishes, Jordan is tested more in man coverage.

Other than that play, Jordan had a marginal impact in severely limited action. Pro Football Focus gave him a negative grade for his work in run defense and pass rushing.

Season GPA: 2.44 Team Rank: 2nd

CB Jamar Taylor (2nd Round Pick, 54th overall). Grade: I (Incomplete)

Taylor was deactivated for the game in New England. It was his first appearance on the inactive list since Week 3, when he was still recovering from his offseason sports hernia surgery.

Season GPA: 1.43 Team Rank: 6th

OL Dallas Thomas (3rd Round Pick, 77th overall). Grade: I (Incomplete)

There hasn't even been a suggestion by the coaches or in the media of Thomas being a possibility to step in and help, a telling sign about his readiness to be an NFL offensive lineman.

Season GPA: N/A Team Rank: N/A

CB Will Davis (3rd Round Pick, 93rd overall). Grade: I (Incomplete)

Dolphins fans are still awaiting the season debut of Davis.

Season GPA: N/A Team Rank: N/A

LB Jelani Jenkins (4th Round Pick, 104th overall). Grade: C

Jenkins has been a key reserve this season, but was not needed Sunday as Dannell Ellerbe returned to full action. He was credited with one tackle in special teams work.

Season GPA: 1.66 Team Rank: 5th

Dion Sims (4th Round Pick, 106th overall). Grade: D+

Sims caught his second career pass Sunday, a four-yard gain in the third quarter. He was again the target of a pass on the very next play, but Sims failed to turn quick enough on an out pattern and the ball zipped past him, and was nearly intercepted. The two passes were just his second and third targets of the season.

Sims saw more action in the passing game, but was again mostly used as an extra blocker. Pro Football Focus graded him negatively in that area.

Season GPA: 1.91 Team Rank: 3rd

RB Mike Gillislee (5th Round Pick, 164th overall). Grade: I (Incomplete)

The Dolphins coaches seem satisfied with the current running back tandem, so expect Gillislee to be in street clothes for the duration of his rookie season, barring injury.

Season GPA: N/A Team Rank: N/A

K Caleb Sturgis (5th Round Pick, 166th overall). Grade: B-

After making his first 10 career field goal attempts, the rookie kicker has made just one of his past five kicks. Sunday, he drilled a 52-yarder late in the first half, but later saw a 46-yard attempt carom off the right upright. He also had a fourth quarter attempt blocked, a play that sealed a Patriots victory.

Season GPA: 3.29 Team Rank: 1st

DB Don Jones (7th Round Pick, 250th overall). Grade: D

For the first time since early in the season, Jones split snaps at punt team gunner with another player. He turned in a mediocre effort when he was on the field, losing the ball on one short, bouncing punt allowing Julian Edelman a chance to pick up the ball for extra yards, and getting pushed out of position to stop a return on another punt.

Season GPA: 1.81 Team Rank: 4th

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All player data is courtesy of Pro Football Focus and all contract info is courtesy of OverTheCap.com.