Dolphins at Jaguars: Miami bubble players needing good game

The Miami Dolphins take the field tonight for the second time this preseason, facing off against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field. Heading into the game, there are several bubble players for the Dolphins who need to have a good performance to keep themselves in contention to earn a roster spot this year.

1. Marvin McNutt, wide receiver - McNutt may be able to slide on to the roster because of injuries, but right now, he's being beaten by an undrafted rookie (Chad Bumphis), and could quickly find himself behind another (Keenan Davis). McNutts has been inconsistent, dropping passes in practice and the Hall of Fame Game. He's go to fix that if he wants to stay in the position battle. A strong performance tonight will help that.

Dolphins depth chart: Projecting the 53-man roster

Tonight, the Miami Dolphins face the Jacksonville Jaguars in Preseason Week 1 action. With the Hall of Fame Game in the rear view mirror, the Dolphins’ 53 man roster could be starting to take shape already.



2. Vaughn Martin, defensive line - Martin has been impressive early in training camp, playing mostly defensive end, but he has a problem. There is a ton of talent on the Dolphins' roster all along the defensive line. Martin, who can also play inside, is fighting to find a roster spot with Cameron Wake, Olivier Vernon, Derrick Shelby, Dion Jordan, Paul Soliai, Jared Odrick, and Randy Starks all clearly ahead of him, while Kheeston Randall, Tracy Roberston, and A.J. Francis all battle for the same roster position.



3. Jonas Gray, running back - Like Martin, Gray has had a good training camp, and he even looked good in the Hall of Fame Game, but he's buried on a deep depth chart. The Dolphins will start Lamar Miller, use Daniel Thomas as a third down back, keep Marcus Thigpen as a kick returner and a change of pace back, and hold on to rookie Mike Gillislee. Gray has to make himself indispensable to justify the Dolphins keeping five running backs on the roster. Another performance like he had in the Hall of Fame Game could make the coaching staff being to consider it.



4. Jorvorskie Lane / Evan Rodriguez, fullback - The Dolphins have been using tight ends as the lead blocker in training camp, and could be looking to do away with the fullback position. Lane or Rodriguez have to show that they are forces in the short yardage game, can block in pass protection, and can be a option in the passing game for the Dolphins to consider keeping a fullback over an extra tight end.



5. Will Yeatman, tackle - The Dolphins moved Yeatman to tackle last year after he player tight end his rookie year in 2011. Now, the coaches need to see a return on their investment. After Dallas Thomas looked lost at left tackle last week, Yeatman, who was fairly decent in the Hall of Fame Game against the bottom of the Cowboys' depth chart, needs to show he can serve as a backup for Jonathan Martin.

What do you think? Who else should be on the list?

More Dolphins Coverage:

• Five Questions with Big Cat Country
• Dolphins at Jaguars: Jacksonville Roster
• Dolphins at Jaguars: What to Watch
• Dolphins at Jaguars: Where and How to Watch
• Where are the Miami Dolphins the strongest?
• Dolphins depth chart: Projecting the 53-man roster