The Phinsider - Miami Dolphins training camp 2014 StoryStreamA Miami Dolphins community, established November 18, 2006https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/49617/phinsider-fav.png2014-08-15T19:30:16-04:00http://www.thephinsider.com/rss/stream/56991162014-08-15T19:30:16-04:002014-08-15T19:30:16-04:00Can Dolphins solve tackling issues?
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/rbnzYyBvMlRXN1fmBwNl4OzkM-c=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/37005564/453360476.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Scott Cunningham</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Miami Dolphins face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 2 of the NFL Preseason. After Week 1's tackling debacle for the Dolphins, can the team correct the problem for this weekend's contest.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Miami Dolphins</a> struggled with the basics of tackling in 2013, missing way too many stops and letting players gain extra yards. Last week, against the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons" class="sbn-auto-link">Atlanta Falcons</a> in the first week of the 2014 Preseason, the Dolphins again struggled to complete tackles. After a week in which the team specifically targeted tackling at practice, will they be able to correct the problem?</p>
<p>"Defensively, really the focus has been tackling," Miami head coach Joe Philbin replied when asked about things the team can improve heading into tomorrow's game against the <a href="https://www.bucsnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a>. "So we've spent a lot of time on that this week. That's a big part of what we're looking (to do). We want to see our team tackle better and we want to get off the field better on third down."</p>
<p>The Dolphins worked several tackling drills throughout the week of practice, the final week of the team's 2014 training camp. Officially the club breaks camp after tomorrow's contest, resorting to a regular-season-style practice schedule. This week's practices were not always pretty, especially the work early in the week when the team conducted an Oklahoma style drill, with running backs and tight ends working one-on-one against linebackers, <a target="_blank" href="http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2014-08-11/sports/fl-dolphins-linebackers-0812-20140811_1_koa-misi-kevin-coyle-dolphins-starters">as reported by the South Florida Sun Sentinel's Omar Kelly</a>. The offensive players simply made the linebackers look bad, including several times when linebackers did not even touch the running back.</p>
<p>It's an old problem, and it's a new problem. And, it's a problem that could be the difference between success and failure this year.</p>
<p>"Historically, early in preseason, tackling seems like it's always an issue, most teams that I've been with," defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle explained this week. "Until you really have the opportunity to get multiple repetitions in live tackling situations, even though you simulate tackling right from the very beginning, it's not quite the same and that was evident the other night."</p>
<p>The Dolphins lost to the Falcons 16-10, in no small part because of missed tackles. According to Pro Football Focus, <a target="_blank" href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1641938&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.profootballfocus.com%2Fdata%2Fgstats.php%3Ftab%3Dby_week%26season%3D2014%26wk%3DP2%26teamid%3D17%26gameid%3D3016%26stats%3Dd&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thephinsider.com%2F2014%2F8%2F15%2F6007811%2Fdolphins-vs-buccaneers-can-miami-correct-tackle-problems" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener">the Dolphins missed 11 tackles</a>. That's compared to five for the Falcons.</p>
<p>"Certainly we have to tackle better, Coyle continued. "So, obviously we've made a commitment regardless but this week is still a very, very important fundamental training camp week. So we spent time on tackling yesterday and did some very good drill work today and hopefully as we progress through the training camp and preseason games it will improve dramatically."</p>
<p>Philbin added to Coyle's thoughts. "We did a couple of different drills. We had the linebackers against the running backs and the tight ends in a drill right here, down here, where we had about five yards of space, they were about 10 yards apart and I thought it was a very, very good drill. We also did a score drill where we had the defense on the red line, you guys notice the red lines, and we had an offensive player, the receivers about five yards away, within a five-yard area, attempting to get across the red line. We added a couple of drills today, as you mentioned, it's not that we don't work on tackling at other times, but we want to make it an emphasis this week."</p>
<p>Will that emphasis result in improved tackling this week? Will it carry on into the regular season?</p>
<p>The Dolphins take the field against the Buccaneers at 7:30pm ET in Tampa Saturday night.</p>
https://www.thephinsider.com/2014/8/15/6007811/dolphins-vs-buccaneers-can-miami-correct-tackle-problemsKevin Nogle2014-08-15T15:49:40-04:002014-08-15T15:49:40-04:00Dolphins sign John Potter, Waive Danny Hrapmann
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/AI24dMpcc2iHt_zU686N9jnhW6U=/0x269:4000x2936/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/36989814/20130922_pjc_au2_387.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Miami Dolphins have waived kicker Danny Hrapmann and signed kicker John Potter.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Miami Dolphins</a> have swapped place kickers ahead of their NFL Preseason Week 2 contest against the <a href="https://www.bucsnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a>. The team waived <span>Danny Hrapmann</span>, who joined the team just two days before the club face the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons" class="sbn-auto-link">Atlanta Falcons</a> last weekend, and signed <span>John Potter</span>. The team is currently carrying two kickers, as incumbent second-year player Caleb Stugis battles a groin injury.</p>
<p>Hrapmann served as the team's only kicker against the Falcons, converting an extra point and a 42-yard field goal. </p>
<p>Potter comes to the Dolphins after spending a portion of the offseason with the Detroit LIons. He was a seventh round draft choice of the <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Buffalo Bills</a> in 2012, spending one season with the team. He spend a portion of the 2013 season with the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/washington-redskins" class="sbn-auto-link">Washington Redskins</a>, where he converted three of four field goal attempts and seven of seven extra points. He has nine career appearances and 16 points scored.</p>
<p>Sturgis returned to practice this week, converting several field goal attempts in Thursday's practice. It is unclear if the team will allow him to kick in tomorrow's contest.</p>
<p>The Dolphins face the Buccaneers at 7:30pm ET Saturday night.</p>
https://www.thephinsider.com/2014/8/15/6006653/dolphins-sign-john-potter-waive-danny-hrapmannKevin Nogle2014-08-15T07:00:03-04:002014-08-15T07:00:03-04:00Dolphins preview from Football Outsiders - Part 1
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/DfjERtwfNJ7fz5RZADeBEW5K7AA=/0x39:4000x2706/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/36964562/20131117_sal_su8_090.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The experts at Football Outsiders take a look at the Miami Dolphins as the club prepares for the 2014 NFL season. You can buy the <a href="http://www.footballoutsiders.com/products" target="new">2014 Football Outsiders Almanac here</a>, or on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Football-Outsiders-Almanac-2014-Essential/dp/1500628026/?tag=sbnation-20" target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener">Amazon here</a>.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Miami Dolphins</a> face the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bucsnation.com/">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a> tomorrow in NFL Preseason Week 2. Even as they continue to prepare for the regular season, we look forward to when the games actually mean something by sitting down with Scott Kacsmar from Football Outsiders to get him to answer some questions about the Dolphins.</p>
<p>Football Outsiders annually produces an in depth look around the NFL and college with the Football Outsiders Almanac. If you are a football nut, you do not want to miss the Football Outsiders 2014 Almanac. You can get a <a href="http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.footballoutsiders.com%2Fproducts&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFDIhdmooHOZvCdPB9WPOwwH3vUcQ" target="_blank">PDF version of the book</a> here, or you can <a href="http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FFootball-Outsiders-Almanac-2014-Essential%2Fdp%2F1500628026%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEaPdakZOdtbOcQDpBWKMfrPp9hbA" target="_blank">order a hardcopy of it on Amazon</a>.</p>
<p>Here are some thoughts from Kacsmar on the 2014 edition of the Dolphins:</p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>The Phinsider (TP):</b> <b>Obviously, the massive swap of the offensive line will headline the preseason for the Dolphins. Now add in the injury to <span>Mike Pouncey</span>, and the four new offensive linemen become a completely new line for opening day. Can Miami expect to have any success with an offensive line of LT <span>Branden Albert</span>, LG Daryn Colledge, C <span>Nate Garner</span>, RG Dallas Thomas, and RT Ja'Wuan James?</b> <i>[<b>Editor's Note:</b> My conversation with Kacsmar was before Miami signed <span>Samson Satele</span>, who appears to be the starting center in Pouncey's absence. I don't believe Satele changes the question or answer, however.]</i></p>
<div class="pullquote">A new offensive coordinator might actually be a good thing since everything can be taught to all of these guys at the same time.</div>
<p dir="ltr"><b>Football Outsiders (Scott Kacsmar - FO):</b> The injury to Pouncey certainly changes the outlook for this group. Before that, they had their centerpiece ready to call out the protections and get everyone situated. Whether it's Nate Garner or <span>Sam Brenner</span> moving forward, at least the Dolphins will have a center with some experience in Miami. The fact that there's a new offensive coordinator (Bill Lazor) might actually be a good thing since everything can be taught to all of these guys at the same time. There will be growing pains, especially if two rookies (Turner and James) are in there for Week 1. <span>Branden Albert</span> will have to do what he's paid to do: be the best lineman on the team. If they can keep Ryan Tannehill's blindside protected, then I don't see how this line doesn't perform better than last year's mess. But a return to an above-average group may not be possible until 2015.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>TP: Will moving <span>Koa Misi</span> to middle linebacker, <span>Dannell Ellerbe</span> on the strong-side, and <span>Philip Wheeler</span> on the weak side, succeed any better than last year, when Ellerbe was in the middle, Wheeler the Sam, and Misi the Will?</b></p>
<p>
<link rel="stylesheet" href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3608425/mustreads.css">
</p>
<p><b>FO:</b> Even though Misi has never played the middle, I think that's the right move. He's a solid tackler, but not a star on the outside. Ellerbe and Wheeler are the big-money guys, so keep them outside to make the splash plays expected of them. Ellerbe struggled with the run last year, so moving him to SLB should allow him to rush the passer, which he was solid at with Baltimore in 2012. Wheeler's registered 14 and 13.5 hurries the last two years, so he's probably tapped out his potential there. Ellerbe has defended the pass better the last two years, so my preference would be Wheeler as the linebacker who leaves the field in nickel packages.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>TP: You mention in the Almanac that <span>Brent Grimes</span> "was very good last year, but the reality of his season does not match perception," further writing that your "charting figures suggest a pretty subpar year," for the Pro Bowler. Can you further break down exactly what you are seeing that the majority of the NFL and Dolphins fans aren't?</b></p>
<div class="pullquote">We didn't see many signs of a Pro Bowl performance from Grimes in 2013</div>
<p dir="ltr"><b>FO:</b> There are a couple of ways to star at cornerback in the NFL. You can have the reputation as a shutdown corner that rarely gets tested. <span>Darrelle Revis</span> was only targeted 50 times according to our charting last year, which was the lowest percentage in the league. <span>Richard Sherman</span> was right up there at third with 65 targets. Grimes ranked 38th with 92 targets, so quarterbacks weren't afraid to throw at him.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Another way is to have a great performance when you are thrown at. <span>Joe Haden</span> ranked 15th in Adjusted Success Rate and seventh in Adjusted Yards per Pass. Alterraun Verner (2013 Pro Bowl selection) was a big prize in free agency and he ranked eighth in Adjusted Success Rate (61 percent). Grimes ranked 73rd in Adjusted Success Rate (47 percent) and 58th in Adjusted Yards per Pass. Grimes did a good job of keeping the receiver in front of him, but he does play zone. When he gave up a completion, it was usually a successful play for the opponent. Excluding screen passes, Grimes allowed 48 receptions and 45 of them were successful plays for the opponent (adjusted for down and distance). He also had two defensive pass interference penalties, which we account for. Grimes had his lowest success rate on third-down plays, which obviously have more value.</p>
<p dir="ltr">So we didn't see many signs of a Pro Bowl performance from Grimes in 2013. He didn't allow a touchdown pass and he had some high-profile interceptions (Indianapolis and Cincinnati games), but on a per-play basis, we've seen better from him before.</p>
<p><i>A big thank you to Kacsmar for taking the time to give us a look a closer look at the Dolphins. We will continue with part two of our conversation soon.</i></p>
https://www.thephinsider.com/2014/8/15/6004639/dolphins-preview-football-outsiders-2014-almanac-jawuan-james-brent-grimes-offensive-lineKevin Nogle2014-08-14T07:30:02-04:002014-08-14T07:30:02-04:00Dolphins training camp Twitter updates
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/cWuA8nHp_YIxlBNWu2ie-MvbjrI=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/36917432/20140725_ajl_su8_141.JPG.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Miami Dolphins return to practice for their last training camp workout. We keep up with the latest coverage through our running collection of tweets.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Miami Dolphins</a> hit the field for their final practice of training camp this morning, with camp officially breaking after Saturday's Preseason Week 2 contest at the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bucsnation.com/">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a>. The team has Friday off ahead of the contest, returning to a regular season practice schedule starting next week.</p>
<p>Throughout training camp, the Dolphins have experimented with an offensive line being completely rebuilt after allowing a franchise record 58 sacks last year. They have dealt with the suspension announcements for safety <span>Reshad Jones</span> and defensive end <span>Dion Jordan</span>. They made adjustments as multiple starters, including wide receiver <span>Mike Wallace</span>, tight end <span>Charles Clay</span>, and kicker <span>Caleb Sturgis</span>, missed time due to injury. And, they installed a completely new offensive system.</p>
<p>While the regular season is still a couple of weeks away, and there is still a lot of work for the team to finish, the Dolphins are drawing near the end of training camp. Soon it will be the regular season, and we will be watching the results of the last two weeks of work. Hopefully the team is able to put it all together and find a winning season for the first time since 2008.</p>
<p>Be sure to check out our <a href="http://www.thephinsider.com/2014/7/24/5935075/miami-dolphins-training-camp-2014-storystream" target="_blank">Training Camp StoryStream</a>, pinned into the first position under the cover on the main page of the site. We will collect all of our training camp stories in that one place, so you can always catch up to anything you missed. You can also subscribe to the StoryStream, which will then make sure you get notified of all of the stories as they post on your Facebook wall.</p>
<p>Below, we will run a collection of tweets from the various beat writers covering the scrimmage this morning. Feel free to discuss any observations you make, either by attending camp or from what you are reading, in the comments at the bottom of the page.</p>
<p>The practice starts at 8am ET today.</p>
<p><a class="twitter-timeline" href="https://twitter.com/thephinsider/lists/miami-dolphins-2014" data-widget-id="493972968351870977">Tweets from https://twitter.com/thephinsider/lists/miami-dolphins-2014</a></p>
https://www.thephinsider.com/2014/8/14/6000997/dolphins-training-camp-2014-live-updatesKevin Nogle2014-08-13T17:10:06-04:002014-08-13T17:10:06-04:00A projected 53 man roster for the Miami Dolphins
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/77WxKfd6DZ8nDhvHwjp7Vjr3JXY=/0x0:3990x2660/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/36905736/453358404.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Scott Cunningham</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>An attempt to predict the Miami Dolphins 53-man roster, prior to the club's second preseason game.</p> <p>As the <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Miami Dolphins</a> prepare to face the <a href="https://www.bucsnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a> this weeked in Week 2 of the 2014 NFL Preseason, the coaches and front office have to also be considering what players from the current 90-man roster will fit on the roster once the NFL's 53-man limit begins. Yesterday, we took a look at the roster from the simple terms of roster locks, near guarantees, depth, bubble, and camp bodies categories. Today, we try to build a true 53-man roster.</p>
<p>As you check this out, you should notice I have already made some adjustments to my thinking from yesterday's post (i.e., some "near guarantees" may be off the roster while a "depth" or "bubble" player makes it). I also had to consider how many players for each position, which changes up some of the slots as well.</p>
<p>In the end, I wind up with 25 offensive players, 25 defensive players, and 3 specialists. It was not an intentional evening out between the offense and defense, it just seemed to happen.</p>
<p>Let's take a closer look at the roster:</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/assets/4896024/Picture3.png"><img width="100%" src="http://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/assets/4896024/Picture3.png" alt="Picture3" class="photo"></a> <br id="1407964019330"></p>
<h4>Offense</h4>
<p><strong>Quarterbacks (2) - </strong>With the release of <span>Pat Devlin</span> this week, the Dolphins looked poised to start the season with only two passers on the roster: Ryan Tannehill and Matt Moore. Brady Quinn is the wildcard in this decision, while Seth Lobato could land on the practice squad if Miami thinks they can develop him into a serviceable backup.</p>
<p><strong>Running backs (4) - </strong>The surprise here is Daniel Thomas still being on the roster. At this point, I think Miami does look to keep him. I would not be surprised if <span>Orleans Darkwa</span> or Damien Williams passes him at some point in training camp, but for now, I have a backfield with Lamar Miller starting, Knowshon Moreno backing him up, and Thomas and <span>Mike Gillislee</span> serving behind them.</p>
<p><strong>Wide receivers (5) - </strong>Here is one of those changes mentioned above, where <span>Armon Binns</span> falls off the roster and Rishard Matthews makes the squad. Matthews has been effective in camp thus far, and should be given the benefit of the doubt. <span>Brian Hartline</span>, Mike Wallace, Jarvis Landry, and <span>Brandon Gibson</span> will make up the bulk of the receiving duties. The position assumes some risk as the team only carries five wideouts in this scenario, but I needed the position originally given to Binns, so he lost his job.</p>
<p><strong>Tight Ends (4) - </strong>Another semi-surprise, the Dolphins come out with four tight ends on their roster, nearly as many as the wid receivers. <span>Charles Clay</span> is obviously a lock and Dion Sims seems to be growing into his role as an in-line blocker, though he does need to continue to work on his receiving skills. A lot of people have given up on <span>Michael Egnew</span>, though I would not be surprised to see him thrive in Bill Lazor's offense. Arthur Lynch makes the roster as a developmental project that might need to protection of being on the roster rather than on the practice squad.</p>
<p><strong>Offensive line (10) - </strong>The Miami offensive line will likely feature five new starters when opening day arrives (though the injure <span>Mike Pouncey</span> is trying to find a way to get back in time). The starters seem to be locking themselves in fairly well at this point; left tackle <span>Branden Albert</span>, legt guard <span>Daryn Colledge</span>, center Samson Satele, right guard Dallas Thomas, and right tackle <span>Ja'Wuan James</span>. It would not be a surprise if Thomas continues to get pushed by Billy Turner, <span>Nate Garner</span>, or Shelley Smith for the top spot on the depth chart, but it seems as though it is Thomas' position to lose. <span>Sam Brenner</span> makes the roster to backup Satele as the team awaits Pouncey's return, and <span>Jason Fox</span> hits the roster because the Dolphins do not have a lot of tackle depth. Most of the second string players could move around to other positions if needed, so do not read too much into who is behind whom.</p>
<h4>Defense</h4>
<p><strong>Defensive end (4) - </strong>I really wanted to keep five defensive ends, but simply could not find a way. <span>Cameron Wake</span> and Olivier Vernon are the clear starters, while Derrick Shelby and <span>Terrence Fede</span> back them. Fede has been impressive in training camp and the first preseason game, so even when Dion Jordan gets back from his suspension, the team will likely look to find a way to keep him on the roster.</p>
<p><strong>Defensive tackle (5) - </strong>Where the defensive end position is a little light in terms of number of players kept, the defensive tackle position feels about right. You could argue that keeping Anthony Johnson is a luxury at this point, which would open up a position at either defensive end or wide receiver, but he provides the tem much needed depth up front. Randy Starks, Jared Odrick, and Earl Mitchell will for some combination of the two starting positions, while <span>A.J. Francis</span> and Johnson take on the backup roles.</p>
<p><strong>Linebackers (7) -</strong> <span>Dannell Ellerbe</span>, Koa Misi, and Philip Wheeler will likely be the starters, unless Jelani Jenkins, Jordan Tripp, or Chris McCain can over take them on the depth chart. McCain has been one of the most notable players during training camp, and seems to be positioning himself for a run at the roster. How the Dolphins use Jason Trusnik, who is a special teams ace for the squad, will be interesting - he could go from a second string player to out of a job if others can replace him.</p>
<p><strong>Cornerbacks (5) - </strong>Keeping only five cornerbacks is worrisome on the surface, but it should be fine. If needed, some of the safeties can slide into a cornerback position. The Dolphins can, therefore, take a little risk and only carry <span>Brent Grimes</span>, <span>Cortland Finnegan</span>, Jamar Taylor, Willi Davis, and <span>Walt Aikens</span>. If there is some way to slide <span>Jalil Brown</span> onto the roster, he could add to the depth at the position.</p>
<p><strong>Safeties (4)</strong> - The Reshad Jones suspension messes with the ability of the team to provide cornerbacks and safeties at the same time. Just like the cornerback position, however, the flexibility of some of the defensive backs to play multiple positions could be the answer Miami needs until Jones gets back. Right now, the starting safeties appear to be <span>Louis Delmas</span> and Jimmy Wilson, with Michael Thomas and Jordan Kovacs mixed in there. Don Jones was one of the last players cut to make the 53-man roster in this scenario, and he could be in the running to claim a spot. Walt Aikens, listed as a cornerback here, has been working as a safety as well, which could impact how many safeties are kept.</p>
<h4>Specialists</h4>
<p>There really is not a lot to say about the specialists. <span>Brandon Fields</span> will be the punter and <span>John Denney</span> will be the long snapper. The only question mark is at the kicker position, which should be Caleb Sturgis' spot, unless the injury that has caused him to miss practices as of late, and led to the signing of <span>Danny Hrapmann</span> before the first preseason game is something serious.</p>
<h4>Reserves</h4>
<p>Miami will have two players start the season on the suspended list: safety Reshad Jones and defensive end Dion Jordan. How the team adjusts the roster when they are activated after Week 4 will be something to watch a month into the regular season. Center Mike Pouncey could also sit out the first part of the season if the hip surgery he had to repair a torn labrum keeps him on the Physically Unable to Perform list; he would be eligible to return after Week 6 of the season.</p>
<h4>Roster Cuts Timeline</h4>
<p>The Dolphins will play two more preseason games, this Saturday at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (August 16, 7:30pm ET) and next Saturday, home against the <a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Dallas Cowboys</a> (August 23, 7pm ET). The first set of roster cuts begin after the Cowboys contest, with all NFL teams required to move from 90-man roster limit to a 75-man limit by 4pm ET on August 26.</p>
<p>Miami will then play their last preseason game, hosting the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams" class="sbn-auto-link">St. Louis Rams</a> in Preseason Week 4 (August 28, 7pm ET), before the final round of roster cuts. All teams will have to reduce their rosters from 75-players to the regular season limit of a 53-man roster.</p>
https://www.thephinsider.com/2014/8/13/5999713/dolphins-roster-projection-when-are-nfl-roster-cutsKevin Nogle2014-08-13T09:00:12-04:002014-08-13T09:00:12-04:00Dolphins add tight end Evan Wilson
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/54-IMS6VwXF2vTqY6cBt6fdkq5I=/0x170:2521x1851/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/36868918/20130928_jla_bl2_134.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Bradley Leeb-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Miami Dolphins signed tight end Evan Williams on Tuesday.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Miami Dolphins</a> continued their bottom of the roster churn on Tuesday, adding tight end Evan Wilson. The rookie joins the Dolphins after originally signing as an undrafted free agent earlier this year with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Dallas Cowboys</a>. He played four seasons at Illinois, where he caught 27 passes for 300 yards, with eight career touchdowns.</p>
<p>To make the roster space for Wilson, the Dolphins released wide receiver <span>Raymond Webber</span>.</p>
<p>Wilson joins a Dolphins tight end group headlined by <span>Charles Clay</span>. Behind Clay, the depth chart includes <span>Dion Sims</span>, <span>Michael Egnew</span>, <span>Arthur Lynch</span>, <span>Harold Hoskins</span>, and <span>Kyle Miller</span>. Head coach Joe Philbin has said the team could keep as many as five tight ends on the 53-man roster, though four is more likely.</p>
<p>The first round of roster cuts, moving from the 90-man limit down to a 75-man roster, happen on August 26. The final 53-man roster will be determined on August 30.</p>
https://www.thephinsider.com/2014/8/13/5997345/dolphins-sign-te-evan-williamsKevin Nogle2014-08-12T18:32:07-04:002014-08-12T18:32:07-04:00Dolphins roster breakdown: Locks, Bubble, and more
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/aGqBrrG4DTMzzkQ_o33afLoScQY=/0x10:4000x2677/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/36859676/20140808_ajw_gb1_126.JPG.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>How does the Miami Dolphins 90-man roster break down across players likely to make the roster and those who will probably be released? We take our best guess as to how the roster looks right now.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Miami Dolphins</a> are two weeks into training camp for the 2014 season, with one NFL Preseason game behind them. As they get ready to face the <a href="https://www.bucsnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a> this weekend, we take a minute to look at the status of the team's 90-man roster, placing players into categories based on likelihood of making the final, 53-man roster.</p>
<p>(Please note - this is all completely my opinion. Nothing is right or wrong here, it's just the way I see the players stacking up. This also does not take into account positions, just the players. There may not be enough offensive linemen or linebackers or cornerbacks when you analyze the groupings - which is of course a part of building the 53 man roster.)</p>
<h4>Roster Locks (20 players)</h4>
<ul>
<li>
<span>Branden Albert</span>, offensive tackle</li>
<li>
<span>Charles Clay</span>, tight end</li>
<li>
<span>Louis Delmas</span>, safety</li>
<li>
<span>Brandon Fields</span>, punter</li>
<li>
<span>Brent Grimes</span>, cornerback</li>
<li>Brian Hartline, wide receiver</li>
<li>Ja'Wuan James, offensive tackle</li>
<li>Reshad Jones, safety (suspended)</li>
<li>Dion Jordan, defensive end (suspended)</li>
<li>Jarvis Landry, wide receiver</li>
<li>Lamar Miller, running back</li>
<li>Koa Misi, linebacker</li>
<li>Jared Odrick, defensive tackle</li>
<li>
<span>Mike Pouncey</span>, center (PUP)</li>
<li>Randy Starks, defensive tackle</li>
<li>Ryan Tannehill, quarterback</li>
<li>Olivier Vernon, defensive end</li>
<li>
<span>Cameron Wake</span>, defensive end</li>
<li>Mike Wallace, wide receiver</li>
<li>Jimmy Wilson, safety</li>
</ul>
<p>The attempt with this list was to keep it as short as possible by using only the players who should be true locks to make the team. There are some players on the next list who could be on this list, but there's always that one veteran who it surprises everyone when he is released. If every player is a "lock," that would not happen, this would be a futile exercise, and there would never be a roster bubble/camp compeition.</p>
<p>As for the players above, every one of them should be easliy a member of the team this year. Perhaps Koa Misi and Jimmy Wilson are rated just slightly high, but with all the work needed to get Misi comfortable in the middle linebacker position and the suspension of Reshad Jones pushing Wilson into the starting safety role, both of those should be safe assumptions.</p>
<h4>Near Guarantees (20)</h4>
<ul>
<li>
<span>Armon Binns</span>, wide receiver</li>
<li>
<span>Daryn Colledge</span>, guard</li>
<li>
<span>Will Davis</span>, cornerback</li>
<li>
<span>John Denney</span>, long snapper</li>
<li>
<span>Dannell Ellerbe</span>, linebacker</li>
<li>
<span>Cortland Finnegan</span>, cornerback</li>
<li>Nate Garner, offensive lineman</li>
<li>Brandon Gibson, wide receiver</li>
<li>Arthur Lynch, tight end</li>
<li>Earl Mitchell, defensive tackle</li>
<li>Matt Moore, quarterback</li>
<li>Knowshon Moreno, running back</li>
<li>Derrick Shelby, defensive end</li>
<li>Dion Sims, tight end</li>
<li>Caleb Sturgis, kicker</li>
<li>Jamar Taylor, cornerback</li>
<li>Dallas Thomas, guard</li>
<li>Jordan Tripp, linebacker</li>
<li>Billy Turner, offensive lineman</li>
<li>Philip Wheeler, linebacker</li>
</ul>
<p>Most of these players are starters, or key backups, for the Dolphins this year, and there is little likelihood they do not end up on the roster. They are not locks, however, in the terms of Cameron Wake or Brent Grimes are locks. Could Matt Moore, Knowshon Moreno, or Caleb Sturgis get cut? It is possible, no matter how unlikely.</p>
<p>Assuming the locks and near guarantees all make the roster, the Dolphins would be at 40 players on the 53-man roster, giving them 13 positions left to fill.</p>
<h4>Depth (16)</h4>
<ul>
<li>
<span>David Arkin</span>, guard</li>
<li>
<span>Michael Egnew</span>, tight end</li>
<li>
<span>Terrence Fede</span>, defensive end</li>
<li>Jason Fox, offensive tackle</li>
<li>A.J. Francis, defensive end</li>
<li>Mike Gillislee, running back</li>
<li>Jelani Jenkins, linebacker</li>
<li>Don Jones, safety</li>
<li>Jordan Kovacs, safety</li>
<li>Rishard Matthews, wide receiver</li>
<li>Samson Satele, center</li>
<li>Shelley Smith, guard</li>
<li>Marcus Thigpen, running back</li>
<li>Daniel Thomas, running back</li>
<li>Michael Thomas, safety</li>
<li>Jason Trusnik, linebacker</li>
</ul>
<p>Some of these guys are more than likely going to make the roster. Samson Satele, for example, is looking like he will be the opening day starter at center, and Terrence Fede has been really impressive in training camp and the first preseason game. Some of these guys, like Daniel Thomas and Michael Egnew, may be fighting for a roster spot. </p>
<p>Between the locks, the near guarantees, and the depth players, the Dolphins are now sitting at 56-players for a 53-man roster. That's actually alright in this situation, because the team really will be carrying 56 players at the start of the season, once roster space is allocated for the two suspended players and the PUP designation of Pouncey (assuming he stays on the PUP). </p>
<p>That means, if this list is exactly accurate, and all 56 players make the roster, the Dolphins do not have any room for the bubble players below.</p>
<h4>Bubble Players (14)</h4>
<ul>
<li>
<span>Isaako Aaitui</span>, defensive tackle</li>
<li>
<span>Walt Aikens</span>, cornerback</li>
<li>
<span>Brett Brackett</span>, tight end</li>
<li>
<span>Sam Brenner</span>, center</li>
<li>
<span>Orleans Darkwa</span>, running back</li>
<li>
<span>Evan Finkenberg</span>, offensive lineman</li>
<li>Jonathan Freeny, linebacker</li>
<li>Matt Hazel, wide receiver</li>
<li>Harold Hoskins, tight end</li>
<li>Anthony Johnson, defensive tackle</li>
<li>Kamal Johnson, defensive tackle</li>
<li>Tyler Larsen, center</li>
<li>Chris McCain, linebacker</li>
<li>Damien Williams, running back</li>
</ul>
<p>This will be the interesting to watch. Arguments can be made that players like Chris McCain deserve to be higher on this list, and maybe he should be. This is also where the practice squad comes into play. Could the Dolphins try to stash Damien Williams, Matt Hazel, Harold Hoskins, or McCain on the eight man practice squad? Do any of these players over take someone in the depth section of our list, pushing them onto the bubble (Daniel Thomas?)?</p>
<p>There are 14 players in this section, with just no open spots. Should make for some good debate.</p>
<h4>Camp Bodies (20)</h4>
<ul>
<li>
<span>Steven Baker</span>, offensive tackle</li>
<li>
<span>Jalil Brown</span>, cornerback</li>
<li>
<span>Steven Clarke</span>, defensive back</li>
<li>
<span>Kevin Cone</span>, wide receiver</li>
<li>Kevin Fogg, defensive back</li>
<li>Tony Hills, offensive tackle</li>
<li>Danny Hrapmann, kicker</li>
<li>Seth Lobato, quarterback</li>
<li>Cameron Marshall, running back</li>
<li>Kyle Miller, tight end</li>
<li>Tevin Mims, defensive end</li>
<li>Brady Quinn, quarterback</li>
<li>D'Aundre Reed, defensive end</li>
<li>Micajah Reynolds, defensive tackle</li>
<li>Garrison Smith, defensive tackle</li>
<li>Ryan Spadola, wide receiver</li>
<li>Raymond Webber, wide receiver</li>
<li>Damian Williams, wide receiver</li>
<li>Andrew Wilson, linebacker</li>
<li>Demetrius Wright, safety</li>
</ul>
<p>These 20 players are facing an up-hill climb to get into position to make the Dolphins 53-man roster. It is not impossible for them to stick around this year, but it is going to be difficult. The practice squad is not out of the picture for those eligible, but for either the roster or the practice squad, they need to start making an impression soon.</p>
<p>What do you think? Who from the bubble or camp bodies list will make the roster, and who currently slotted on the roster will miss it?</p>
https://www.thephinsider.com/2014/8/12/5996099/miami-dolphins-roster-bubble-training-campKevin Nogle2014-08-12T07:30:02-04:002014-08-12T07:30:02-04:00Dolphins training camp practice 13 live thread
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/kCaAz4HBfvXJGJC49Y4OLMIQV9Q=/0x0:3990x2660/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/36825150/20130727_kkt_ab9_684.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Miami Dolphins continue their training camp practice schedule this morning. We keep you up to date with all the action in our live thread.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Miami Dolphins</a> are back on the practice field this morning, and will be joined by a new quarterback, If this were 2007, Dolphins fans everywhere would be ecstatic as Notre Dame quarterback <span>Brady Quinn</span> took the field for the first time in aqua. In 2014, Quinn's presence on the roster is almost anecdotal, with fans realizing Quinn, who has played for six franchises in his seven prior years in the league, is likely just a training camp body.</p>
<p>To make room for Quinn, the Dolphins released a familiar face around training camp, quarterback <span>Pat Devlin</span>. The younger passer has been in the league since 2011, all with the Dolphins, but has not seemed to have developed to a point of challenging backup quarterback <span>Matt Moore</span> for the position behind <span>Ryan Tannehill</span>. Quinn is not likely to add that challenge piece, but he is a veteran, with starting experience in the NFL, and he should be able to eat up some preseason snaps.</p>
<p>Be sure to check out our <a target="_blank" href="http://www.thephinsider.com/2014/7/24/5935075/miami-dolphins-training-camp-2014-storystream">Training Camp StoryStream</a>, pinned into the first position under the cover on the main page of the site. We will collect all of our training camp stories in that one place, so you can always catch up to anything you missed. You can also subscribe to the StoryStream, which will then make sure you get notified of all of the stories as they post on your Facebook wall.</p>
<p>Below, we will run a collection of tweets from the various beat writers covering the scrimmage this morning. Feel free to discuss any observations you make, either by attending camp or from what you are reading, in the comments at the bottom of the page.</p>
<p>The practice starts at 8am ET today.</p>
<p><a data-widget-id="493972968351870977" href="https://twitter.com/thephinsider/lists/miami-dolphins-2014" class="twitter-timeline">Tweets from https://twitter.com/thephinsider/lists/miami-dolphins-2014</a>
<script type="text/javascript"><!--
!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)?'http':'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+"://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");
// --></script>
</p>
https://www.thephinsider.com/2014/8/12/5994107/2014-training-camp-miami-dolphins-practice-13-live-updatesKevin Nogle