What Do the Dolphins Need After Cutdown to 53, and Who Can They Get?

What Do the Dolphins Need After Cutdown to 53, and Who Can They Get?

The Miami Dolphins cut down their roster to 53 on Tuesday. Now, the big question is what areas of the team still need to be addressed?

So I will look at the key positions Miami must add someone, either by waiver claim later today, via trade, or by signing someone after the Week 1 game vs the Colts, when that player’s contract isn’t fully guaranteed.

Running Back

The Dolphins currently only have one healthy running back on their roster, Ollie Gordon.

Jaylen Wright is already out for week 1 and may miss more time. De’Von Achane has a calf injury, and there is no clear timeframe for his return. Only “hope” he will be ready by Week 1.

The Dolphins must add two running backs before the week 1 game. Here are some possible names.

Jeff Wilson: Already knows Miami’s system

Cam Akers: Only 26 and a proven running back when healthy. A short-term answer is all that Miami needs. Akers may be a fit.

Audric Estimé: Was a name many considered a sleeper in the 2024 draft who was let go by Denver. Has a lot of potential but was injured last season. He is healthy now, though, and would be a good get.

Damien Martinez: Played his college football at the University of Miami and was a 7th-round pick of Seattle in this past April’s draft. He was let go on Tuesday, and the Dolphins may know the local kid very well.

Offensive Line

Austin Jackson has already been hurt, Patrick Paul is unproven, Miami is starting a rookie at left guard, and they have zero depth behind any of this.

The best two backup offensive linemen, Liam Eichenberg and Andrew Meyer, are already hurt and will miss the start of the season. The Dolphins need some help here badly at both guard and tackle.

Trent Brown: Old, but the perfect backup swing tackle at this stage in his career, and could be a good mentor to Patrick Paul.

Kenyon Green: Former 1st round pick in 2022 who is still young and has a lot of talent here worth taking a flier on.

Cole Strange: Former 1st round pick again from 2022, who has 29 NFL starts under his belt. Honestly, he would be Miami’s top backup at guard even when Liam returns.

Dan Skipper: Backup OT with 11 starts in 57 games. Better than Larry Borom, nuff said. Go get him!

Cornerback

The Dolphins’ cornerback room received a boost with the addition of Rasul Douglas, but it remains a mess overall. They require a great deal of assistance here but the waiver wire is slim pickings.

Jalyn Armour-Davis: An athletic freak who has been injury-prone, but has the skillset you need to play CB in the NFL. Plus, he has ties to Anthony Weaver by being an ex-Raven.

Nik Needham: He is familiar with Miami and can help at nickel CB, boundary CB, and safety.

Beanie Bishop: A pure slot corner who had 4 interceptions last season. He isn’t the biggest guy, but he is young and talented.

Tight End

Darren Waller (who may be injured), Julian Hill, and Tanner Conner do not inspire confidence in me, I am sorry. Miami could find an upgrade here.

Greg Dulcich: A reliable pass-catching tight end who is a perfect #2 tight end. Still only 25 years old.

Jelani Woods: One big guy who is a former 3rd-round pick in 2022 who caught three touchdowns that year. But has missed time due to injuries and bad luck. He is healthy now, though.