With the NFL Draft now in our rearview mirror, we have a clearer picture of what the Miami Dolphins' roster will look like to start the season. GM Chris Grier pulled the trigger on 8 new draft picks along with a number of still-to-be-formally-announced undrafted free agent additions, in addition to the moves he made in pre-draft free agency.
It's still very early, but here's my projection of what the initial 53-man roster will look like at the end of cutdowns in late August. As the UDFAs have not yet been announced by the team, I'm not including them for the time being. (* denotes rookie)
The Dolphins will likely sign someone else, but it's hard to see anyone from the outside making a dent in this group.
I think a RB4 is one spot the team could cut, but for now, I'm going to have Mattison stick in that spot, subject to roster needs later.
I don't think the group is deep enough to take six here, so I'll give the nod to Malik over Tahj here based on the former's productivity and potential.
Hill just gets another chance to redeem a rocky tenure in Miami. Conner could give them something to think about with a solid preseason.
Eichenberg/Meyer and Borom/Carman get the reserve interior and tackle spots.
I think all three of Miami's new defensive tackles from the draft make the roster. Biggers could prove to be a steal in the seventh round.
This depends in large part on the health of Jaelan Phillips to start the season. If he starts on PUP, then Kamara could have a chance of sticking. We'll see when training camp arrives how ready he looks.
The last shoe has hardly dropped on this group. Expect a far different look once training camp has come and gone, as Miami will surely add more veteran talent. For now, this is how things look.
It comes down to Trader or McMorris, and I think the former could be a potential roster surprise and ultimately make the cut. Obviously reserve the right to change my mind on that.
The only real battle here comes down to punting, and new special teams coach Craig Aukerman has his punter from his days with the Titans in Stonehouse, whose big leg wins the job.
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