Updated Dolphins 53-man roster projection heading preseason debut

A lot has changed since the Miami Dolphins’ last 53-man roster prediction at the start of training camp. Injuries have led to free agent signings, and several Dolphins are performing well enough on the practice field to improve their chances of making the initial roster.

Miami will have some difficult decisions to make, especially as they'll hope a few young players who are cut can clear waivers and return to the practice squad.

As the Dolphins head to Chicago for joint practices and a Sunday matchup against the Bears, it’s a great time to update the projected 53-man roster heading into the team's preseason debut. A full breakdown was discussed on The Fins Faithful Podcast Wednesday night.

Quarterbacks (3)

Tua Tagovailoa, Zach Wilson, Quinn Ewers

The original projection had Tagovailoa as the starter and Wilson as the backup. However, rookie seventh-round pick Quinn Ewers is not only making a strong case for the roster but could also challenge Wilson for backup duties.

Ewers has shown savvy play, albeit mostly against third-string defenses, and has done enough to earn a spot in a three-man quarterback room. While Miami carried just two quarterbacks last season, Tagovailoa’s injury history combined with Ewers’ early success, justifies keeping all three.

Running backs (5)

De’Von Achane, Jaylen Wright, Alexander Mattison, Ollie Gordon II, Alec Ingold (FB)

Last year, Miami began with three running backs and fullback Alec Ingold. In 2023, head coach Mike McDaniel carried five runners in the backfield along with Ingold. This season, four running backs plus Ingold make the cut. Achane and Wright form a potentially dynamic duo, while veteran Mattison has looked solid so far. He and Gordon, a sixth-round rookie, could each find defined roles, creating a running-back-by-responsibility situation.

Achane may be used more as a receiving threat, Wright could handle interior runs, Mattison may specialize in short-yardage and goal-line scenarios, and Gordon could serve as a reliable third-down back with receiving and blocking capabilities.

Wide receivers (5)

Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Malik Washington, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, Dee Eskridge

The top four remain unchanged, but the final spot is up for grabs. While undrafted free agent Theo Wease Jr. has impressed, veteran Dee Eskridge adds value as both a returner and receiver.

Wease and fellow undrafted rookie Andrew Armstrong are battling second-year receiver Tahj Washington for a potential sixth slot. However, due to needs at other positions, Miami may gamble and hope at least two of the three can make it to the practice squad.

Wease currently has the edge over Armstrong thanks to his yards-after-catch ability and strong blocking skills. Washington, who spent 2024 on injured reserve, could be another practice squad player entering his de facto rookie season.

Tight ends (3)

Darren Waller, Pharaoh Brown, Julian Hill

This is a thin group, with more blocking ability than receiving talent overall. Waller remains on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list but is expected to be ready by Week 1, per his agent Drew Rosenhaus.

Brown and Hill are primarily blockers and should make the team. Second-year tight end Hayden Rucci is a name to monitor for the practice squad.

With added depth at quarterback and running back, this projection drops one tight end from previous guesses. Tanner Conner, a consistent August performer, may be on the chopping block due to a lack of regular-season impact.

Offensive line (9)

Patrick Paul, Jonah Savaiinaea, Aaron Brewer, James Daniels, Austin Jackson, Liam Eichenberg, Daniel Brunskill, Larry Borom, Kion Smith

Backup center Andrew Meyer is expected to miss several weeks, which likely means starting the season on injured reserve. This opens a temporary roster spot elsewhere.

The swing tackle role remains a battle between Kion Smith and Larry Borom. Veteran Daniel Brunskill, signed early in camp, offers depth at both guard and center.

Liam Eichenberg, who is currently on the PUP list, is likely to make the team due to his versatility across all five positions. Undrafted rookies Josh Priebe and Addison West are candidates for the practice squad.

Defensive Line (5)

Zach Sieler, Kenneth Grant, Benito Jones, Jordan Phillips, Zeek Biggers

This may be the most straightforward group to project. Zach Sieler, who was just extended, anchors the line, and Benito Jones is a solid option at nose tackle. Rookies Kenneth Grant (first round), Jordan Phillips (fifth), and Zeek Biggers (seventh) fill out the rest of the room.

Biggers has special teams potential and the length to affect passing lanes, while Phillips projects as a valuable rotational piece. Veterans Ben Stille, Matthew Butler, and Matt Dickerson need standout preseason performances to crack the roster.

Linebackers (9)

Jaelan Phillips, Bradley Chubb, Chop Robinson, Quinton Bell, Jordyn Brooks, Tyrel Dodson, K.J. Britt, Willie Gay Jr., Grayson Murphy

This group drops from 10 to 9 due to expanded offensive depth. Edge rusher Mohamed Kamara is the odd man out, although he could return on the practice squad.

Undrafted rookie Eugene Asante is one to watch this weekend. Though undersized, his explosiveness on special teams could give him a shot at the 53. He may challenge Cameron Goode, a 2022 seventh-round pick who has mostly played special teams, and Murphy for a final spot.

Cornerbacks (6)

Storm Duck, Kendall Sheffield, Jack Jones, Mike Hilton, Jason Marshall Jr., Ethan Bonner

This group shifted significantly after Kader Kohou’s season-ending injury. Miami signed Jack Jones to contend for a starting spot and added nickel Mike Hilton.

Cam Smith, a 2023 second-rounder, is notably absent from this projection. He’s currently a third-stringer and hasn’t developed as expected.

Ethan Bonner brings valuable speed as an outside backup. Isaiah Johnson and rookie BJ Adams, who spent time in the concussion protocol, may be practice squad options.

Safeties (5)

Minkah Fitzpatrick, Elijah Campbell, Ifeatu Melifonwu, Patrick McMorris, Dante Trader Jr.

This group drops from six to five. Ashtyn Davis is likely to start the season on short-term injured reserve after a recent injury. The remaining five should be safe, led by the star of the group, Fitzpatrick.

Campbell contributes both on defense and special teams. Melifonwu made his practice debut earlier this week. Patrick McMorris and fifth-round rookie Dante Trader Jr. bring special teams value and will get extended looks against the Bears.

Specialists (3)

Jason Sanders, Ryan Stonehouse, Joe Cardona

Ryan Stonehouse is the frontrunner to beat out Jake Bailey for punting and holding duties. Jason Sanders enters 2025 with an active streak of 27 made field goals, the longest in the NFL.

This article originally appeared on Dolphins Wire: Updated Dolphins 53-man roster projection heading preseason debut