Dolphins progress report

A week into camp, there are positives to note.

The plan this offseason was to pick up where the Miami Dolphins left off in 2016, building off the franchise’s first winning season and playoff berth since 2008.

Based on the first five days of training camp it appears that coach Adam Gase’s team is off to a good start.

Execution on offense and defense is at a much higher level than this time last year. The offense has been more efficient in the red zone, and the defense is producing more turnovers.

It is too early to formulate any firm conclusions, but here are some things we’ve learned so far:

Ryan Tannehill is being more aggressive

A quarterback who isn’t aggressive in practices shouldn’t be expected to be aggressive in games. Tannehill, who is beginning his sixth season as Miami’s starting quarterback, has been more efficient in the red zone, and he’s trying to throw into smaller windows in the middle of the field. Those throws have led to a handful of interceptions, but at least he’s working to address a shortcoming.

DeVante Parker is practicing at a different speed, and looks like he’s ready to take his game to new heights.

In the past, Parker wasn’t always giving his all during practice sessions. Injuries had a lot to do with it, but sometimes it takes players time to learn how to become a professional. Parker, who caught 56 passes for 744 yards and scored four touch-

downs last season, seems to finally get it.

Backup centers have filled in nicely for Mike Pouncey.

Despite the numerous centers working in camp, there has only been one bad snap, which is remarkable. Kraig Urbik is the leader of the pack when it comes to Pouncey’s possible replacements, but Anthony Steen and Jake Brendel have proven they are capable centers as well. Everyone knows the Dolphins are a different team with a healthy Pouncey, but Miami shouldn’t see too much of a drop off if one of those backups is forced to play.

Drew Morgan was tearing things up during OTAs, but he’s disappeared during training camp.

Once the pads came on the former Arkansas State standout, who is being groomed to play slot receiver, became a non factor. Before catching a touchdown pass from Tannehill during Monday’s scrimmage, Morgan was barely getting passes thrown his way. However, he’s carved out a role as Jarvis Landry’s backup, which indicates the undrafted rookie might make it onto the regular-season 53-man roster if he has a solid preseason.

Jakeem Grant’s hands still can’t be trusted.

The 2016 sixth-round pick from Texas Tech labored all summer to make sure his drops are a thing of the past, but he spent the first several days of training camp dropping a handful of receptions, kickoffs and punts. Grant’s true test will come in the exhibition season, and he’ll need to reassure Miami’s coaches and executives that he’s worth a continued investment. Gase said Grant needs to focus on remaining confident in his ability.

It has been impossible to judge the offensive and defensive line.

Gase decided to give the green light to live hitting during Monday’s practice because of the team’s poor tackling last year. The scrimmage featured hot and cold performances from both units, and a ton of missed tackles from the linebackers, which has been the status quo for the Dolphins.

The Dolphins have a talented trio of tailbacks.

The talent level of Miami’s tailbacks is fairly close based on the first five practices because it’s hard to tell the difference in production from Jay Ajayi to Kenyan Drake. All the tailbacks, including Damien Williams, have their strengths and weaknesses. Even Storm Johnson had his productive moments before being sidelined by an injury.

Miami’s day off approach for veterans is wise.

At this point, so early into training camp, why should Cameron Wake, Julius Thomas, William Hayes, Ndamukong Suh, Lawrence Timmons and Nate Allen need to practice every day? What would be the benefit? The regular season starts in five weeks and we already know these grizzled veterans can play, and are in relatively good shape. Why risk injuries when younger players could be gaining valuable practice time?

Lawrence Timmons and Kiko Alonso have been impactful as Miami’s every down linebackers.

It’s hard to argue that Timmons and Alonso won’t help the unit improve, especially after watching them pull down three interceptions during the first five practices. However, the overall depth at linebacker is a concern, especially after Lamin Barrow was placed on injured reserve. Mike Hull and Neville Hewitt are capable backups. Everyone else is just filler at this point, and the Dolphins typically carry six or seven linebackers on the 53-man roster.

Thomas is off to a slow start, but things can change once Gase begins calling plays for him.

Thomas has shown the ability to get additional yards after the catch, but the biggest concern is that Thomas lacks chemistry with Tannehill, who has struggled to effectively utilize tight ends the past few seasons. The Dolphins need to figure out a way to get those two into a groove before the regular season arrives.

Omar Kelly