Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
James, Aikens last of ’14 class
DAVIE — Dolphins defensive back Walt Aikens and right tackle Ja’Wuan James are the last of a somewhat endangered species — Miami’s 2014 draft class. Aikens, the fourth-round pick from Liberty, and James, the first-round pick from Tennessee, are the only two left from the eightmember class.
“Me and Ja’Wuan were actually talking about that yesterday,” Aikens said Tuesday. “A few years ago anybody that left was a shocker to me, like, ‘Gosh, we’re really letting these people go?’
“But now I’ve seen it so much, it’s just the league thing. It happens. So it’s not really a big deal.”
Wide receiver Jarvis Landry, traded to Cleveland in the offseason, was the second-round pick in 2014. Offensive tackle Billy Turner (North Dakota State/Denver Broncos), cut in 2016, was the third-round pick. Tight end Arthur Lynch (Georgia/ out of NFL) and linebacker Jordan Tripp (Montana/Atlanta Falcons in 2017) were the fifth-round picks. Wide receiver Matt Hazel (Coastal Carolina/Cleveland Browns) was the sixthround pick and defensive end Terrence Fede (Marist/ Buffalo Bills) was the seventh-round pick.
“We’re holding on, me and Ja’Wuan are,” Aikens said. “But it’s not really a big deal seeing people come and go.
“NFL stands for ‘Not For Long’ so you’ve got to make the most of your opportunities.”
Missing personnel
Guard Josh Sitton, wide receiver Leonte Carroo, defensive back Jordan Lucas and tight end Thomas Duarte didn’t participate in Tuesday’s practice. Coach Adam Gase declined to give a reason for Sitton’s absence.
Obeservations
DB Tony Lippett had an 80-yard interception return for a touchdown in 11-on-11 against QB Brock Osweiler. ...
North Miami Beach Police Athletic League football teams attended practice. WR Kenny Stills, who routinely spends more time with fans than any other player, greeted every player and the accompanying police officers as they watched practice . ...
DEs Andre Branch and Robert Quinn had sacks on back-to-back plays in 11-on-11 against James and LT
Laremy Tunsil. Gase warned these practices are mostly passing-game practices and that gives the defense an advantage . ...
QB Ryan Tannehill appeared sharp in 11-on-11 drills when given time to throw. Tannehill had one high pass to WR Danny Amendola over the middle (he would have been crushed by LB
Kiko Alonso), but generally made good reads and put the ball in places receivers could get yards after catch. Linebacker Stephone Anthony cited the biggest difference in the offense last season and this offseason. “I guess No. 17 — Tannehill,” he said. “Him being back under center, this is really my first chance getting to see him. He can sling it.” ...
CB Xavien Howard batted down a pass vs. DeVante
Parker in a goal-line situation drill. DE Charles Harris had a pressure (and possible sack) against Tannehill in the same drill as the defense had a good set of downs . ...
The uptempo offense seemed to flow more smoothly Tuesday with both the first- and second-team offenses. The pace is as much of a mental test as a physical test, Gase said. “Sometimes we’re just trying to change the tempo of practice. And it’s tough, especially when it gets heated up out there and you go so many plays in a row.” ...
TE Mike Gesicki fought for a pass over S Minkah
Fitzpatrick during the twominute drill. Osweiler threw high over the middle, Gesicki tipped the ball, fought with Fitzpatrick, who also tipped the ball, and then Gesicki came down with the pass . ...
DT Gabe Wright, whose No. 98 jersey was badly torn during practice, recorded a sack in the two-minute drill. Near the end of practice the stitching was gone on one side of the jersey and it was basically hanging from his neck . ...
Rookie RB Kalen Ballage said of veteran RB Frank
Gore: “Top Golf is not Frank Gore’s thing.” The players went to Top Golf, the deluxe driving range, last week when Gase gave them a day off. Apparently, Gore was about the same as all of the running backs. Ballage said they hit the ball far, but had no idea where it was going.