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Kelly: 10 position battles for ’Fins
How long can the aged veteran hold off the young understudy?
That’s the timeless storyline at just about every position for every NFL team each offseason.
It is the cycle-of-life in professional football.
The Miami Dolphins haven’t begun on-field work this offseason because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but its no surprise a few starting spots and positions are up for grabs when football practices eventually begin later this summer.
Here is a breakdown of the Dolphins’ 10 best battles that will likely carry over to training camp and the 2020 season as Miami’s coaches work the find the right fits for year two of the franchise’s rebuilding process.
Starting quarterback: Ryan Fitzpatrick vs. Tua Tagovailoa
Fitzpatrick, a 15-year veteran who was the primary catalyst for the Dolphins’ five victories last season, has probably forgotten more football than most NFL starters actually know. That should give this grizzled veteran the leg up on Tagovailoa, unless the Dolphins’ first of three 2020 first-round picks proves he’s 100% healthy, and has a phenomenal camp that outshines
Fitzpatrick. But that’s very unlikely, considering Fitzpatrick is an expert when it comes to Chan Gailey’s offense, which he’s run for five seasons with the Buffalo Bills and New York Jets. That said, Fitzpatrick’s arm annually wears down, and that could create an opening at some point for Tagovailoa in 2020.
Leading tailback: Jordan Howard vs. Matt Breida
Howard, a free-agent addition signed to a three-year deal worth $9.75 million, has accounted for 3,895 yards with 30 touchdowns and has a 4.3 career yards-per-carry average throughout his first four seasons. He’s the ground-and-pound, inside zone runner who can move the chains when healthy. Breida, who the Dolphins traded a 2020 fifth-round pick to acquire during the draft, is a home run threat every time he touches the ball. He averages 5.1 yards per carry on his 123 attempts in three seasons with the 49ers. Miami will utilize both backs if they’re healthy, but one will likely emerge as the leader, handling 200-plus carries, and it will likely be the talent Dolphins coaches trust the most.
Slot receiver: Albert Wilson vs. Gary Jennings Jr.
The Dolphins have struggled to find a playmaking slot receiver since Jarvis Landry was traded away in 2018. During the 2018 season, Wilson proved that he had the ability to make game-changing plays, averaging 15 yards per reception. But the Port St. Lucie native was a shell of himself last season while recovering from the hip injury he suffered in 2018. Jennings, a 2019 fourthround pick Miami claimed off the waiver wire last year, thrived as a slot receiver at West Virginia. If Jennings can learn offensive coordinator Chan Gailey’s system quickly, he’ll have an opportunity to move up the depth chart quickly.
In-line tight end: Durham Smythe vs. Michael Roberts
Smythe, the Dolphins 2018 fourth-round pick, has been a contributor for the past two seasons as an in-line blocking tight end. But he’s sparingly been a factor in the passing game, bringing down 13 reception for 115 yards in 31 games. Gailey’s offense would benefit from having an upper-echelon blocking tight end, and Mike Gesicki has struggled in that role. Robert, a 2017 fourthround pick, was claimed off waivers this offseason and has proven he’s capable of contributing as a pass-catcher (13 passes for 146 yards and three touchdowns in 23 games) and blocker when healthy.
Starting left tackle: Julien Davenport vs. Austin Jackson
Davenport has struggled as an offensive tackle in the majority of his 27 NFL starts, but this former 2017 fourth-round pick has the size (6-foot-6, 325 pounds) and athleticism needed to be successful if he can put it all together. Last season, when Davenport was finally healthy and familiar with Miami’s offense, he improved in the final month. But being adequate can get someone hurt in the NFL, which is why Jackson, the team’s second of three first-round picks, will get every opportunity to unseat him.
Problem is, this former USC standout will likely need some time to adjust to the speed of the NFL game.
Third cornerback: Nik Needham vs. Noah Igbinoghene
Even though Miami has an experienced and talented cornerback duo in Xavien Howard and Byron Jones, the Dolphins still need to find a solid third cornerback, because three cornerbacks are typically on the field for 700-plus snaps a season. Needham, an undrafted rookie who has a promising season (54 tackles, two interceptions and one forced fumble) as a starter last year, must turn the volume up on his coverage skills if he hopes to remain relevant. The Dolphins used the 30th pick in the 2020 draft to select Igbinoghene, an Auburn cornerback whose physical style hints he’d be a perfect fit as a nickel cornerback in the NFL.
Starting strong safety: Eric Rowe vs. Brandon Jones
This spring’s release of Reshad Jones, who has served as Miami’s starting strong safety since 2011, means the Dolphins must find a new on-field partner for Bobby McCain. Rowe filled in for Jones last season when he was sidelined with various injuries, and Rowe contributed 79 tackles and one interception. His play earned him a contract extension, but this converted cornerback doesn’t exactly possess the physical prowess needed to handle working inside the box. Jones, a former Texas standout the Dolphins selected in the third round, is intelligent, physical and versatile. But Jones, who contributed 174 tackles, three interceptions and one sack during his four year career with the Longhorns, will likely need some time to get adjusted to the speed of the NFL and learn Miami’s defense.
Starting right guard: Michael Deiter, Danny Isidora, Shaq Calhoun, Robert Hunt and Solomon Kindley
Ereck Flowers, a former Hurricanes standout Miami signed to a three-year, $30 million deal this offseason, is expected to serve as the starting left guard considering
that’s where he resurrected his NFL career the past two seasons. He is Miami’s most experienced and accomplished offensive lineman. That leaves three veterans — Deiter, Isidora and Calhoun — and two draft picks — Hunt and Kindley — competing to determine who plays next to right tackle Jesse Davis. Deiter, Isidora and Calhoun struggled plenty last season, and Hunt and Kindley are unproven as pros. Expect the Dolphins to identify the team’s best five offensive linemen and then figure out what spot they’ll play at during training camp. But when camp opens up, Miami needs to see these offensive linemen move defensive tackles.
Every-down linebacker: Jerome Baker vs. Raekwon McMillan
It is safe to assume veteran linebacker Kyle Van Noy, who received a four-year, $51 million deal to join the Dolphins this offseason, will be assigned one of the two every-down linebacker spots. That likely leaves Baker and McMillan, two former Ohio State standouts, to compete for the other one. But all three linebackers will likely have a playing role based on their strength and weaknesses unless injuries become a factor, or someone gets unseated. Baker is superior in pass coverage and an effective blitzer. McMillan is better at diagnosing offenses, which helps put the defense in the right positions, and at stopping the run. It’s possible Miami could make them role specific and use them in set schemes.
Pass-rushing linebacker: Vince Biegel vs. Andrew Van Ginkel
Both of these former Wisconsin standouts are scrappy, try-hard talents who make plays with energy and effort. That’s an important trait in Brian Flores’ defense, which is fueled by having versatile linebackers. Biegel had a breakout season for the Dolphins last year, contributing 57 tackles, 2.5 sacks and one interception in the 15 games he played. Van Ginkel, the Dolphins’ 2019 fifth-round pick, recorded 15 tackles, one sack and one fumble recovery in the six games he played last season after a foot injury finally healed.