Ten things we learned from the Dolphins final preseason game.

The Miami Dolphins backups didn’t leave a favorable impression in the past two preseason games, but this group of journeymen, rookies and long shots showed up when it mattered most.

Despite sitting most of the starters, the Dolphins dominated the Minnesota Vikings during Thursday night’s preseason finale, as numerous players put together good performances before Miami has to trim the training camp roster from 90 to 53 players Saturday.

At this point it is difficult to say whether any players saved themselves Thursday night, but General Manager Chris Grier and his staff have to feel a little better about the roster they’ve assembled.

Here are 10 observations from the Dolphins-Vikings game:

Jakeem Grant is blossoming before our eyes

Grant, the Dolphins’ 2016 sixth-round pick, struggled with every aspect of his game a month ago, but never lost his confidence, and Miami’s offensive coaches kept encouraging him. The payoff was Thursday night’s performance, a four-catch, 141-yard showcase, which included a 65-yard touchdown catch. Not only did Grant showcase his speed, but the former Texas Tech standout also drew three penalties in his two quarters on the field.

T.J. McDonald will push for a starting spot when he returns

McDonald’s blend of size, speed and physicality hints that the strong safety could be an impact player when his eightgame suspension for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy concludes in November. Nate Allen has been decent during his two preseason games, but he’ll need to make game-changing plays to hold off McDonald, a 26-year-old who was a four-year starter for the Rams.

Dolphins need to be patient with Kenyan Drake

Drake has a ton of talent, and showcased that on quite a few impressive runs during the preseason. But Drake’s shortcomings as a pass catcher and pass protector indicate he’s still a bit rough around the edges. Drake dropped a pass against the Vikings, and was flagged for holding during the first quarter. Miami’s coaches say they are still having issues with Drake following through with his assignments.

Cordrea Tankersley should enter the starting cornerback battle

Tankersley might be a rookie, but the Dolphins’ third-round pick has consistently made plays during the four preseason games he’s played, which indicates that there’s more meat on that bone. If given a fair opportunity to compete with Byron Maxwell and Alterraun Verner, the two veterans battling to start opposite Xavien Howard, Tankersley might surprise Miami’s coaches. And considering he’s only 23, there’s more upside to the former Clemson standout.

Does Brandon Doughty deserve a continued investment?

Miami will only keep two quarterbacks – Jay Cutler and Matt Moore – on the team’s 53-man regular-season roster, so Brandon Doughty’s only chance of sticking around would be to spend another season as the Dolphins’ practice squad quarterback. But based on his preseason performances, has the former Western Kentucky standout earned that opportunity? Or should the Dolphins try to find a developmental quarterback who possesses more upside?

Dolphins need to be combing the waiver wire for talent

Even after Saturday’s cuts, which will trim rosters from 90 players to 53, the Dolphins shouldn’t be done tinkering. It would be wise for general manager Chris Grier to claim a handful of players off the waiver wire, rummaging through other team’s cuts. The Dolphins would benefit from adding a few linebackers and a tailback, and could use another young cornerback and offensive lineman to develop.

Punter battle is too close to call

Matt Darr and Matt Haack have had a competitive training camp and preseason, which will make the decision on who stays the toughest call made Saturday. Darr has the experience, but he’ll cost the franchise $150,000 more than Haack, and he’ll become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. Haack, a left-footed punter, provides more hang time, and his punts could lead to more turnovers. But will the Dolphins be comfortable handing that job to a rookie?

Don’t fret about the tight ends

While Julius Thomas has been invisible for most of training camp, there is no need to worry about the tight end position because Anthony Fasano and MarQueis Gray have proven they are more than capable of stepping up and serving as starters. Gray, a former college quarterback, has spent four years developing as a tight end, and he’s showcased plenty of ability this summer. Against the Vikings, he caught four passes for 19 yards and a touchdown.

Jesse Davis seemed a little rough around the edges

Davis, the converted tackle Miami is auditioning as the starting left guard, had an uneven game. On some plays he was burrowing open running plans, but he was also was spotted being driven in on the quarterback on a few snaps. Don’t be surprised if Davis, who has started three of Miami’s four preseason games, shares snaps with Anthony Steen in the season opener.

Rookies gained valuable experience in preseason

Charles Harris, Tankersley, Davon Godchaux and Isaac Asiata all started for the Dolphins in the preseason finale. Harris, the Dolphins’ first-round pick, never logged a sack, but the experience he gained should benefit him during the regular season. Godchaux appears to be the only rookie who will begin the season as a starter because Tankersley, Harris and Asiata still have plenty to learn.