The Miami Dolphins' 2023 preseason schedule kicks off tonight, with the Dolphins and Atlanta Falcons set to clash at 7:00 pm ET at Hard Rock Stadium.  

With game action finally getting started, it's time to offer a look at how the 53-man roster is shaking out.  Certainly many starting jobs are locked in, but there are many spots up and down the roster where players are fighting for either starting spots or to just make the team.

Here's an initial projection at the final 53-man roster, subject to change depending on how the preseason goes.

Quarterbacks (3): Tua Tagovailoa, Mike White, Skylar Thompson

This group is locked in.  The only question is whether White or Thompson earns the backup job.  My money is on White, but Thompson will have the chance to prove he's progressed from last season and is ready to take the next step to becoming a solid backup. 

Running Backs/Fullback (5): Raheem Mostert, Jeff Wilson, Jr., De'Von Achane, Salvon Ahmed, Alec Ingold

Unless the team adds Dalvin Cook before the end of the preseason, this feels pretty likely to be the five in the running back room.  Ahmed vs. Myles Gaskin for the back-end spot is something worth watching, but Ahmed was ahead of him at the end of 2022, so there's not much reason to think that's changed as of yet. 

Wide Receiver (6): Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Braxton Berrios, Erik Ezukanma, Robbie Chosen, Cedric Wilson, Jr.

Some tough decisions will have to be made at the back of the Dolphins' receiver room. Can River Cracraft, Freddie Swain, or someone else shine and claim the WR6 spot?  Perhaps, but they'll have to have a great preseason to do it.  

Tight End (3): Durham Smythe, Eric Saubert, Tyler Kroft

This is a very tough room to figure out, as no one has seemingly done much during camp to separate themselves.  This list could look very different after the preseason ends behind Smythe, who should be the team's #1 tight end this fall.  

Offensive Line (9): Terron Armstead, Austin Jackson, Kendall Lamm, Robert Hunt, Robert Jones, Connor Williams, Isaiah Wynn, Dan Feeney, Liam Eichenberg

Miami's offensive line is still a big question mark that needs answering, so carrying nine might allow them more options to do so.  This could drop to eight if certain players solidify their play over the next three weeks (i.e, Eichenberg or Wynn clearly stakes a claim to the left guard spot), but for now, nine feels like a distinct possibility.

Defensive Line (5): Christian Wilkins, Raekwon Davis, Zach Sieler, Emmanuel Ogbah, Da'Shawn Hand

The first four are roster locks, obviously.  Whether the team carries four, five, or even six defensive linemen is the question.  I think for now five, and the battle between rookie Brandon Pili and the veteran Hand will be one of the more interesting to watch in the preseason.  One, both, or even neither could make it.  Jaylen Twyman could also throw his hat in the contest if he can make some plays during the preseason. 

Linebackers (8): Bradley Chubb, Jaelan Phillips, Andrew Van Ginkel, Malik Reed, David Long, Jr., Jerome Baker, Duke Riley, Channing Tindall

Tindall needs to take the big jump that Mike McDaniel referenced during the offseason.  Miami's ILB depth has been such that Van Ginkel has gotten work inside.  Will he play there some in the preseason?  Will someone else in the middle step up?  Can undrafted rookie Mitchell Agude come out of nowhere and tip the apple cart by earning a roster spot this preseason?  Lots of questions with few answers, but Tindall gets the hesitant nod for now based on depth needs and his draft status (102 overall by the Dolphins in 2022). 

Cornerbacks (6): Jalen Ramsey, Xavien Howard, Kader Kohou, Cam Smith, Eli Apple, Noah Ibginoghene

The Dolphins must include Ramsey on the initial 53-man roster before placing him on injured reserve in order to activate him later in the season.  As such, there's one more cornerback who must be released and then quickly re-signed.  At this point that seems more likely Keion Crossen over the veteran Justin Bethel.  Nik Needham currently appears destined to start the season on the PUP list, for which he'd miss the team's first four games.

Safeties (5): Jevon Holland, Brandon Jones, DeShon Elliott, Elijah Campbell, Trill Williams

Holland, Jones, and Elliott will be on the final roster.  At this point, it's just how ready Jones – who suffered a torn ACL against the Steelers last fall – is for the start of 2023.  Williams' versatility and ability to play safety or corner (currently at safety) should help him stick around. 

Specialists (3): Jason Sanders, Jake Bailey, Blake Ferguson

After the release of punter Michael Turk during camp, these three positions are set in stone.  There are no pending candidates to unseat any of them. 

Miami Dolphins vs. Atlanta Falcons: five battles to watch this week

Miami and Atlanta will go at it this week in joint practices, with some key matchups playing out

Featured image via JEFF ROMANCE/THE PALM BEACH POST / USA TODAY NETWORK