Predicting the Dolphins practice squad

The Miami Dolphins are now just over a day away from having to trim their roster from 90 down to 53. It's a tough time that requires tough decisions from GM Chris Grier and head coach Mike McDaniel. Several very good players will end up on the wrong side of the cut line. However, that […]

Craig Smith — College Football & NFL Trending News Writer

Aug 28, 2023 12:42 PM EDT

However, that doesn't mean it's the end of the line for them in Miami. The Dolphins, like all other teams, can sign players that do not make the final cut to their practice squad. For non-vested veterans (less than 4 years of league service), players who are waived must clear waivers, and if they are not claimed, Miami can add them to their practice squad. For vested veterans, the player is released, and can then be signed to the practice squad without having to go through waivers.

Here is a prediction for who could end up on Miami's practice squad after the Tuesday 4:00 pm ET deadline to trim rosters down to 53. This prediction does NOT include players from around the league. It would be reasonable for the team to look elsewhere for help, but for now, this is focused on who they would be most likely to sign from their own group of players.

Chris Brooks
River Cracraft (VV)
Julian Hill
Lester Cotton (VV)
Alama Uluave
Cedric Ogbuehi (VV)
Malik Reed (VV)
Aubrey Miller
A.J. Johnson (VV)
Brandon Pili
Jaylen Twyman
Mitchell Agude
Cameron Goode
Jamal Perry (VV)
Keidron Smith
Verone McKinley III

Brooks absolutely deserves better than the practice squad based on his preseason performance and the respective strengths and abilities of the current running back room – he's been a bruiser of a runner this month that the team doesn't otherwise have. However, roster and contract considerations for other players (i.e., Jeff Wilson, Jr.), bump him here – if he doesn't get snapped up by someone off waivers first. Three offensive linemen seems fair, given the recent injury history that's plagued the line.

With quality depth a key issue in the front seven, the Dolphins keep plenty of options around. Twyman flashed some potential with two sacks in the preseason, and Pili was right on my cut line. Johnson, who played for Vic Fangio in Denver, could have made the roster if he'd signed with the team earlier. In the secondary, Perry – if he doesn't get interest elsewhere – could be one of the first called up based on his experience and the Dolphins' injury issued at cornerback.