Miami Dolphins’ way-too-early 53-man roster projection: Countless rookies make the cut but a difficult numbers game awaits in at least one spot
Who will ultimately make the Miami Dolphins’ 53-man roster when things play out this summer? Here’s a way-too-early look as the calendar nears July.
We’re nearly set to turn the calendar to July, which means training camps open for NFL franchises all across the league in just a few weeks. That includes the Miami Dolphins, who figure to have an intense battle for roster spots waiting for them this summer.
It’s impossible to know who is ultimately going to make the cut. But we’re going to take a shot ahead of training camp anyway with a way-t00-early 53-man roster projection for the Miami Dolphins.
Miami Dolphins’ way-too-early 53-man roster projection ahead of training camp
Quarterback (2)
IN: Malik Willis, Quinn Ewers
OUT: Cam Miller, Mark Gronowski (R)
The skinny: The Miami Dolphins have been accustomed to carrying three quarterbacks over the last several years as a part of the Tua Tagovailoa experience. Either Miller or Gronowski would be a logical practice squad carry for the roster given their NFL experience (or lack thereof). Miami should focus on getting reps for these two and hope Willis stays healthy enough for them to get a full-season evaluation of his ability.
Running back (3)
IN: De’Von Achane, Ollie Gordon II, Jaylen Wright
OUT: Donovan Edwards, Carlos Washington Jr., Anthony Hankerson (R)
The skinny: The Miami Dolphins could probably use a fourth name in this room. But the candidates currently on the roster don’t present any attractive value. Miami is also missing a legitimate fullback with NFL experience, so don’t be surprised if this room ends up carrying someone not currently on the roster. But the three names projected to make the cut should be no surprise, as they’re the same three that featured in Miami’s room last season.
Wide receiver (6)
IN: Jalen Tolbert, Tutu Atwell, Malik Washington, Caleb Douglas (R), Kevin Coleman Jr. (R), Theo Wease Jr.
OUT: Terrace Marshall Jr., Tahj Washington, AJ Henning, Jalen Reagor, Donaven McCulley (R)
PUP LIST: Chris Bell (R)
The skinny: Amid all of the questions around the Miami Dolphins wide receivers, this group should not be a surprise. Veterans with guaranteed salaries, the rookies from 2026, and third-year player Malik Washington comprise of the majority of this room. Rookie Chris Bell could surprise if he ends up being ready for the start of the regular season, although some reserve list to start should be the expectation.
Tight end (4)
IN: Greg Dulcich, Will Kacmarek (R), Ben Sims, Seydou Traore (R)
OUT: Cole Turner
The skinny: The Miami Dolphins have strong investments in Greg Dulcich and Will Kacmarek. Calibrate your expectations for the tight end room accordingly. But veteran Ben Sims has some time on task with Jon-Eric Sullivan, and the team’s draft choice of Seydou Traore was early enough that I do think he gets a crack at sticking on the 53 man roster.
Offensive line (9)
IN: Patrick Paul (LT), Kadyn Proctor (LG), Aaron Brewer (C), Jonah Savaiinaea (RG), Austin Jackson (RT), Jamaree Salyer, DJ Campbell (R), Andrew Meyer, Charlie Heck
OUT: Marques Cox, Jim Bonifas (R), Kevin Cline (R), Gottlieb Ayedze, Josh Priebe
The skinny: It feels like the best candidate for an upset with this group is undrafted rookie Jim Bonifas beating out third-year center Andrew Meyer for a spot. Meyer was a UDFA gem two years ago and played well in his NFL debut last season against the Bucs. But does he really have position flexibility? That’s the question. The starting five should be considered written in pen, if not Sharpie, too.
Defensive line (6)
IN: Zach Sieler, Kenneth Grant, Jordan Phillips, Zeek Biggers, Rene Konga (R), Matthew Butler
OUT: Alex Huntley, James Ester, Keith Cooper Jr., Kahlil Saunders (R)
The skinny: The undrafted rookie, Rene Konga, is going to have to impress in training camp in order to make the roster. He’ll be one of the last players on the 53-man bubble if he does, indeed, survive cuts. But he’s got a true pass rush ability to work with, and that’s an element that’s missing from a few of the other names above him in the defensive tackle room. Matthew Butler is also a bubble player and I could see Miami opting for another corner, edge defender, or possibly an external running back in favor of him.
Linebacker (5)
IN: Jordyn Brooks, Tyrel Dodson, Jacob Rodriguez (R), Kyle Louis (R), Willie Gay Jr.
OUT: Ronnie Harrison Jr., Jackson Woodard
The skinny: This Miami Dolphins room is one of the more competitive and talent-filled rooms on the roster. The rookies will play at some point. Jordyn Brooks awaits his contract extension and I, for one, am fascinated to see if this regime can get more run out of Willie Gay versus last year’s group.
EDGE/Outside Linebacker (6)
IN: Chop Robinson, Joshua Uche, David Ojabo, Robert Beal Jr., Trey Moore (R), Mason Reiger (R)
OUT: Seth Coleman, Cameron Goode, Max Llewellyn (R), Rodney McGraw
The skinny: I found this projection to be one of the more complicated ones. Seventh-round rookie Max Llewellyn was a draft choice investment. Is that enough to crack the 53-man roster over someone like Robert Beal or David Ojabo? How many rookies is too many rookies for the Miami Dolphins? UDFA Mason Reiger is a more impressive athlete than Llewellyn but probably not as safe of a player. How do you weigh that out? Is there room for career backup Cameron Goode once again on special teams? This is a tough call.
Cornerback (5)
IN: Chris Johnson (R), Jason Marshall Jr., JuJu Brents, Darrell Baker Jr., Alex Austin
OUT: Storm Duck, Ethan Bonner, Miles Battle, Marco Wilson, AJ Green, Ethan Robinson
The skinny: The cornerbacks room is a tough one, too. I feel the top four names are safe in Johnson, Marshall, Brents, and Baker Jr. Is there room for six? If not, how much does a special teams role tip the scales for the battle? Ethan Bonner and Storm Duck were Chris Grier/Mike McDaniel pet projects. How quickly can they earn the trust of a new regime? Their battle with Alex Austin for CB5 will be a competitive one.
Safety (4)
IN: Dante Trader Jr., Lonnie Johnson Jr., Michael Taaffe (R), Zayne Anderson
OUT: Major Burns, Omar Brown, Louis Moore (R)
The skinny: There’s not a lot of certainty for the outlook of this room. I couldn’t begin to tell you who I think ends up starting, opposite Dante Trader Jr., either. You could pick any one of the three players cut in this battle and tell me that they make the team. I’d believe you. Gear up for fireworks here, this should be fun.
Specialists (3)
IN: Zane Gonzalez (K), Bradley Pinion (P), Tucker Addington (LS)
OUT: Riley Patterson (K)
The skinny: Patterson kicked well for Miami in 2025. But the Miami Dolphins do have a new special teams coordinator, who Gonzalez kicked for back in 2017. And for as good as Patterson was, he did not kick for distance. Gonzalez hit as many 50+ yard field goals in 2025 for the Atlanta Falcons (7) as Patterson has made in his entire NFL career.
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