“Dolphins Kick Off 2024 with High Hopes: Roster Battles and Key Players to Watch”
MIAMI — The Miami Dolphins will kick off the 2024 regular season at home against the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 8.
Head coach Mike McDaniel, in his third year, has secured 20 wins over his first two seasons with the Dolphins but is still seeking the elusive playoff victory the franchise has awaited for 24 years. Miami has reached the postseason for two consecutive years, a first since 2001, but hasn’t won a playoff game since the 2000 season.
Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who led the NFL in passing last season, returns but is currently engaged in contract negotiations that left him visibly “antsy” during mandatory minicamp. The Dolphins’ offense, which led the league in yards last season, remains intact. On defense, however, Miami has lost six key contributors to free agency, including four starters. Under new defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver, the team aims to build on their top-10 defense from last year.
QUARTERBACKS (2): Tua Tagovailoa, Mike White
Tagovailoa’s contract situation is a major topic as training camp begins, but both sides are confident a deal will be reached; his spot on the roster is secure. White and Skylar Thompson are competing to be the primary backup, with the other likely serving as the emergency quarterback.
RUNNING BACKS (4): Raheem Mostert, De’Von Achane, Jaylen Wright, Chris Brooks
Mostert and Achane are leading the group after strong performances in 2023, while Wright’s draft status gives him an edge over veterans Jeff Wilson Jr. and Salvon Ahmed. Brooks makes the roster as the power back the team otherwise lacks.
FULLBACKS (1): Alec Ingold As a team captain and vital lead blocker, Ingold stands out as one of the Dolphins’ key players at a position that has lost prominence in the league.
WIDE RECEIVERS (7): Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Odell Beckham Jr., Braxton Berrios, River Cracraft, Malik Washington, Erik Ezukanma
Hill, Waddle, and Beckham Jr. are secure in their spots, with Berrios also making the team as the main return specialist. Rookie Washington will compete for slot reps and shows promise. Ezukanma, despite minimal impact in his first two seasons, offers a unique size element to the group.
TIGHT ENDS (3): Durham Smythe, Jonnu Smith, Julian Hill
Smythe and Smith are the top tight ends, while Hill excels as the best blocker at the position. Jody Fortson Jr., a free agent addition, showed potential in spring practices and could be an injury replacement.
OFFENSIVE LINEMEN (9): Terron Armstead, Isaiah Wynn, Aaron Brewer, Robert Jones, Austin Jackson, Kendall Lamm, Patrick Paul, Liam Eichenberg, Lester Cotton
Miami has new starters at center and right guard, with Brewer at center and Eichenberg, Jones, and Cotton vying for the guard spot. Lamm serves as the main swing tackle as second-round pick Paul gains experience.
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN (5): Zach Sieler, Calais Campbell, Teair Tart, Brandon Pili, Da’Shawn Hand
Sieler and Campbell are key players and certain to make the roster, with Tart likely joining them. However, the deep pool of talent will create a competitive atmosphere during the next month.
LINEBACKERS (10): Jaelan Phillips, Bradley Chubb, Chop Robinson, Shaquil Barrett, Mohamed Kamara, Jordyn Brooks, David Long Jr., Anthony Walker Jr., Duke Riley, Channing Tindall
The health of Phillips and Chubb remains uncertain for training camp, with the possibility of starting the season on the PUP list or injured reserve. First-round pick Robinson is expected to get significant reps, and fifth-round pick Kamara could be a surprise standout. Tindall, a former third-round pick, faces a crucial summer to secure his roster spot after underperforming in his first two seasons.