Miami Dolphins roster projection 2024: Updating the 53-man roster after minicamp, Marcus Maye signing

The Miami Dolphins are headed into their six-week break following the end of the offseason conditioning program and before the start of training camp. Players and coaches will be enjoying the one true down-period for the NFL, though there never really is a completely quiet period in the NFL. The Dolphins completed their veteran minicamp last week, then, as vacations began, they signed veteran safety Marcus Maye.

Minicamp and adding a new safety to the roster shake up my previous prediction of the Dolphins’ 53-man roster. What changes as we look forward toward training camp? How does Maye fit into the roster, and who could lose their roster spot because of his addition? I update my roster projections this morning.

Quarterbacks (2)

Tua Tagovailoa
Mike White

No changes here. Skylar Thompson still ends up the odd man out and lands on the practice squad under the league’s updated emergency quarterback rules.

Running backs (4)

Raheem Mostert
De’Von Achane
Jaylen Wright (R)
Salvon Ahmed

No changes here. I know a lot of people argued that Chris Brooks should make the roster over Ahmed, and maybe they are right. I need to see more from Brooks, who missed the majority of his rookie season due to injury. Jeff Wilson, Jr., factors into this battle as well. The bubble watch during training camp will be fascinating for the running back position.

Fullback (1)

Alec Ingold

The Dolphins like having a fullback, and they have a Pro Bowl one.

Tight ends (3)

Durham Smythe
Jonnu Smith
Julian Hill

This was the first of two major issues people had with my previous projection. I left Jody Fortson off the roster in the initial projection, and I am doing it again here. I know he was signed early in the free agency period and people like the potential he brings to the position, but (a) the Dolphins still have to prove they will actually use tight ends and (b) where does the roster space come from to add him to the roster? Fortson has 14 receptions in his career. If he shows out during camp, he could force his way onto the roster, but right now, it is a numbers game and I do not see it in his favor. Tanner Conner and rookie Hayden Rucci will be battling for practice squad space.

Wide receivers (6)

Tyreek Hill
Jaylen Waddle
Odell Beckham, Jr.
Malik Washington (R)
River Cracraft
Braxton Berrios

My first change is adding Berrios back to the roster. How the new kick return rules impact rosters will have to be seen, but Berrios gives the Dolphins a sure-handed option back there and could force them to keep him on the roster. Erik Ezukanma, Anthony Schwartz, Braylon Sanders, Mathew Sexton, and rookies Tahj Washington and Je’Quan Burton will all be in a battle to find roster space this year.

Offensive line (9)

Terron Armstead
Isaiah Wynn
Aaron Brewer
Liam Eichenberg
Austin Jackson
Patrick Paul
Kendall Lamm
Robert Jones
Jack Driscoll

Adding Berrios to the roster means someone has to come off the 53-man projection. In this case, Lester Cotton lands on the wrong side of the cut line. Cotton and Kion Smith could both fight their way onto the roster, but the numbers game is not doing them any favors right now. Miami could look to keep multiple linemen on the practice squad, ensuring they have depth at a position that has struggled to stay healthy the past few seasons. Chasen Hines, Ryan Hayes, Matthew Jones, Andrew Meter, and Ireland Brown could all factor into those decisions. Bayron Matos, the Dominican-born basketball player looking to convert to the NFL as a lineman, is an International Pathway Program player and should make the practice squad in an exempted spot.

Defensive line (6)

Zach Sieler
Da’Shawn Hand
Teair Tart
Benito Jones
Neville Gallimore
Brandon Pili

There has been another roster change, but this time, it is a one-for-one swap at the position, as Pili replaces Jonathan Harris in the group. There is just something about Pili that keeps me thinking he will make the roster. Harris, Pili, and Gallimore are all battling for what are likely the final two defensive tackle positions. Daviyon Nixon and Isaiah Mack need strong camps to avoid being on the wrong side of the roster bubble. Rookies Leonard Payne and Mario Kendricks need to prove themselves.

Linebackers (9)

Jaelan Phillips
David Long, Jr.
Anthony Walker, Jr.
Bradley Chubb
Chop Robinson (R)
Shaquil Barrett
Jordyn Brooks
Mohamed Kamara (R)
Duke Riley

Flat out, I messed up on my previous projection, but it is fixed here. I left Kamara off the roster – not because I did not think he would make it, but I thought I had put him in this list and after I published the article, it was pointed out that I forgot him. He is back on the list where he should be, but it means my comment of eight linebackers feeling like too many is only exacerbated in this projection with nine on the list. Part of this is the concern of where Chubb and Phillips are in their rehabs. It feels like Phillips may be ready for Week 1, but Chubb may land on the physically unable to perform list, in which case, a roster spot opens. Channing Tindall, Cameron Goode, and Zeke Vandenburgh are all on the wrong side of the cut line. Rookie Grayon Murphy is likely a practice squad player.

Cornerbacks (5)

Jalen Ramsey
Kendall Fuller
Kader Kohou
Siran Neal
Cam Smith

Adding Kamara to my list forces me to make another cut, costing rookie Storm Duck a spot on the roster projection. Ethan Bonner is the bubble player to watch here. Jason Maitre and Isaiah Johnson are long shots.

Safeties (5)

Jevon Holland
Jordan Poyer
Marcus Maye
Elijah Campbell
Nik Needham

Adding Marcus Maye to the team leads to Mark Perry falling off the roster. Patrick McMorris, a sixth-round pick, will need to prove himself to make the roster or he could be practice squad bound. Rookie Jordan Colbert must show up on special teams to make the roster.

Special Teams (3)

K: Jason Sanders
P: Jake Bailey
LS: Blake Ferguson

No changes.