Backup QB, undrafted rookie stand out on Day 1 of Dolphins minicamp. And other news, notes
It won’t decide a starting spot, but the competition for the Dolphins’ backup quarterback position is arguably the most important Miami faces, given the injury questions surrounding Tua Tagovailoa.
On the first day of the team’s mandatory minicamp on Tuesday, second-year player Skylar Thompson continued to make his case for the No. 2 job.
The Dolphins opened and mainly conducted team drills with 11-on-11 red zone work and Thompson, a 2022 seventh-round pick, shined in the situational drill, connecting with pass-catchers for multiple touchdowns. His first was a short pass to running back Salvon Ahmed, who was uncovered in the flat. In what was arguably his best throw of the session, Thompson found wide receiver River Cracraft for a touchdown on a back shoulder throw, beating cornerback Justin Bethel. He also connected with tight end Tyler Kroft, who made a bobbling catch in the back of the end zone.
Other highlights from Day 1 of mandatory minicamp:
▪ Undrafted rookie linebacker Mitchell Agude continued his strong run in offseason practices. He was in the backfield multiple times for a sack and tackle for loss.
▪ In 11-on-11 red zone work, cornerback Tino Ellis recorded a pass breakup while covering wide receiver Freddie Swain in the corner of the end zone. On the very next play, Mike White found wide receiver Robbie Chosen for a short touchdown in the corner of the end zone over Ellis.
▪ White and Chosen connected for another score in short red zone drills.
▪ Undrafted rookie cornerback Bryce Thompson intercepted Thompson after wide receiver Erik Ezukanma tripped running a route.
▪ Tagovailoa wore the orange jersey awarded to the best practice player in the previous session.
Attendance report
Along with starting center Connor Williams, who coach Mike McDaniel said he is in communication with as he is absent from minicamp, three players were not at practice: wide receiver Braylon Sanders and offensive linemen Geron Christian and Cedric Ogbuehi.
Cornerback Trill Williams was at practice for the first time since tearing his ACL in last year’s preseason opener but did not participate in team drills. Defensive backs NIk Needham and Brandon Jones also continued to sit out team drills as they return from the severe leg injuries they sustained last season.
And a handful of veterans were at practice but did not participate in team drills, most notably wide receiver Tyreek Hill, left tackle Terron Armstead and outside linebacker Jaelan Phillips.
