From Dolphins' Tua Tagovailoa to Jalen Ramsey, 25 predictions and thoughts on 2023 | Habib
Summer isn't over, but at least training camp is. Labor Day is around the corner, which means you can count the days — even the hours, if you're ambitious — before the Dolphins kick off one of the most highly anticipated seasons in recent memory.
Amid the OTAs, various pre-training-camp camps, and three preseason games, here are 25 things I've come away thinking and expecting amid the calm before things really heat up:
I think I expected Mike White to be the backup quarterback when training camp opened. The Dolphins didn’t sign him to a two-year, $8 million contract to be a No. 3. I still think the QBs will stack up as Tua Tagovailoa-Mike White-Skylar Thompson, but the competition for the backup role was tighter than expected. And nobody needs reminding how important your backup quarterback is. As for Tagovailoa, I'm guessing his added emphasis on protecting his body will result in playing 15 or more games in 2023. It's tough making the Pro Bowl at QB in the AFC, but he'll be in the discussion.
I think barring injury, Raheem Mostert will lead the team in rushing, but there will be a logjam for the second spot. Will we continue to see Salvon August — oops, Salvon Ahmed — or will he blend into the background when the real games start? He has looked better than ever with runs of 65 yards (vs. the Texans) and a 42-yarder (Jaguars). There will be days Jeff Wilson leads the team in rushing. Don’t be surprised at that. The more coaches can trust rookie De’Von Achane to deal with blitz pick-ups, the more he’ll get on the field. Pass protection is a challenge rookie running backs must meet head on. You can’t get your quarterback slaughtered.
I think I like the idea that Tyreek Hill has put 2,000 yards out there as his goal for 2023. Many players are reluctant to state their goals, as if it’d be a shame if they fall just short. I’d defy anyone to walk up to Hill and tell him 1,800 would be a disappointment. No one has ever hit 2K, so good for him to set a high bar. Also, I can’t see how a healthy Jaylen Waddle doesn’t become the first Dolphins receiver with three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons.
I think — or at least I thought after spring workouts — nobody was going to beat out Robbie Chosen for that important third wide receiver spot. Now I think the honor will go to Braxton Berrios, who should be electric on special teams. I expect contributions from Chosen (assuming he makes the team), Berrios, River Cracraft and Erik Ezukanma.
I think I still haven’t sorted out Cedrick Wilson as a Dolphin. He went from 602 yards in Dallas in 2021 to 136 last year in Miami. The Dolphins were willing to part with him but haven’t found a taker. They’d save only $2 million against the cap by releasing him. He’s only 27.
I think I’d like to see Jason Sanders hit from 50-plus.
I think I’d like to see Jason Sanders trot out for a 50-plus attempt while everyone has a conviction it’s money in the bank.
I think Danny Crossman’s job as special teams coordinator hinges on this unit showing improvement. A lot of improvement.
Zach Sieler's extension very much deserved
I think any Dolfan who isn’t delighted for Zach Sieler isn’t a Dolfan. Here’s a guy picked up from the waiver wire who has done everything asked of him and more. For too long he contributed more than people gave him credit for, but now he has a contract worth up to $38.65 million. Not bad for a guy living in an RV when he came down. Think the Ravens regret giving up on him?
I think Mike McDaniel and I agree on a lot of things, but Christian Wilkins’ contract situation isn’t one of them. McDaniel said Wilkins’ negotiations are “independent” of Sieler’s. Not so fast, says the NFL salary cap. While the Dolphins have some wiggle room for 2023, Miami’s 2024 cap picture is worse than all but the Chargers' and Saints', according to overthecap.com. Sooner or later, the bill comes due.
I think Jonathan Taylor coming to the Dolphins was and is a longshot. But if Grier pulls a rabbit out of his hat, re-signing Wilkins would be next to impossible. Not to mention how challenging it would be to get Taylor to agree to a long-term deal.
I think if Taylor does arrive, I won’t be hesitant to type the words “Miami Dolphins” and “Super Bowl” in the same sentence. Why would I?
I think Raekwon Davis sounded more confident than I’ve ever heard him the other day, and it would be nice if he backs that up.
Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb will be a thorn to QBs
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I think Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb are going to create just as much havoc as you think they will.
I think defensive tackle Brandon Pili, buried in obscurity in Anchorage not long ago with little hope of even getting a college offer, is another of those training camp success stories you’ve got to like. Pili has a good chance to stick as a backup on the line.
I think the biggest news to come from training camp also is the worst news to come out of training camp. Of course I mean the injury that will keep Jalen Ramsey out. But: I think Ramsey, coming off meniscus surgery, already looks better than we have a right to expect. Maybe that means we’ll see him in November, not December.
I think that despite Ramsey’s presence, the best offseason addition is defensive coordinator Vic Fangio.
I think that as much as we appreciated the Dolphins’ good fortune in landing Kader Kahou last season, we’ll appreciate it more with Ramsey out.
I think the Dolphins had to make the move they did by bringing in Eli Apple for his experience, but Apple needs to show us more than he has in his previous seven seasons.
I think this is the year Jevon Holland makes his first Pro Bowl.
Setting the bar for this offensive line
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I think if either Austin Jackson or Liam Eichenberg (or who whoever gets the left guard job) plays at a solid level — nothing stunning, just solid — the line will be OK. Having five above-average linemen is wishful thinking, but you can’t have two liabilities out of your front five.
I think outside of a few key catches by Durham Smythe, you may need reminding that the Dolphins do have tight ends in 2023.
I think I don’t get that bye week between the preseason and the regular season.
I think the Dolphins haven’t figured out a way to replace senior vice president Jason Jenkins, who died one year ago, and maybe never will, given how many hats he wore.
I think there’s no need to ask if you’re ready for real football. Because we all are.
Dolphins reporter Hal Habib can be reached at hhabib@pbpost.com. Follow him on social media @gunnerhal.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: From Dolphins' Tua Tagovailoa to Jalen Ramsey, 25 predictions for 2023
