Miami Dolphins roster projection 2024: Resetting 53-man depth chart after 2024 NFL draft
We just put the wraps on the 2024 NFL draft, and the Miami Dolphins had seven rookies in their draft class.
But it's already time to start looking ahead to how the Dolphins' personnel could look come the start of the season. So let's drop a way-too-early 53-man roster projection and depth chart prediction.
Dolphins general manager Chris Grier and coach Mike McDaniel must choose the best roster to allow Miami to win a playoff game for the first time since 2000.
Miami could surely still add a veteran guard, receiver, safety or cornerback before the kickoff to the 2024 NFL season.
There should be enough money to add a couple of older potential contributors.
It's somewhat ridiculous to project a 53-man roster at this point in time.
But, hey, we suppose it could be fun.
A Dolphins' 53-man roster projection and depth chart prediction:
Quarterbacks (2)
Tua Tagovailoa, Mike White
A recent NFL rules change allows Miami to elevate Skylar Thompson from the practice squad to the active roster before any game, in order to be eligible to serve as emergency quarterback. That third quarterback could join the game even if not on among the Dolphins' game-day actives.
Wide Receivers (6)
Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Braxton Berrios, River Cracraft, Erik Ezukanma, Malik Washington
It's certainly possible that Cracraft, Ezukanma or Washington is beaten out by 7th-rounder Tahj Washington, but that's a long way away. It's also possible Miami still adds a veteran like Odell Beckham.
Running Backs (5)
Raheem Mostert, De'Von Achane, Jaylen Wright, Jeff Wilson, Chris Brooks
It's certainly possible Miami keeps only four backs. Or that Salvon Ahmed makes the team ahead of Wilson or Brooks.
Fullback (1)
Alec Ingold
Pro Bowler.
Offensive Line (10)
Terron Armstead, Isaiah Wynn, Aaron Brewer, Robert Jones, Austin Jackson, Kendall Lamm, Patrick Paul, Jack Driscoll, Liam Eichenberg, Matthew Jones
Miami could very well add a veteran guard before the season starts. Matthew Jones is an undrafted rookie projection. In this scenario, he beats out Lester Cotton, Chasen Hines and Kion Smith. Training camp will be important for Eichenberg and Jones.
Tight end (3)
Durham Smythe, Jonnu Smith, Julian Hill
Jordy Fortson doesn't make the team in this scenario. He is the 54th man. But Fortson could easily make it ahead of one of the earlier listed running backs or receivers. Or he could beat out Hill, a strong blocker but not as prolific a pass-catcher.
Defensive Line (5)
Zach Sieler, Benito Jones, Neville Gallimore, Jonathan Harris, Teair Tart
In this scenario, Da'Shawn Hand, Isaiah Mack and Daviyon Nixon don't make the cut.
Linebacker/Edge (8)
Jaelan Phillips, Shaq Barrett, Chop Robinson, Mo Kamara, David Long, Jordyn Brooks, Anthony Walker, Cam Brown
In this scenario, Bradley Chubb begins the season on the physically unable to perform list, meaning he'd miss at least the first four games. Channing Tindall and Duke Riley also fail to make the cut here, though certainly they could make it ahead of Walker and/or Brown.
Cornerback (6)
Jalen Ramsey, Kendall Fuller, Kader Kohou, Cam Smith, Siran Neal, Ethan Bonner
In this scenario, Bonner beats out Nik Needham make the 53. This should be an important training camp for both. Miami could also add a veteran here.
Safety (4)
Jevon Holland, Jordan Poyer, Elijah Campbell, Patrick McMorris
We'll put McMorris here as he's a draft pick. But we assume he could be beaten out by undrafted Mark Perry or Isaiah Johnson. Campbell, Neal and Bonner can all play corner and safety.
Special Teams (3)
Jason Sanders, Jake Bailey, Blake Ferguson
Bailey will work to improve in 2024.
Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jschad@pbpost.com and follow him on Instagram and on X @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe's free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Dolphins 53-man roster projection: Depth chart prediction after NFL draft
