Post 2016 NFL Draft: Miami Dolphins Depth Chart

With the 2016 NFL draft in the books it’s time to take a look at the Miami Dolphins Depth Chart based on their recent additions.

The Miami Dolphins Depth Chart has a lot of new faces thanks to a big trade with the Philadelphia Eagles, free agent moves and solid work in the draft. They are expecting big contributions from newcomers such as Mario Williams, Byron Maxwell, Kiko Alonso and Laremy Tunsil.

It’s also possible we see someone like Xavien Howard become a major part of the defense. He will head into training camp battling Tony Lippett for the right to start opposite Maxwell at cornerback.

Quarterback

Starter: Ryan Tannehill
Backup: Matt Moore

Adam Gase was brought on board to maximize Ryan Tannehill’s talent. Time is running out for Tannehill despite the fact Miami recently signed him to a big-money contract. Matt Moore is one of the better and more capable backups in the league.

Running Back

Starter: Jay Ajayi
Backups: Kenyan Drake and Damien Williams

Miami was really aggressive during the offseason trying to bring in more talent at the running back position. The biggest attempt was trying to pry CJ Anderson away from the Denver Broncos. In the end, they will likely head into training camp with Jay Ajayi as the lead back and getting most of the early-down carries. Kenyan Drake and Damien Williams will also see plenty of snaps in 3rd-down roles.

Wide Receiver

Starters: Jarvis Landry and DeVante Parker
No. 3: Kenny Stills
Backups: Leonte Carroo, Jakeem Grant and Griff Whalen

The Dolphins have a young and highly talented wide receiver group. They have have all the bases covered with a deep threat like Stills, an elite route runner in Landry and the big-bodied target in Parker. Ryan Tannehill has plenty of weapons to work with on the outside.

Tight End

Starter: Jordan Cameron
Backups: Dion Sims and Thomas Duarte

Jordan Cameron continues to be a productive pass catcher when on the field, but also continues routinely deal with injuries. Dion Sims has been a disappointment thus far in his career and needs to show improvement this year or face loosing his roster spot.

Left Tackle

Starter: Branden Albert
Backup: Laremy Tunsil and Jermon Bushrod

Miami’s offensive line is deeper and more talented than it has been in a long time. This is especially true at the left tackle position where they could potentially start Branden Albert, Laremy Tunsil, Jermon Bushrod or Ja’Wuan James. The best case scenario is that Albert remains healthy all year which would allow the Dolphins to move the other players around.

Left Guard

Starter: Laremy Tunsil
Backup: Dallas Thomas and Kraig Urbik

Miami’s offensive line depth will give them the opportunity to ease Larmey Tunsil into the lineup. The talk is that they plan to start him off at guard and adjust as needed.

Center

Starter: Mike Pouncey
Backup: Jacques McClendon

Pouncey is one of the best centers in the NFL, but his injury history is concerning. The Dolphins need him to stay healthy in order to maximize the potential of this offense.

Right Guard

Starter: Billy Turner
Backup: Dallas Thomas, Kraig Urbik and Jermon Bushrod

This starting job will be up for grabs in training camp. Turner, Thomas, Urbik and Bushrod all have a legitimate shot at earning the starting nod. Due to his youth and upside, I predicted Turner winning the starting job.

Right Tackle

Starter: Ja’Wuan James
Backup: Larmey Tunsil, John Ulrick and Sam Young

Ja’Wuan James is the most reliable player on the offensive line thanks to his steady play and ability to stay healthy.

Defensive End

Starters: Cameron Wake and Mario Williams
Backup: Andre Branch and Chris McCain

The concern here is the lack of depth behind starters Cameron Wake and Mario Williams. The Dolphins have Chris McCain listed at linebacker, but his ability as a pass rusher makes him an option at defensive end.

Defensive Tackle

Starters: Ndamukong Suh and Earl Mitchell
Backup: Jordan Phillips, Deandre Coleman and Chris Jones

This is a talented group that didn’t live up to expectations last year. Miami needs this group to dominate the line of scrimmage and make impact plays. Look for Jordan Phillips to build off his strong rookie season and potentially work his way into the starting lineup.

WILL Linebacker

Starter: Jelani Jenkins
Backup: Chris McCain, Zach Vigil and Neville Hewitt

Jenkins is a steady performer thanks to his instincts and athleticism.

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Middle Linebacker

Starter: Kiko Alonso
Backup: Zach Vigil

A healthy Kiko Alonso will go a long way to improving this defense. He is an explosive athlete capable of making plays from sideline to sideline and in the backfield. Zach Vigil is a promising backup that will take over for Alonso should the injury bug strike again.

SAM Linebacker

Starter: Koa Misi
Backup: Chris McCain, Zach Vigil and Neville Hewitt

Koa Misi’s hold on the starting job isn’t as tight as years past. Chris McCain and Zach Vigil are talented athletes that will be gunning for his job in training camp.

Cornerback

Starters: Byron Maxwell and Tony Lippett
Slot: Bobby McCain
Backup: Xavien Howard, Tyler Patmon and Ifo Ekpre-Olomu

The Dolphins need Byron Maxwell to play at a high level or this group could be the weak point of the defense. Miami is counting on either Tony Lippett or Xavien Howard to accelerate their development and play a major role. Lippett is a converted receiver who has shown real promise at cornerback. He’s the leader in the clubhouse to open up as the starter opposite Maxwell.

Saftey

Starters: Reshad Jones and Isa Abdul-Quddus
Backup: Walt Aikens and Jordan Lucas

The safety position is in solid hands with Jones and Abdul-Quddus as starters. However, Jones is currently sitting out OTAs and is considering a holdout. Miami doesn’t have the depth to replace Jones in the backend of their defense.

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