Christian Wilkins is one of only five defensive linemen on the Miami Dolphins 53 man roster Eric Espada/Getty Images
TE Biggest Question On Dolphins 53 Man Roster
Two positions on the Dolphin 53 man roster generated interest, and on offense it was the tight ends. Miami decided to keep five tight ends: Mike Gesicki, Durham Smythe, Hunter Long, Cethan Carter, and Tanner Conner. Why did the team keep as many tight end as wide receivers?
One reason might be because of Gesicki’s skill set. Gesicki’s skills make him one of the better receiving tight ends in the NFL. Gesicki’s slight frame or because he was used more as a receiver in college, may be the reason he is not as good of blocker. Whatever the reason the Dolphins kept four other tight ends and eight offensive linemen. Just as Gesicki may be used as more of wide out, so some of the other tight ends might be used as extra blockers.
Linebackers Used As Defensive Linemen?
There appears to be crossover between defensive linemen and linebackers as well. The Dolphins kept just five defensive linemen and nine linebackers. Who are the most likely to used on the line in the Miami’s 4-3 defense?
Jaelan Phillips, Melvin Ingram III, and Trey Flowers all may see time with their hands in the dirt. Any improvement by Phillips makes him Miami’s best pass rusher. The Dolphins likely are using Flowers and Ingram as situational pass rushers. If Miami generates a better rush with the line it won’t have to blitz as often.
Byron Jones Starts Season PUP List
Byron Jones started camp on the PUP list, and he remains on it, missing the first four weeks. Pressure now falls on Nik Needham to fill in as a starter for Jones. Needham played a solid third corner for Miami last year . Between corners and safeties Miami’s 53 man roster has ten players in the secondary, many of them young and inexperienced. Needham’s play will be key in helping the Dolphins navigate a tough opening stretch.