The Miami Dolphins have made some wild moves, practically blowing up their entire roster in a way that already screams they could be one of the worst teams in the NFL this season. They just traded away their franchise cornerstones, Jaylen Waddle to the Broncos and Minkah Fitzpatrick to the Jets, then swapped out Tua Tagovailoa for Malik Willis. Seriously? This feels like they pulled a classic 2021 Falcons memorial free agency, signing about 15 guys to one-year deals and not a single one over $1.5 million. It is a full rebuild, but man, it feels chaotic.
Miami’s Massive Overhaul: Are They Even Trying?
New GM Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley, both hopping over from Green Bay, are really putting their stamp on this team, but what a stamp it is. Beyond the huge trades and the quarterback change, they also leaned heavily into the draft. They grabbed tackle Kadyn Proctor out of Alabama and cornerback Chris Johnson from San Diego State in the first round. Then they snagged linebackers Jacob Rodriguez and Kyle Louis, who were apparently draft favorites, and added highly-regarded receivers Caleb Douglas and Chris Bell. It is a lot of new blood, but when you strip away that much core talent, you gotta wonder if any of it is enough. This isn’t just a retool, it’s a full-on demolition and rebuild, and it is going to be a bumpy ride for Dolphins fans if their early form is any indication.
Falcons Roster Fights: Who’s Earning Their Spot?
While the Dolphins are in full chaos mode, the Falcons are working on refining their roster for Kevin Stefanski and Ian Cunningham’s first season. There are some intense battles for those final spots. At QB3, Strand has been looking too good for the practice squad, and it would be a huge loss if he craters this week. RB3 looks locked up for Tyler Goodson; he was the best back in Week 2 and brings serious special teams value.
The receiver spots are interesting too, with WR5/6 up for grabs. Chris Blair and Dylan Drummond impressed offensive coordinator Tommy Rees over the summer, both showing special teams ability and experience. Vinny Anthony still has one last shot to fight for a roster spot over the practice squad, but we are not even sure if the team plans to keep five or six receivers. On the interior, Corey Levin seems to have the C2 job sewn up, given his versatility at guard and center and his connection to Bill Callahan. James Brockermeyer, despite being well-regarded in college, hasn’t impressed enough to avoid being snagged off the practice squad.
At ILB2, Kendal Daniels is making a strong case. He is been wearing the green dot and looking sharp in practices and early games, positioning himself to line up next to Divine Deablo in Week 1. Christian Harris only got in very late in games, working behind JD Bertrand, and might not even be a roster lock. The secondary also has some movement. Mike Hughes is your starter opposite A.J. Terrell, with Darnay Holmes in the nickel to start the season. Avieon Terrell is back practicing but has a lot of ground to make up for Week 1, though the expectation is he will be a starter by season’s end, especially with Billy Bowman Jr. still sidelined.
This final tune-up game is everything for these guys fighting for a spot. Once that buzzer sounds, it is all about Kevin Stefanski’s first season in Atlanta and whether Jeff Hafley’s Dolphins can defy the odds, or just confirm everyone’s worst fears for the upcoming campaign.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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