Tag Archive for: Miami Dolphins

Tua Tagovailoa has thrived in coach Mike McDaniel's offense with the Miami Dolphins.

Dolphins at Chargers: Preview and Prediction

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The Dolphins find themselves on the west coast for their first game of the season. They should be familiar after suffering an ugly 23-17 loss at So-Fi stadium last December.

 

The Chargers dialed up an effective game plan to stymie the high-powered Dolphins offense. Tua finished with just ten completions for 145 yards on twenty-eight pass attempts, while the defense surrendered 367 yards to Justin Herbert. The game really wasn’t as close as the score indicated, and one of Miami’s touchdowns came when Tyreek Hill took a fumbled ball from Jeff Wilson fifty-seven yards for a touchdown.

 

Now it’s week one; the start of a brand new season. The Dolphins have a new defensive coordinator, and Mike McDaniel should have a new game plan. In order for Miami to avoid repeating history, they need to focus on some key points.

 

Mike McDaniel needs to show range and discipline as a play-caller

 

Last season was a major offensive success, until it wasn’t. Like anything in the history of the NFL, teams will eventually figure you out. When the Niners and Chargers figured out how to stop the Dolphins attacking the middle of the field McDaniel had no answer.

 

It’s likely other teams will look to employ the same strategies this season, and it’ll be critical for the second year head coach to show he can adjust. Miami’s offense has to be multi-dimensional. McDaniel has to stay committed to his promise of running the ball more, especially in this game. The Chargers allowed the fifth most rushing yards last season, and didn’t do much to address that issue over the offseason.

 

Derwin James, JC Jackson, and Nick Bosa were out for last year’s game, but all three are healthy and ready to go for the Chargers’ defense. McDaniel is going to have to back-up his “genius” moniker if Miami wants to have any chance at success.

 

Allowing the run-game to set up the pass, particularly play-action, and utilizing the speed on offense through the screen game, could prove to be a successful approach. If it works, McDaniel has to try and refrain from getting too cute. It’s okay to go away from forcing downfield plays to Hill and Waddle if something else is working. Too often last season he abandoned the ground game when it was working. This season, and game in particular, will go a long way in showing what kind of growth McDaniel has, and if he make adjustments in-game.

 

The NFL in it’s simplest form is a chess match; move, counter-move. Can the yale-grad prove to be a chess master?

 

Time for the pass rushers to step up

 

New Chargers offensive coordinator Kellen Moore has promised this offense will feature a much more vertical passing game. With the size and down-field abilities of Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, and rookie Quintin Johnston, and the big arm of Herbert, it’s a pretty common sense approach.

 

Depending on how fast the Dolphins defense have picked up Vic Fangio’s, a vertical passing game could prove to be favorable matchup for Miami. Fangio’s confusing zone scheme is built to defend against big plays in the pass game, and Jevon Holland is an excellent deep safety.

 

Since Fangio’s scheme makes it difficult for opposing quarterbacks to get pre-snap reads, causing them to hold the ball longer post snap while they figure out ever-changing coverage looks, it could lead to some big plays for the defensive line.

That’s if they rushers can prove they’ve graduated from pressures, to finishes. They were among the league’s best in creating pressure last season, but struggled to get sacks.

 

Herbert is big and mobile, so it won’t be easy, but the secondary could cause coverage sack opportunities for Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb. Phillips has high expectations this year as he looks to record his first double-digit sack season, and Chubb needs to prove his $110 million-dollar contract and first round pick the Dolphins traded to land him was worth it. Sunday afternoon is a terrific place for them to start.

 

Quick-hit key matchups

 

-Terron Armstead is OUT, So Kendall Lamm has his work cutout with Joey Bosa. He had a mostly strong preseason, and needs to show he can be the go-to backup plan for Armstead who likely won’t be missing his last game this year.

 

-Austin Jackson has appeared confident and ready to prove himself after an injury-marred season. He’ll get his opportunity against Khalil Mack.

 

-David Long Jr. and Jerome Baker will need to be productive as they work to stop Austin Akeler in the run and pass games.

 

-Like the Dolphins won’t already have their hands full with Allen, Williams, Johnston, Josh Palmer and Ekeler, how they choose to handle the vertical threat that tight end Gerald Everett brings will likely prove to be an important factor.

 

-The Dolphins are known for their wide-zone rushing attack, but Bosa and Mack should be able to set the edges. The focus should be running between the tackles. A mixture of Raheem Mostert and Chris Brooks could prove fruitful in attacking Sebastian Joseph-Day, Morgan Fox, and Austin Johnson in the interior.

 

Prediction

 

Week one is always a bit sloppy as most teams don’t play their starters much in the preseason. On top of that, both the Dolphins and Chargers have new coordinators and schemes that players are adjusting to.

 

This game could go either way, and may come down to game plans, more than the talent on both teams.

 

Tua should be fired up after missing the final three games last year, including the Dolphins playoff loss to the Bills, and I expect him to have a chip on his shoulder this season. His success against the Chargers will come down to the success of Miami’s gameplan, as he’s shown not to be a player who makes the same mistakes twice.

 

Ultimately, expecting the defense to quickly pick up a dramatically different scheme than what they’re used to, and a tough matchup for Miami’s offense, the Chargers should be able to capitalize at home.

 

Chargers 31, Dolphins 24

 

Preseason Primer: Dolphins at Jaguars

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The Dolphins will take the field tonight in Jacksonville, in what will be their final preseason matchup. According to HC Mike McDaniel, he expects to play starters for anywhere between “more than a series, and less than a half”. It’s also expected that the Jaguars will play their top unit for most of the first half. 

While the impact of the starting units isn’t much more than a dress-rehearsal for the regular season, there are still important things to keep an eye on. NFL teams must trim their rosters to 53 by Tuesday’s deadline, so this will serve as a last-chance effort for bubble players, and camp positional battles to potentially find resolution. 

Most of the Dolphins roster looks pretty set in stone, but these are the things I’ll be keeping my eye on at the 7pm kickoff: 

 

Will the Dolphins keep a fourth running back? If so, then who? 

Barring a Jonathan Taylor trade, current running backs Raheem Mostert, Jeff Wilson Jr, and Devon Achane, look to be locks for the final 53. The other three backs, Salvon Ahmed, Myles Gaskin, and Chris Brooks have all contributed strong preseason performances, so if McDaniel decides to keep a fourth it won’t be an easy decision. 

Gaskin, now in his fifth season with the Dolphins, is the longest tenured runner on the roster. The former seventh-round pick is the most polished runner of the three, and his scrappy nature is a big part of why he’s lasted in Miami this long. 

Ahmed’s skill set may be a bit redundant with rookie third-round pick Devon Achane on the roster, but after Achane suffered a shoulder injury last week, Ahmed could be safe to make the initial roster. 

Undrafted rookie Chris Brooks is the most intriguing of the group. At 6 ‘1”, 223 lbs Brooks is the biggest and most powerful runner on the team, and has run with force and vision in the previous exhibitions. It will be interesting to see how many snaps he gets against the Jaguars, as he still appears to be a long shot behind the incumbents. Even if he doesn’t survive final-cuts, he will likely be a player that Miami looks to add to their practice squad. 

 

Tight ends Durham Smythe and Tyler Kroft look to be safe, but which tight end will step up to claim the third spot?

The answer to this could very well come down to which player the team feels could be a contributor on special teams. Eric Saubert got some h-back, and special teams reps last week against the Texans, but has largely been unimpressive throughout campo and the exhibition season. Rookie sixth-round pick Elijah Higgins brings some upside to the team with his receiving ability, and had some good run-blocking reps between the first two games. He is raw, having recently transitioned from his college position at wide receiver, he may be someone they look to stash on the practice squad. 

Tanner Conner may be the name to watch. After a standout performance in camp last year as an undrafted rookie, Conner made the team, but failed to see much playing time behind Mike Gesicki and Smythe. He has missed nearly all of training camp while on the physically-unable-to-perform (PUP) list, but was activated this past week. He doesn’t have much time to make an impression, so today’s game could be pivotal if Conner hopes to extend his stay on Miami’s active roster. 

Current undrafted rookie Julian Hill has flashed throughout the offseason, and could have an outside chance, particularly if Miami decides to keep four tight ends. 

 

Where is Robbie Chosen? 

Chosen was an exciting addition this off-season, and flashed his speed in OTA’s, but he’s had a surprisingly quiet training camp. It no longer feels like he’s a lock to make the roster, especially when River Cracraft can play on special teams. If McDaniel chooses to only keep five receivers, Chosen may be on the outside looking in, with Braxton Berrios, Cedrick Wilson, and Erik Ezukanma securely on the roster. 

 

With Robert Jones hurt, and Lester Cotten missing time, has Isaiah Wynn locked up the left guard spot, and how many snaps does Liam Eichenberg see in his return to action? 

It’ll be interesting to see if Eichenberg receives any snaps with the first-team. He was clearly losing the left guard battle before being sidelined with an injury. I don’t know that there’s much he can do to be the opening day starter, but a strong performance could be the kick-starter his confidence needs after a rough training camp. Right now it looks like Wynn has claimed the starting job, but it’s important he continues to play strong after an impressive camp by Lester Cotton. 

 

The Dolphins have a slew of defensive backs that could all make their case for the final 53, but Miami can’t keep everyone. Xavien Howard, Kader Kohou, Jevon Holland, Cam Smith, Eli Apple, DeShon Elliott, and Brandon Jones are all locks to make the team. Noah Igbinoghene is likely to make the team, as he’s on the final year of his rookie deal. After them, there’s a lot of intriguing young players, like Trill Williams, Verone McKinley, Noah Igbinoghene, Keidron Smith, and Bryce Thompson, that could all do themselves a huge favor with a strong performance tonight in Jacksonville. 

Special teams standout Elijah Campbell has probably locked up a spot, but another core special teams player may be in doubt. After missing a chunk of time with an injury, Keion Crossen returned to practice this week, but with the depth in the secondary, he may be on the outside looking in. 

 

Can any of the young players earn their spot with a solid showing on special teams? 

Undrafted rookies like linebackers Mitchell Agude, Garrett Nelson, and Aubrey Miller Jr, all have a real chance to make the team if they can prove to be of value on special teams. All three have flashed in different parts of the offseason, but Nelson and Agude have really turned it up in the exhibition games. It wouldn’t be a shock if one of them earns one of the final spots on Miami’s 53.

Tua impresses, and more Dolphins minicamp takeaways

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MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – The Miami Dolphins’ mandatory minicamp on Day 2 unveiled impressive performances and some valuable insights. Here are five key takeaways that shaped the narrative of minicamp:

Tua Tagovailoa’s Anticipatory Precision

  1. Tua Tagovailoa impressed with his quick decision-making and precise throws during both 7-on-7 and team drills. His ability to release the ball swiftly and anticipate openings in the defense showcased his growth and potential as a franchise quarterback.

Revamped Offensive Focus

  1. The Dolphins emphasized the importance of a revitalized running game, fully aware of its significance in late-season success. This commitment was palpable during the minicamp’s second practice, characterized by a heavy dose of run-heavy plays and bootlegs. 

Promising Offensive Line Performance

  1. Despite missing Terron Armstead and Connor Williams, the first team offensive line displayed productivity and forcefulness. The absence of key defensive players such as Zach Sieler and Jaylen Twyman also contributed to the linemen’s success. The solid blocking provided ample opportunities for the running backs to find some openings 

QB2 Duel Intensifies

  1. Skylar Thompson continued to impress, particularly during the latter part of the minicamp. His accurate deep throws, including a connection with undrafted rookie Daewood Davis for a potential 70-yard touchdown, solidified his standing in the competition for the backup quarterback position. Mike White, too, exhibited improvement with well-timed passes, notably connecting with Erik Ezukanma. The battle for the backup spot remains fierce..

Xavien Howard’s Engaged Presence

  1. Xavien Howard’s active involvement in offseason practices has demonstrated his dedication to the team and eagerness to impress under the guidance of new DC Vic Fangio. Alongside Jalen Ramsey, Kader Kohou, and Cam Smith, Howard’s commitment fortified the Dolphins’ formidable cornerback lineup. Justin Bethel, Tino Ellis, and Keion Crossen continue to compete for the remaining cornerback positions.

Other notes

Several noteworthy plays stood out during the minicamp session. 

-Alec Ingold made an impressive grab from TuaTagovailoa; they were in sync today.

-Tagovailoa demonstrated his quick decision-making by rolling to his right and completing a pass for a short gain. He also efficiently checked to his flat and connected with Ingold on another play.

-On the defensive side, Justin Bethel intercepted a pass from Mike White over the middle. White faced pressure from the collapsing offensive line during the play.

-UDFA Garrett Nelson applied consistent pressure on Skylar Thompson, generating a couple of impressive pass rushes.

-Thompson, in turn, displayed his arm talent and accuracy by finding Daewood Davis on a crossing route, resulting in a substantial gain of over 30 yards and even more YAC.

 

2023 NFL Mock Draft

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The 2023 NFL Draft is just days away and NFL teams are finalizing their big boards and start to focus on draft day. This 2023 NFL Mock Draft answers the biggest questions on where the quarterbacks will be going, potential trades and big surprises.

In this 2023 NFL Mock Draft I will be focusing on the first round and finally give my thoughts on what the Dolphins will do with their first pick in this years draft.

Top 10 Mock Draft

1) Carolina Panthers: QB C.J. Stroud

As of now, the betting market has QB Bryce Young to be selected first. However, I believe new Panthers Head Coach Frank wants a prototypical QB for the scheme he’ll bring to Carolina in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft

2) Houston Texans: QB Bryce Young

The connections are too great for Bryce Young to not be selected by Houston. Nick Caserio and DeMeco Ryans have spoke highly of Young. While Young does not fit the mold of your typical NFL Passer, he’s reminiscent of another QB (Kyler Murray) that was taken high with other elite traits at the QB position.

3) Detroit Lions (Projected Trade with Arizona): QB Anthony Richardson

Now this will make the biggest headlines in the 2023 NFL Draft if this actually happens. Yes, Jared Goff has done well with the Lions last year, but having Richardson in this Lions offense, with this many weapons and a good OL would set the Lions up for success in the future.

4) Indianapolis Colts: QB, Will Levis

Mayo loving QB Will Levis has been making waves in the pre-draft process. Scouts and NFL Media are raving about Levis playing in a pro-style offense at Kentucky. The Wildcat prospect has enough tools to work with, athleticism and ran a pro style offense with no run game, a bad OL and subpar receivers in the SEC. new HC Shane Steichen has worked with many QB’s in the past and could fit him up to be the next Colts QB.

5) Seattle Seahawks (from Denver): DL Jalen Carter

Jalen Carter is exactly what the Seattle Seahawks need in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft. The Georgia Bulldog prospect is a monster up front, pairing him up with Dre’Mont Jones and Jarran Reed is another step in revamping their front four and getting back to playing Championship caliber defense.

6) Arizona (Projected Trade with Arizona): EDGE Will Anderson

This is the best scenario for the Cardinals as there becomes a frenzy on QB’s and they take the best player available in the draft and gain picks to start their rebuild. Anderson is a blue chip prospect and the best player at his position. He has the athleticism, build, and arm length to make relentless plays against the pass and run

7) Las Vegas Raiders: OT Paris Johnson

With Jimmy Garoppolo as their new Qb, the Raiders will need protection up front. Johnson has the  a really nice prototype at OT-size, length, and quickness- for the Raiders to become a nasty unit up front. Kolton Miller is their LT for now and Johnson has only played a year at LT, he’s versatile enough to play RG. He’s an elite run blocker that will pave the way for Josh Jacobs.

8) Atlanta Falcons: EDGE Tyree Wilson

The Falcons need help with their pass rush, especially as they were ranked 26th in ESPN’s Pass Rush Win Rate. Wilson gives the Falcons a player with elite traits and measurables in a rotating pass rush group that will develop his skills and pass rush moves.

9) Chicago Bears (from Carolina): OT Peter Skoronski

The Chicago Bears are in desperate need of any and all offensive linemen to protect QB Justin Fields. The best available OL for Ryan Poles on the board is Northwestern Peter Skoronski. According to the Bears evaluation chart, Length is a big requirement to play OT. Skoronski fits as a Guard with his measurables.

10) Philadelphia Eagles (from New Orleans): RB Bijan Robinson

Death, Taxes, and Howie Roseman picking up value as one of the best General Managers in the NFL. Analytics be damned! Bijan rules and the Eagles try to continue to surround newly paid QB Jalen Hurts with more talent to make another run at the Super Bowl. Robinson and Hurts’ gravity with their legs will put defenders in a bind.

The Middle picks

11) Tennessee Titans: OT Broderick Jones

The Titans lost a lot of veteran offensive lineman in free agency and need to get younger, especially with Tannehill and Henry getting older. Tennessee gets bigger and stronger up front with the big UGA Bulldog. Jones has insane upside and is a great fit for Tennessee’s power running game.

12) Houston Texans (from Cleveland): WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Jaxson Smith-Njigba might be the best WR in this years class and certainly the first WR taken in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft. While JSN might not be super fast, he’s an exceptional route runner, creates separation and gets downfield. He’ll pair up well in Houston with Bryce Young and John Metchie III.

13) New York Jets: OT Darnell Wright Tennessee

The rest of the world is waiting on the Aaron Rodgers saga, I’m not. The Jets need help at their Tackle position. The Jets depth chart at Tackle is paper thin and Wright becomes their best OL regardless of whoever is playing QB.

14) New England Patriots: EDGE Nolan Smith

The New England Patriots do not have any other pass rushers under contract beyond 2023 besides Matthew Judon and 2021 draft pick Ronnie Perkins. Smith is an athletic freak. He’s comparable to Haasan Reddick and gives Bill Belicheck a versatile player in the front seven.

15) Green Bay Packers: EDGE Myles Murphy

The Packers are currently looking to select a pass rusher in the draft and Murphy is the best option on the board. Murphy is a higly athletic pass rusher along the lines of what GM Brian Gutenkest likes in pass rushers. Murphy’s explosive off the edge but needs to better his technique against the run.

 

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16) Washington Commanders: CB Devon Witherspoon

Washington is in dire need of a cornerback and Witherspoon is the first corner off the board. Witherspoon’s the best corner on the board and offers position flexibility. Witherspoons learning curve in the Commanders defense would be minimal as Illinois ran a similar style in 2022.

 

17) Pittsburgh Steelers: CB Christian Gonzalez

Gonzalez is one of the many corners the Steelers have brought in for a draft visit and also need secondary help. At 6’2″ and 200 pounds, he is an ideal size to matchup with bigger and stronger wide receivers at the NFL level especially in the AFC.

18) Detroit Lions: CB Joey Porter Jr.

As the run on CB’s start, the Lions bolster their defense with an NFL Bloodline prospects. After the trade of Okudah, the Lions level up in the secondary. With Porter’s versatility means he’ll fill in anywhere he’s needed and a good schematic fit for the Lions.

19) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: S Brian Branch

Todd Bowles needs a thumper in the middle of his defense and someone who can wear multiple hats while doing it well. Branch is that player. He’s a do it all defender with good instincts in coverage and speed as a blitzer. As of now the Bucs need a nickel defender and someone who has the ability to also play safety. Branch is the pick in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft.

Rounding out the teens

20) Cincinnati Bengals (Projected Trade with Seattle): TE Dalton Kincaid

This is a pretty shocking trade to pull off, especially for a TE. However, this TE class is absolutely loaded and Kincaid is the best pass catching TE there is to help bring more firepower to an electric Bengals offense.

21) Los Angeles Chargers: WR Quentin Johnson

There are targets up for grabs in LA, and Johnston fits a similar profile to the type of receivers the Chargers have drafted in the past. Size, RAC, and toughness. Keenan Allen and Mike Williams aren’t getting any younger.

22) Baltimore Ravens: CB Deonte Banks

Deonte Banks stays home in Maryland in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft. Banks is a natural fit in Mike MacDonalds system and great in man coverage. Banks is a young infusion in a well tenured defensive back group that dealt with injuries last season.

23) Minnesota Vikings: WR Zay Flowers

It would not shock me if the Minnesota Vikings trade back to gain more draft capital, however; if a top WR2 prospect like Zay Flowers is avaliable, I think they take him. It’s a good move to pair up Zay Flowers with Justin Jefferson, two really good separators that can do damage against top CB’s.

24) Jacksonville Jaguars: DL Calijah Kancey

The Jaguars have a void in the interior of their defensive line. Calijah Kancey gives the Jaguars a young, but dominant core for the next couple of years. While Kancey does not have the measurables, he was disruptive and a productive force at Pitt and can line up anywhere on the front seven to make the Jaguars a multiple front.

25) New York Giants: WR Jordan Addison

An extremely productive receiver at Pitt with Kenny Pickett and at USC with Caleb Williams, Addison goes to newly paid Giants QB Daniel Jones to give the football Giants a brand new playmaker they have desperately needed into their offense. Addison is a refined route runner that can lineup in the slot and move around the field.

26) Dallas Cowboys: DL Bryan Bresee

This pick goes against the grain of what the Cowboys have done in the first round, they’re all about flashy players on offense, TE feels like a safe pick but they have pressing needs at defensive tackle. While Dallas’ defense is strong they need someone in the middle of the line to make it stout. Having Breese, coming off an ACL injury, but young and talented to play by Micah and DeMarcus Lawerence would set the Boys DL for the future

27) Buffalo Bills: EDGE Lukas Van Ness

Recent history suggest Bills draft defense in the first round, especially amongst the front seven. Buffalo gets a physical but raw defender in Lukas Van Ness in this 2023 Mock Draft.  Van Ness is a project early on but having him learn the tools of the trade behind DaQuaon Jones, Ed Oliver, and Von Miller will benefit his development. His upside is not to be taken lightly. The Bills defense is built from the inside out, and the rugged Hawkeyes pass rusher would fit the culture and could be a critical rotational edge rusher as a rookie.

28) Seattle Seahawks (Projected Trade with Cincinatti): G O’Cyrus Torrence

In a whirlwind trade with the Cincinatti Bengals, the Seattle Seahawks get tremendous value in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft. One of the best offensive lineman in the draft lands up in Seattle to form a young offensive line that provides a long term fixture at guard. Geno Smith gets another year to prove himself behind an OL that ranked 27th in the NFL per PFF with two rookie tackles.

29) New Orleans Saints (from San Francisco through Miami and Denver): DL Mazi Smith

The Saints need to shore up the interior of their defense, especially after losing three starters in Shy Tuttle, David Onyemata, and Marcus Davenport. The consensus points to Michigan prospect Mazi Smith to settle down in the Bayou. Smith is a classic run stuffer for a Dennis Allen Saints defense with athleticism on early downs. They ranked 24th against the rush, Mazi is a big bodied presence for the Saints.

30) Philadelphia Eagles: OT Anton Harrison

It’s like General Manager Howie Roseman loves Sooner Prospects. First Lane Johnson, then Jalen Hurts, next up in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft is Anton Harrison. Harrison just had a top 30 visit with the Eagles. Harrison is reloaded into the Eagles offensive line to continue their dominant run game and protect Jalen Hurts. Also, Eagles Coach Jeff Stoutland loved what Harrison was able to do in the pass rush drop drill at the Combine.

31) Kansas City Chiefs: TE Michael Mayer

Man would this be a selection for the Kansas City Chiefs. Pairing up one of the best TE prospects in this draft class with a future Hall of Famer in TE Travis Kelce. The Combination of Mayer and Kelce will be destructive for opposing defenses as the Chiefs would do damage in 12 personnel. Michael Mayer can do the dirty work in the trenches and pick up yards in the passing game.

Bonus

51) Miami Dolphins: TE Darnell Washington

Darnell Washington is hard to miss if he’s available on the board. At 6’7 and 265 pounds, Washington is a freakishly good athlete that relies on his strengths to block in-line and can catch passes at his size. He’s hard to take down. It’ll take some time for Washington to become a tactful blocker in Miami, but he does strengthen the blocking aspect of Miami’s offensive line.

 

Hussam Patel is a Miami Dolphins contributor and Lead NFL Draft analyst at Five Reasons Sports Network. Follow him on Twitter at @HussamPatel

Miami Dolphins Mock Draft 2023

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For another year, it won’t be that difficult to put together a Miami Dolphins mock draft. The Miami Dolphins turn to the 2023 NFL Draft to re-tool and reload for the 2023 NFL Season. 

However, as the Dolphins organization looks forward to the 2023 season, the team still has some way to become a consistent playoff team and hopeful Super Bowl winner. General Manager Chris Grier brought in esteemed defensive coordinator Vic Fangio to improve their struggling passing defense. Furthermore, new names were brought in to shore up their biggest needs in free agency. 

Before the midseason trade deadline, the Miami Dolphins acquired edge rusher Bradley Chubb from the Denver Broncos, and before the start of Free Agency they traded pick 72 and Hunter Long to the Los Angeles Rams for Jalen Ramsey, a three-time All-Pro cornerback. Also, they inked a deal with David Long Jr. To help build depth in the linebacker position 

The Miami Dolphins addressed major needs through trades, free agency acquisitions and re-signing key players. While doing that, the team will need to fill holes and depth with four picks in the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft.

Round 2, Pick 63– Zach Charbonnet RB, UCLA

*Projected Trade with Kansas City, Kansas City Trades Pick 63, Pick 95 and Pick 122 for Pick 52, Pick 238 and EDGE Emmanuel Ogbah*

In this Miami Dolphins 2023 Mock Draft, I have the Dolphins trading back to get more picks to increase their roster depth and save $11.19 million by trading away Emmanuel Ogbah. The PFF mock draft machine accepted the trade.

Former Michigan and UCLA alum Zach Charbonnet packs a punch in the running game. Charbonnet is a physical runner and excels at running between the tackles and in the outside zone scheme. He’s tough to bring down with the first hit and is a pinball bouncing off of defenders. The Bruin running back waits for holes to open in the run game and utilizes his vision on his cuts. 

Charbonnet can be a true three down back for the Miami Dolphin as a workhorse running back, he’s serviceable catching passes out of the backfield. The only concern is his breakaway speed. He’s not as fast as current Dolphins Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson but makes it up by breaking tackles and having the second highest rushing yards over expected (+1.34) in the 2023 NFL Draft class.

 

The Dolphins don’t have any running backs contracted through the 2024 season and selecting Zach Charbonnet with their first pick in this 2023 Miami Dolphins Mock draft paves the way for their RB of the future. 

The Dolphins don’t have any running backs contracted through the 2024 season and selecting Zach Charbonnet with their first pick in this 2023 Miami Dolphins Mock draft paves the way for their RB of the future.

Round 3, Pick 84- Tucker Kraft TE, South Dakota State

Mike Gesicki and Hunter Long are no longer Dolphins which leaves the Dolphins tight end room with Durham Smythe, Tanner Connor, and free agent pickup Eric Saubert. Enter in 6-foot-5, 255 pound tight end Tucker Kraft in this Miami Dolphins 2023 Mock Draft, who Lance Zierlen comps to Pat Freiermuth.

The Jack Rabbit alum is versatile, he can play in-line, from the slot and even out wide. He’s made really tough contested catches by using his massive frame and catches with soft hands to reel in passes. Kraft runs very well and is tough to bring down after the catch racking up extra yards. While Kraft is an average route runner, he excels on short routes to gain YAC. He can get off the line quickly in the tight end alignment and has been utilized as a seam threat over the middle.  

Furthermore the athletic tight end was a major contributor to the Jack Rabbit running game. Kraft is well versed as a run blocker and contains a powerful lower body and strong hands to sustain blocks out wide and to the second level. He will need to lower his pad level in the passing game as a blocker and that will be cleaned up with coaching. The SDSU product should see the field early on due to his run blocking to help spring up a middling Dolphins run game. 

While Kraft may be from the FCS and hasn’t played better competition, his skillset and traits on film have shown the ability to succeed at the next level. Pair this with his production and athletic frame, he could become the next Dallas Goedert, or as head coach Mike McDaniel has worked with in the past, the next George Kittle. Not to mention, Head Coach Mike McDaniel met with Kraft at the combine.

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Round 3, Pick 95- Tyler Steen OL, Alabama

Count on Miami Dolphins General Manager to draft an Alabama prospect. Alabama is one of the most popular schools that the Dolphins draft out of, with five selections since the 2016 draft. I project in thie Miami Dolphins 2023 Mock Draft for Chris Grier to select Alabama OL Tyler Steen. Steen, a Miami native, stands at 6-foot-6 and 315 pounds. Tyler Steen went to Vanderbilt for three seasons and transferred to Alabama for his senior year and started as a LT. 
 
As a pass protecter the Crimson Tide product is able to get out of his stance at the first step and shows lateral agility making him a scheme fit in a zone blocking team. For as big as Steen is, he attacks pass rushers rather than defending the QB to wash them out of the play. With his quick feet he’s able to adjust to pass rushers bends and resets his feet. However, Steen will need to clean up his technique and leverage to be more consistent against NFL opponents. 

In the run game, the Miami native utilizes his athletic frame to attack blockers and get up to the second level. Alabama ran a lot of backside runs where Steen was a cut blocker to seal off backside defenders from making a play. He’ll need to shore up his anchor and technique in the run game, focusing on zone blocks rather than focusing on a single player. 

At some point in the future, Steen will become a starting Left Tackle; however, Miami needs help at the Left Guard position and Steen projects to do well there early on, as he showed at the Senior Bowl. Especially if he is taken by the Dolphins and given a chance to develop alongside future hall of famer Terron Armstead.

Round 4 Pick 144- YaYa Diaby DL,/EDGE Lousiville  

YaYa Diaby stands at 6-foot-3 as a potential EDGE/OLB that provides rotational depth to a team’s pass rusher group.  
 
Diaby’s quick get off suggest he would be sutied to play as an EDGE in a 4-3 scheme and an OLB in a 3-4 scheme. Diaby’s is able to generate pressure through one moce and one move only, his bull rush. He displays his power to generate displacement, strength to shed blocks and pursuing the ball carrier.   

Diaby is a straight line rusher and needs to learn several different moves in his arsenal, pressure needs to be schemed up for him and will benefit learning from a solid group of pass rushers. 

He’s able to anchor his lower body to shed and climb blocks in the run game but needs for upper body strength to disengage offensive lineman and make the tackle against running backs on lateral runs.

Round 6, Pick 197- Ronnie Bell WR, Michigan 

Ronnie Bell is a tough, hard nosed wide receiver that makes tough contested catches with a frame of 5-foot-11 and 192 pounds. He plays bigger than his frame and playing in a run-oriented offense, Bell can do the dirty work in the run game. 
 
The Michigan Wolverines product is a former basketball player, and it serves him well releasing off the line of scrimmage, getting into his breaks and creating separation at the stem of his route. It allows him to catch the ball with ease. Bell has strong hands that helps him at the catch point. Bell is a pretty versatile receiver in terms of where he has lined up in college, he’s been in the slot, out wide and used on sweeps and motions.

Bell doesn’t have the speed like the rest of the Dolphins have on offense, he is a good route runner who creates separation which works well in a timing-based offense. He reminds me of a possession style wide receiver and someone that can come big on third and short plays. Surprisingly, Bell is a YAC monster, he fights for every yard against defenders and has experience returning kicks on special teams. 

In this Miami Dolphins Mock draft, the 2023 edition, Bell projects as a “big slot” later down the line in his career. Although Michigan manufactured his touches he was a reliable chain mover. He will need to add more play strength against physical defenders in the NFL and to help out in the run game. 

 

Hussam Patel is a Miami Dolphins contributor and Lead NFL Draft analyst at Five Reasons Sports Network, Director of Scouting at PhinManiacs and Editor at Dolphins ATB. Follow him on Twitter at @HussamPatel

Tua Tagovailoa’s Injury: The NFL must change its concussion protocol rules

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Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was taken to University of Cincinnati trauma care after suffering head and neck injuries against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Social media posters, pundits, fans and media analysts alike questioned whether he should have been playing against the Bengals after his initial injury against the Buffalo Bills last Sunday.

In Sunday’s win over the Buffalo Bills, Tua underwent concussion evaluations at halftime after he hit his head on the ground and then stumbled while trying to return to the huddle. The team initially listed him as questionable to return because of a head injury but later said it was a back injury that caused him to stumble. 

Coach Mike McDaniel stated in his post-game conference that he did not have a concussion. “Yeah, otherwise we would have reported him having a head injury,” McDaniel told reporters. “That’s why the NFL has these protocols.”

Concussion protocol for Tua Tagovailoa’s injury

When any player receives an impact to the head and exhibits symptoms or signs of a concussion, the player goes into concussion protocol. Per the the NFLPA and NFL player health and safety checklist it goes as follows:

It is required for all players who undergo any concussion evaluation on game day to have a follow-up evaluation conducted the following day by a member of the medical staff.

Who is to blame?

First reaction to Tua Tagovailoa’s injury was the initial question, “Why did the Dolphins play him if he had a concussion against the Buffalo Bills?” Secondary reaction was, “The Dolphins lied about Tua injury on Sunday and put him in this predicament.” Thirdly, the reaction was to hold the Dolphins coaches, trainers and medical staff accountable for putting Tua Tagovailoa out on the field and increasing his risk of injury.

The blame game has already started and the focus is on the Dolphins organization and their handling of Tua Tagovailoa’s injury from last Sunday’s win against the Buffalo Bills. What was initially thought to have been a head injury, turned out to be a back injury. The Dolphins quarterback was tested for a potential concussion injury, Tagovailoa did clear the concussion protocol.

As with many concussion protocol predicaments, the NFL and NFLPA conduct their investigations, in which a team physician and unaffiliated neurologist cleared him to return Sunday. The investigation is still ongoing in regards to Tua Tgaovailoa’s injury. 

Yet, the narrative exists that the Dolphins coaching staff, team doctors and independent neurologist did not follow proper protocols, lied or are covering up what truly happened. 

 

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Timeline of Tua Tagovailoa’s injury:

– Tua receives impact to the head against the Bills, looks to have gross motor instability which is then determined by team physician and independent neurologist on the sideline

– Dolphins team account tweets out Tua Tagovailoa has a head injury and is questionable to return.

-Tua Tagovailoa is then taken into the locker room to conduct the locker room exams as per the NFL concussion gameday checklist

– The “no go” rule has to be followed up with the team physician and the independent neuro- they took him to the locker room to be examined. 

– NFL SCAT and Neurological exam is conducted per the concussion gameday checklist. Tua is returned to play meaning the assessments were normal 

– After the game it is cited from Tua and Coach McDaniel that he tweaked his back at the goaline earlier in the game. Injury reports for the week listed him with Back/Ankle injury

“On the quarterback sneak, I kind of got my legs caught under someone, and then they were trying to push back and then kind of felt like I hyper-extended my back or something. Then on the next play I kind of hit my back and kind of hurt. Then I got up and then that’s kind of why I stumbled – my back kind of locked up on me. For the most part, I’m good. I passed whatever concussion protocol they had, so I’m good.”

Tua Tagovailoa on his injury against the Buffalo Bills

–He was given daily examinations from NFL Chief Medical Officer Allen Sills above what the concussion protocol dictates “is required for all players who undergo any concussion evaluation on game day to have a follow-up evaluation conducted the following day by a member of the medical staff.”

Optics on Tua Tagovailoa’s injury

Tua Tagovailoa remained motionless on the ground, was eventually stretchered off the field, and taken by ambulance to University of Cincinnati trauma care. After the game, the Dolphins said that Tagovailoa would be discharged from the hospital and fly home with the team.

The incident leaves questions that many ask the NFL and the Dolphins. Was his injury on Sunday really a back issue?

Why wasn’t the NFL and the union able to complete their investigation in time for Thursday night’s game, considering the potential risk of exposing a young star’s brain to multiple traumatic injuries in one week?

The optics look terrible, but if the investigation finds everything was properly followed, then again, that’s a failing on the league’s part, not on the Dolphins or anyone else.

There has been scrutiny of the NFL’s handling of concussions. The league is able to claim that it is battling this fight through small adjustments like safer helmets or more stringent roughing-the-passer penalties—but we know that their main goal is to avoid consequences rather than actually solve the issue.

Normally, the NFL’s strategy works, because the players want to play. The NFL and NFLPA’s investigation wont be concluded up until the end of the week to finally understand what exactly happened, if the protocols were followed and if they were effective. However, the league must see the effects of putting a star QB’s brain at risk captured in great detail and replayed continuously. The NFL must review its concussion and injury policies while also telling the truth.

 

Hussam Patel is a Miami Dolphins contributor and Lead NFL Draft analyst at Five Reasons Sports Network, Director of Scouting at PhinManiacs and Editor at Dolphins ATB. Follow him on Twitter at @HussamPatel

Quick react: Tua, defense help Dolphins slip past Bills, lead AFC East

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The Miami Dolphins are a force to be reckoned with after week 3 in the NFL. Last week, the Dolphins arguably played their best game ever, beating the Baltimore Ravens 42-38 after a 21 point fourth quarter comeback. This week, the Dolphins put up a score of 21-19, beating the best team in the NFL, the Buffalo Bills.

This unbelievable performance was the most balanced game the Miami Dolphins have played this season. While the offense didn’t have 500+ yards this week like they did against the Ravens, Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and company looked amazing again.

Tagovailoa threw a bullet to wide receiver River Cracraft for a touchdown early in the game. In the second quarter, Tagovailoa seemed to get injured, standing up and stumbling, a very scary sight for Dolphins fans. However, when the third quarter started, the quarterback was back in the game and unfazed.

Tagovailoa set the Dolphins up for a pivotal touchdown on a 45 yard pass to wide receiver Jaylen Waddle. This may be the most beautiful ball we have seen from Tagovailoa, not to mention this throw allowed the Dolphins to take the lead in the fourth quarter.

The Miami defense also played the best game any team has played against the Buffalo Bills so far this season, holding them to 19 points. With a strip sack from safety Jevon Holland and many defended passes from cornerbacks Xavien Howard and Nik Needham, the Bills offense looked lost.

All Dolphins fans can agree this is the best start to a season we have seen in many, many years.

Lamar Jackson has Dolphins on list if he leaves Ravens

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As Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens prepare to play the Miami Dolphins this Sunday, the star quarterback’s future is still up in the air.

And Miami could be in play there also.

You’re probably aware of what was originally a report by ESPN’s Chris Mortensen that the Ravens offered the former MVP a six-year deal that could be worth more than $290 million because only $133 million was fully guaranteed. And that Jackson, who represents himself rather than working with an agent, rejected the deal and decided to play out the last year of his contract.

But we have also learned at 5RSN that Jackson, who was born in Pompano Beach and played at Boynton Beach High, has the Dolphins high on his list if he cannot come to terms to remain in Baltimore.

Here is some background:

Lamar Jackson’s current contract

Per Spotrac, Jackson’s contract is his rookie deal and entering the fifth and final year of his contract. Meaning, after this season he may become an unrestricted free agent after the season, unless the Ravens organization decides to franchise tag Lamar Jackson.

Over the cap projects the franchise tag for a QB in 2023 to be worth $31.5 million. The Ravens have franchised tagged one of their own former quarterbacks in the past in Joe Flacco. Would it be worth the risk if Jackson plays on the tag and hits free agency after a year?

Jackson will make around  $23 million in his fifth-year option but has no guaranteed money after this season. His hope is to land an extension after this season with the Ravens, who are expected to apply their franchise tag on Jackson and prevent him from hitting free agency if the sides still are unable to reach a deal.

Timeline on Lamar Jackson’s new contract

It sounds absurd for Jackson to decline a monster $290 million contract, but it came with stipulations.

The deal was reportedly in the same ballpark as Russel Wilson and Kyler Murray’s contract. However, Jackson does not see himself on the same tier as Wilson and Murray. The Ravens quarterback wants a contract similar to the fully guaranteed deal Deshaun Watson received from the Cleveland Browns.

Per source, the Ravens organization are hesitant to give Jackson a fully guaranteed deal worth over $200 million. The value of Lamar Jackson’s contract is uniquely looked at on the field. 

Jackson, acting as his own agent along with his mother and the NFL Players Association, wants a fully guaranteed deal to secure his future based on injury risk. He has taken more hits amongst all NFL quarterbacks (737) since 2018.

“It was a pretty big risk last season. The year before,”I’m just playing football. Anything can happen. God forbid the wrong thing happens.”

Lamar Jackson on his contract situation

The Ravens have offered Jackson more than what Kyler Murray currently has. One of the unique situations is the value of Deshaun Watson contract which Jackson wants. Jackson, like Watson, is in the prime of his career; however, the Browns are a dysfunctional franchise badly in need of a long-term solution under center. The Ravens are not.

A source close to Jackson stated that Jackson was going to sign on Monday, September 5th. Yet, the Ravens modified the contract by putting a hefty monetary incentive for a Superbowl pushing it upwards of $270 million. Lamar Jackson declined the offer.

Furthermore, Jackson asked for Greg Roman to not be the play-caller if he were to sign due to the play style the last few seasons and potential risk of injury. There’s been murmur of Jackson disliking of the playcalling “upstairs”, while comments of offensive coordinator throwing shade on Jackson improvement in passing the ball. When asked if Jacksons improvements on throwing the ball would “open up the playbook”, Roman replied “No.”

 

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What’s next for Lamar?

 

According to a source close to Jackson, he’s privately told those close to him that he will not play if the franchise tag is placed on him.

Unless the Ravens change their stance and offer Jackson what he’s asked, the potential for a sign and trade is open. It would look poorly on the Ravens organization if Lamar is left to deal with the open market in free agency.

Jackson does have a list of teams he would be interested in going to. Per source the list includes the Detroit Lions, Miami Dolphins and Philadelphia Eagles.

The Detroit Lions have the offensive weapons for Jackson. The Lions have a young but solid offensive line, a workhorse running back and pass catching weapons. The Lions defense is a concern right now but have franchise cornerstones in Jeffrey Okudah and Aidan Hutchinson.

The Philadelphia Eagles have Jalen Hurts as their current quarterback but they may not be sold just yet. The Eagles have two very good tackles that can handle their own in the trenches, a solid run game, a dominant receiver in A.J. Brown and a potential top five defense in the NFL. Furthermore, the Eagles have the draft capital to lure the Ravens into a sign and trade deal.

The Miami Dolphins are an interesting choice because of Jackson’s ties here. There’s buzz around current Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s 3rd year being “make or break,” even though new coach Mike McDaniel has showed a strong commitment to him so far. The offense consists of weapons like Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle and Chase Edmonds to complement a top defense in the NFL. However, will Chris Grier have the asset to secure Jackson? The quarterback the currently-suspended Dolphins owner Steve Ross wanted in the 2018 NFL draft?

While contract talks have stalled, the conversation about Jackson will continue, here and elsewhere — and is likely to get louder after he faces Miami on Sunday.

 

Hussam Patel is a Miami Dolphins contributor and Lead NFL Draft analyst at Five Reasons Sports Network, Director of Scouting at PhinManiacs and Editor at Dolphins ATB. Follow him on Twitter at @HussamPatel

 

Jaylen celebrates after scoring the clinching touchdown for the Miami Dolphins in the win against the New Orleans Saints.

The Most Successful Sports Teams in Florida

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In the world of sports, there are teams that are successful, and then there are teams that are simply dominant. In Florida, a few teams stand out as being some of the most successful in the country. Whether it is football, basketball, baseball, or any other sport, these teams have been able to bring home championship after championship. Here is a look at some of Florida’s most successful sports teams.

What Makes Sports So Popular in Florida?

Sports are a huge part of Florida culture. From high school football to professional baseball, there is no shortage of sporting events to attend in the Sunshine State. In addition to the many traditional sports teams, Florida is also home to a number of unique sporting venues, including spring training for Major League Baseball and NASCAR races at Daytona International Speedway. But what is it that makes sports so popular in Florida? Part of the answer may lie in the state’s climate. With an average temperature of 75 degrees and sunny weather year-round, Floridians are able to enjoy outdoor activities year-round. In addition, the sports betting tradition in Florida is popular, and it’s estimated that 44% of residents have partaken or Googled the term online sports betting Florida in their lifetimes.

Whatever the reason, it’s clear that sports play a big role in Florida culture.

Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins are one of Florida’s oldest and most successful sports franchises. They have been around since 1966 and have earned a unique place in the sport’s history. They have won two Super Bowl championships and five conference championships. They are also the only NFL team to go an entire season undefeated, which they did in 1972. That season culminated in the team winning Super Bowl VII.

The Dolphins joined the NFL in 1970 when the AFL and NFL merged. In their first Super Bowl appearance, they defeated the San Francisco 49ers. In the next season, they won the AFC championship. The Dolphins went on to win three consecutive Super Bowls.

Miami Heat

The Miami Heat is a professional basketball team. The team was founded in 1988. Its first season was a loss, but it soon became relevant after Pat Riley became its head coach and president. He built a championship team by making trades that included Tim Hardaway and Alonzo Mourning.

These players helped the team win four division titles. The team also added Dwyane Wade.

The Miami Heat have a storied history and are considered one of Florida’s most popular sports teams. Fans love to watch this team during all seasons, and even during their worst seasons, they still provide fans with the thrills and excitement they crave. The team has established a foundation in South Florida, and Erik Spoelstra is set to take over the team once Pat Riley retires.

Tampa Bay Rays

The Tampa Bay Rays are a baseball team that plays in the American League’s Eastern Division. For the first decade of the team’s existence, the Rays finished last in the AL East, with the exception of 2004. The team won the AL East in 2008 and 2010 and made the World Series in both years. The team’s name was changed to Rays when Stuart Sternberg took over the team from Vince Naimoli two years later. The team’s logo features a sunburst and a manta ray.

In 1995, the Devil Rays were awarded an expansion franchise, with the Atlanta Braves former assistant general manager Chuck LaMar serving as the team’s general manager. The team’s first manager was Larry Rothschild. In 1997, the Rays acquired 35 players in the Expansion Draft, including Bobby Abreu, who would eventually become a star. In the same year, the Rays traded away Abreu to the Philadelphia Phillies.

Orlando City SC

Since 2005, Orlando City, SC, has been experiencing meteoric growth. The team has established itself as a soccer powerhouse and a magnet for soccer fans. The city’s burgeoning population and growing soccer scene have provided the perfect storm for this club. Listed below are some of the club’s many successes.

Orlando City, SC, has had a busy July. This weekend, the club will play at D.C. United for the first game under new manager Wayne Rooney. Despite the busy schedule, the team will be hopeful for a successful game against the Reds. A win would put Orlando in the top four in the Eastern Conference.

In 2013, Orlando City was announced as the 21st franchise in the MLS. In its first year of competition, the club brought in the first Designated Player in the league, Kaka, a former FIFA Player of the Year. Orlando City SC was the league’s second-highest-charting team in its second season. It also launched the Orlando Pride in the NWSL in 2016 and opened its new downtown stadium in 2017.

University of Florida Gators

The University of Florida Gators is a top college basketball program and is one of the most successful teams in the country. They have won 12 national championships since 2010, including two straight outdoors and a pair of championships indoors. They have made the NCAA Tournament finals every year except two and have won the SEC championship every year since 2006 and the National Invitation Tournament every year.

The University of Florida has had success in many sports, including basketball, football, and volleyball. They have won 30 NCAA team championships, including two in football and three in basketball. The Gators also have seven women’s tennis titles. Their alumni have also found success in professional sports, including six-time Olympic gold medalist Ryan Lochte and NFL all-time leading rusher Emmitt Smith.

Dolphins preseason Bucs

Skylar Thompson forcing Dolphins to make hard choices

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Very few people knew the name Skylar Thompson when the Miami Dolphins drafted him in the 7th round of the 2022 NFL Draft. In fact, many were wondering why Miami would use a draft pick on a QB who many believed would be available as an undrafted free agent. Surely, there were other developmental players available the Dolphins could invest in during a win-now year.

However, from the moment he put on the uniform, Skylar Thompson was turning heads.

The 25-year old rookie out of Kansas State is showing extreme poise under pressure. Granted, he’s playing against backups the majority of the time, but his preseason performances are undeniably impressive. In just over five quarters of preseason play, Thompson has gone 29-of-38, with 347 yards and two touchdowns.

Even the team’s starting quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, can’t help but be impressed by Thompson’s play so far.

“I’ve been extremely impressed with Skylar.” Tagovailoa said after Saturday’s game. “Skylar handled the Tampa game extremely well, and then now he comes in a little later into the third quarter, gets his group going, has — I don’t even know how many plays he had. He probably had a 10-play drive leading up to the score that we had our first score that we had here at Hard Rock for this 2022 season. But I think he has handled it extremely well. He gave us an opportunity to kick a field goal to win the game. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case, but I think he has done an extremely great job for us.”

To some draft pundits, Thompson’s success comes as no surprise. Matt Waldman – creator of the Rookie Scouting Portfolio since 2006, stated during his evaluation that Thompson has at least one trait that stands out above every other QB prospect in this draft.

“Thompson has the best pocket management of this class. He maneuvers from all types of pressure better than at least half of the NFL starters I’ve watched this year.  He also takes hellacious hits and maintains the equanimity to deliver an accurate ball.”

Perhaps what held Thompson back during the draft were the injuries he suffered at Kansas State. During his senior year in 2020, Thompson suffered an upper-body injury which limited him to only three starts. But in those games, he went 40-of-64, 62.5 completion percentage, 626 yards and four touchdowns.

He didn’t have much better luck in 2021, as he suffered a knee injury that allowed him only ten starts. However, he still put up decent numbers (162-of-233, 69.5%, 2,113 yards, 12 TDs, four INTs) and finished his career by winning Texas Bowl MVP honors in the team’s win over a depleted LSU roster, in which he went 21-of-28, 259 yards and 3 TDs.

Had he been healthy throughout his collegiate career, it’s safe to assume Thompson would not have fallen all the way to the 7th round. His lack of production at Kansas State was partly due to those injuries. It was also partly due to the demands of the scheme he was in. Nonetheless, coach Mike McDaniel saw something in Thompson that caused the Dolphins to deem it fit to use a draft pick on him.

So far, McDaniel appears justified in that assessment.

“He just gets better every day.” McDaniel said after the preseason loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. “This game the operation was better. There was one time that he kind of lost the play clock a little bit, and we had to burn a timeout, but more than anything, he really had command over everything. And he is starting to make plays that when one or two aren’t there, feeling the concept. And like that touchdown they threw to ‘Z. White’ on the left-hand side, that’s something that Skylar doesn’t make at the beginning of preseason. So, I’ve seen continued improvement, but he is very diligent about the process. He has got the makeup of what it takes to be an NFL quarterback. So I think all of his teammates can feel that too.”

Now given the opportunity to produce in a QB friendly offensive scheme, it’s clear Skylar Thompson’s production was not due to lack of skill. PrizePicks.com had Thompson’s O/U on passing yardage at 165.5 yards, assuming that he would play the entirety of the second half if not more.

In spite of entering the game with less than a minute left in the 3rd quarter, Thompson was nearly able to reach that prop. As he led the Dolphins down the field and nearly led what could have been the game-winning drive, Thompson went 9-of-10 for 129 yards and a touchdown, all in the span of barely over one quarter’s time.

Skylar Thompson wasn’t supposed to make things difficult. But he is. Now, the Miami Dolphins have a difficult choice to make. Do they run the risk of letting him test the waiver wire? There are surely QB-needy teams who would love to claim him as their own. Or, alternatively, do they roster three quarterbacks? That idea is unprecedented in today’s modern NFL, but the Dolphins may not have a choice.

Veteran backup QB Teddy Bridgewater has a contract worth up to $10 million. $6.5 million of it is guaranteed. The way it’s structured, as of this moment, releasing Bridgewater saves Miami a grand total of zero dollars in cap space. And it puts them in a deep hole financially as they would be forced to pay him that amount no matter what.

However, if the Dolphins can trade Bridgewater, that changes. Trading him saves Miami $4.5 million in cap space with only $2 million in dead cap. The hard part is finding a trade partner.

These are the questions Skylar Thompson is forcing the Dolphins to answer. His performance in preseason and in practice make it extremely difficult to justify waiving him. By the same token, keeping him instead of Bridgewater hurts the team financially. In 2023, Miami is going to need every penny they can save.

And if they simply keep all three QBs? Then another position that may need the extra depth will lose an important piece. The Dolphins are low on cornerbacks and good offensive line depth. Can they afford the extra roster spot? It’s up to Mike McDaniel to weigh the pros and cons and make that choice.

As for Skylar Thompson himself, he’s determined not to let the situation get to him as the preseason rapidly approaches its end.

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“That decision is out of my control.” He said. “All I can do is focus on being the best teammate that I can possibly be every day, continue to grow and try to learn and get better. That’s really all I’m focused on right now, and everything else I know will take care of itself whichever way that may fold. This is out of my hands. I’m just here to be a good teammate – help the team the most whichever way I can.”

Luis Sung has covered the Miami Dolphins for numerous outlets such as Dolphins Wire for eight years. Follow him on Twitter: @LuisDSung

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