Preseason: Dolphins at Buccaneers – Top 3 players to watch

After two joint practices with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Miami Dolphins will enter real game action against them thanks to the preseason. Naturally, there are some players to keep a close eye on, but for this article, the featured players will be outside the box. Everyone wants to see Preston Williams and Josh Rosen. It’s too easy to point them out. So, here are some new but important faces to keep an eye on for Friday.

Jaryd Jones-Smith, OT

With the Dolphins missing Zach Sterup for Friday’s game, there’s going to be a lot of focus on the backup left tackle position. Last week, Jordan Mills got thrown into the position at the last minute. As a result, the offensive line was disastrous, and both Ryan Fitzpatrick and Josh Rosen spent most of their time running for their lives. Then a new face came into play. Jaryd Jones-Smith stepped in on the second day of joint practices, and somewhat stabilized the line.

Seeing that Sterup is out and Mills has shown to be insufficient, Jones-Smith has a good opportunity to prove his worth against a solid Buccaneers defensive line. All he has to do is be average, and he’ll be making a case for himself.

Jonathan Ledbetter, DE

Last week’s preseason game, it was a toss-up to decide who would make the top three performers list between Ledbetter and fellow DE Dewayne Hendrix. Even though the nod ultimately went to Hendrix, Ledbetter still deserves a strong look. The rookie out of Georgia is spending time with the starters in practice. That’s impressive for an undrafted free agent. With Tampa Bay QB Jameis Winston still working on accuracy, and Blaine Gabbert being…himself, Ledbetter has an excellent opportunity for himself.

Against the Falcons, Ledbetter made five tackle and recorded half a sack. Push a little harder, and he could see himself doing more than making the team. He may earn significant playing time.

Christian Wilkins, DT

The big name of the list. Christian Wilkins undoubtedly contributed to the success of the Clemson defense during his college career, but his Dolphins tenure is not starting off with him wowing the coaching staff. Head coach Brian Flores admitted that while he’s doing well overall, he needs to improve his pad level. That’s a technique issue, and the coaches are no doubt working hard on that with him.

The Dolphins defensive line struggled to make a dent in the Buccaneers offensive line throughout the joint practices. Any sort of showing from Wilkins this preseason that allows him to stand out will be an encouraging sign for both his short and long-term future.