Dolphins' way-too-early 53-man roster projection after the 2024 NFL Draft

The Miami Dolphins have some new faces on the roster after the completion of the 2024 NFL Draft and subsequent undrafted free agent signings.  

There's still plenty of time to add more players this offseason, which the Dolphins will likely do to add some depth and competition at key positions.  They'll have a chance to better do that after June 1, when they get around $18.5 million more in cap space from the release of cornerback Xavien Howard.  

For now, here's a shot at what the 53-man roster might look like with the draft behind us. 

Quarterbacks (3)

Presumed starter(s): Tua Tagovailoa
Backup(s): Mike White, Skylar Thompson

How we got here: The Dolphins added UTEP QB Gavin Hardison as an undrafted free agent, but it would be a surprise to see him unseat Thompson for the QB3 job.  This group is set for now.  

Running backs (5)

Presumed starter(s): Raheem Mostert, De'Von Achane; Alec Ingold (fullback)
Backup(s): Jaylen Wright, Chris Brooks

How we got here: I'm projecting the Dolphins to keep four RBs here (as well as Ingold) since Wright gives them a very strong trio to rely on, but they could end up keeping five and trimming one off somewhere else.  If so, Jeff Wilson, Jr. seems like the most likely to remain. Listing both Mostert and Achane as co-starters for now, as either could end up getting the nod. 

Wide receivers (6)

Presumed starter(s): Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle
Backup(s): Malik Washington, Braxton Berrios, River Cracraft, Tahj Washington

How we got here: Not a lot of size, but a ton of quickness for the Dolphins.  As they spent two draft picks on the position, it's obvious they don't like what they have for reserves.  As such, both Washingtons have a solid chance at making the roster.  

Tight ends (3)

Presumed starter(s): Jonnu Smith
Backup(s): Durham Smythe, Julian Hill

How we got here: Not much to say except the Dolphins did literally nothing during the draft and only signed one UDFA afterwards in Wisconsin TE Hayden Rucci.  This group should be set barring a further addition this offseason. 

Offensive line (9)

Presumed starter(s): Austin Jackson (RT), Robert Jones (RG), Aaron Brewer (C), Isaiah Wynn (LG), Terron Armstead (LT)
Backup(s): Kendall Lamm, Liam Eichenberg, Lester Cotton, Patrick Paul

How we got here: The only new face here from the draft is Patrick Paul, who won't see the field unless either Austin Jackson or Terron Armstead suffer an injury.  Even then, Kendall Lamm - who was solid for Miami last year in relief of Armstead - is back with the team. 

Defensive line (5)

Presumed starter(s): Zach Sieler, Teair Tart, Jonathan Harrison
Backup(s): Daviyon Nix, Benito Jones

How we got here: This is a pretty weak group behind Sieler.  Hard to predict who could stick on the among the reserves.  Isaiah Mack, Da'Shawn Hand, Brandon Pili, and Neville Gallimore have likely just as much chance as the rest. 

Linebackers (9)

Presumed starter(s): Shaquil Barrett (OLB), Jordyn Brooks (LB), David Long, Jr. (LB), Chop Robinson (OLB)
Backup(s): Jaelan Phillips, Bradley Chubb, Anthony Walker, Jr., Duke Riley, Mohamed Kamara

How we got here: This group is hard to figure out because much depends on the recovery processes of both Phillips and Chubb.  Will they be ready, or close enough that they can avoid IR to start the year?  A cloudy picture right now, so this could look very different in August. 

Cornerbacks (6)

Presumed starter(s): Kendall Fuller, Jalen Ramsey, Kader Kohou
Backup(s): Cam Smith, Nick Needham, Ethan Bonner

How we got here:  Nothing at all done for this position during the draft, although the team gave a little bit of a bonus and guaranteed money UDFA Storm Duck out of Louisville, so we'll see if he can find his way onto the roster.  Still an uphill battle for him though. 

Safeties (4)

Presumed starter(s): Jordan Poyer, Jevon Holland
Backup(s): Elijah Campbell, Patrick McMorris

How we got here: McMorris is here by default, as the Dolphins have a dire need for bodies at the position.  There are still some viable free agent options out there, so we'll see if this changes after the Dolphins get some post-June 1 salary cap relief. 

Specialist (5)

Presumed starter(s): Jason Sanders (K), Jake Bailey, (P), Blake Ferguson (LS)
Returners: Braxton Berrios (PR), De'Von Achane (KR)

How we got here:

Line: This could change as well, as both of the new WRs Malik and Tahj Washington have return experience.  For now, things will stay status quo.