Dolphins preseason 2024: First depth chart released

The Miami Dolphins have released their first depth chart of the 2024 preseason, organizing their training camp roster for this weekend’s game against the Atlanta Falcons. While the depth chart is only an early estimation of the starters and depth players, it provides the first look at how the Dolphins’ coaching staff views their roster.

The team typically keeps the preseason depth chart steady throughout the three exhibition games, only making changes if a player is released or acquired. Using this depth chart can assist in determining where the roster bubble – the cut line for the team as they move from the 90-man preseason roster limit to the 53-player regular season size – is and who could need strong training camp and preseason performances to make the roster.

How did the Dolphins break down their first depth chart of the preseason? Time to take a look.

Offense

Immediate Reactions:

• Splitting the running backs into two lines on the depth chart is likely signifying Mostert and Achane as co-starters, with everyone else sliding behind them. Wilson seems to be having a good training camp, and a strong preseason could force Miami to find a way to keep him on the roster. Brooks has work to do to prove he can make the roster. Washington, listed at the bottom of the depth chart, is likely the team listing rookies near the back of nearly each position list, but could be a factor of the depth the team has at the position.
• The rule of rookies being deep on the depth chart is broken for the first time at the left tackle position, where Paul slots into the second team behind Armstead. Lamm, who could be the game-day swing tackle until Paul is ready for live game action, moves into the second-team right tackle slot behind Jackson.
• Eichenberg remains listed as the starting right guard, with Driscoll and Cotton listed behind him as they battle for the top spot on the depth chart. Jones holds the top left guard.
• Smythe holds on to the top spot on the tight end depth chart, despite the team adding Smith in free agency. The coaching staff likes Smythe and he could continue to serve as the “starting” tight end, though it could become a co-starting role similar to the running backs.
• Washington finds himself buried among the wide receivers, returning to the rule of rookies starting deep in their position group. Berrios and Cracraft hold the two positions behind Hill and Waddle, though Odell Beckham, Jr., should move into one of their spots once he is healthy. The addition of Snead as depth makes the road to the roster tough for Schwartz, Ezukanma, and Sanders.

Defense and Special Teams

Immediate Reactions:

• Jones has been having a strong camp and could have locked himself into the starting nose tackle position between Sieler and Campbell. Tart and Pili will continue to push him there, however. Hand will likely serve as primary depth along the line as well.
• Bell listed as the first-team outside linebacker opposite Ogbah is a surprise. Is he ahead of Robinson, or does that reflect Robinson’s status as a rookie? Everything will change whenever Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb are cleared to return to football activities.
• Bonner has been having a great early camp and could be making a case to land on the roster as a depth option at cornerback.
• Kohou and Needham will likely battle for the top nickel cornerback slot, though Needham could see playing time at safety as well.
• How much will the returners change as Miami figures out how they want to attack the league’s new kickoff rules?

Injured Players (Not included on depth chart)

Physically Unable to Perform

Odell Beckham, Jr., – Wide receiver
Bradley Chubb – Outside linebacker
Cameron Goode – Outside linebacker
Jaelan Phillips – Outside linebacker
Isaiah Wynn – Offensive lineman

Reserve/Injured

Tahj Washington (R) – Wide receiver

Reserve/Retired

Shaquil Barrett – Outside linebacker