The Miami Dolphins' first unofficial depth chart showcases rookies who have been showing up in starting positions.
The Miami Dolphins have released their first unofficial depth chart ahead of their joint practice with the Washington Commanders and subsequent preseason game against the same opponent.
Interestingly, there are several rookie players who are currently sitting in prominent starting positions. Breaking it down, there are some very intriguing battles that will be taking place over the next few weeks.
To start, two of the wide receiver spots have been taken by younger players. Caleb Douglas will be a starter, and it makes sense given the chemistry he has been building with Malik Willis and the highlight-reel plays he has made in training camp thus far.
Malik Washington has also taken up a starting receiver spot, which also points to the chemistry that he has built with Willis dating back to OTAs and minicamp. The final receiver spot goes to veteran Jalen Tolbert.
Kadyn Proctor is also the starting left guard, which is not a surprise at this juncture.
Moving on to defense, the Dolphins have themselves a big battle happening between Tyrel Dodson and Jacob Rodriguez. The linebacker spot says: Dodson OR Rodriguez.
Similar to Douglas, Rodriguez has been showing up in a big way during training camp and playing in a truly disruptive way. He lined up with Jordyn Brooks recently, and he could very well push Dodson for the starting role.
Fellow rookie Trey Moore has also pushed his way past Willie Gay Jr., but that might also be due to the latter suffering an injury that could keep him out for a bit of time. Then again, Moore has been very loud in his production during training camp.
There is also a similar battle happening between Kenneth Grant and Jordan Phillips, as both are listed as OR at the starting defensive tackle position.
With the injuries in the secondary, Juju Brents and Jason Marshall Jr. get the start at cornerback, while Zayne Anderson is the starting safety alongside Dante Trader Jr.
On that same note, for the secondary, the Dolphins will also use rookie Chris Johnson as the Nickel, instead of outside.
Miami has a roster that was meant for pure competition simply due to the young players, low-cost veterans, and undrafted free agents who have come over to South Floriday. This first depth chart certainly holds true to that fact.
There could be some significant movement in the coming weeks, but it appears the young influx of talent has made enough noise to ensure they get a chance to be starters in their first NFL seasons.
