5 Takeaways From the Miami Dolphins’ First Depth Chart
The Miami Dolphins released their first depth chart ahead of Friday’s preseason opener, and head coach Jeff Hafley made it clear Wednesday not to get too carried away with what it says.
Speaking before the Dolphins’ joint practice with the Washington Commanders, Hafley cautioned against reading too deeply into the depth chart. “It’s a start,” Hafley said.
That’s probably the best way to look at it. It’s August, jobs are still being won and lost, and this depth chart will change. But that doesn’t mean it tells us nothing.
After watching this team throughout training camp, here are five things that stood out.
Five rookies are already in the starting conversation
This might be the biggest takeaway from the entire depth chart.
Kadyn Proctor, Caleb Douglas, Chris Johnson, and Trey Moore are all listed with the first group, while Jacob Rodriguez shares an “OR” designation with veteran Tyrel Dodson. That’s five rookies already listed as starters or potentially fighting for a starting job.
Douglas being listed first at wide receiver shouldn’t surprise anyone who has watched him throughout camp. He has consistently worked with the first-team offense and made plays. Hafley also pointed to Douglas’ consistency when discussing his place on the depth chart. Proctor starting at left guard has been the expectation throughout camp as well.
For a team that brought in a large rookie class, we’re already seeing just how much Miami may be willing to lean on it.
Rodriguez has made the linebacker battle real
One word on the depth chart stands out: OR.
It’s Tyrel Dodson OR Jacob Rodriguez at inside linebacker, and that matches what has taken place throughout training camp. Rodriguez has continued to earn first-team opportunities and has made plays when those chances have come.
I’ve said this several times on the Fins Faithful Podcast: If this competition is close, or essentially a tie, I’m giving the job to the young player. In this case, that’s Rodriguez.
It doesn’t mean he has won the job. But Miami could have simply listed Dodson first and Rodriguez second. They didn’t. The “OR” tells us this is a legitimate competition, and now Rodriguez has to keep pushing.
Moore and Johnson give Hafley options
Trey Moore being listed with the first group is one of the more intriguing developments on defense. Hafley has talked about Moore’s versatility and his ability to play inside linebacker, outside linebacker, and rush the passer.
Could we eventually see Moore at SAM, Rodriguez inside, and Jordyn Brooks alongside them? Maybe. We’re not there yet, but Moore gives Hafley options.
Chris Johnson’s placement is also telling. The rookie is listed as Miami’s starting nickel, not one of the starting boundary corners. Johnson has received some work outside during camp, but the depth chart gives us a pretty good indication of where the Dolphins see him right now.
Wright gets the early edge over Gordon
De’Von Achane sitting atop the running back depth chart isn’t a surprise. Jaylen Wright being listed ahead of Ollie Gordon II is more interesting.
There’s no reason to read too much into it yet. Gordon has the preseason to change that order, and this is exactly where Hafley’s “It’s a start” comment comes into play.
Seydou Traore being listed ahead of Cole Turner at tight end was also noteworthy. DJ Herman is another player worth watching in the fullback/tight end role. Miami has used Herman in different ways during camp, including as a lead blocker on kick returns, and the preseason gives him an opportunity to make a move.
Wallace is already in the right tackle mix
Austin Jackson being listed as Miami’s starting right tackle isn’t the story. Newly acquired Caedan Wallace already being listed with an “OR” alongside Charlie Heck behind Jackson is.
Wallace is also somebody Miami apparently liked well before acquiring him.
“Sully and a bunch of our guys were high on him coming out in the draft and talking to our OL coaches, it was the same thing,” Hafley said. “Yenser had a big smile on his face when I told him the news.”
Hafley was referring to Dolphins offensive line coach Zach Yenser, and that background makes Wallace’s immediate placement even more interesting. Miami already knew the player and liked him coming out of college. Now he gets an opportunity to push Heck and give the Dolphins another option behind Jackson.
There’s another notable “OR” on defense with Kenneth Grant OR Jordan Phillips at defensive tackle. Phillips has had a strong camp from what I’ve seen, making that another competition worth watching.
It’s a start — but it still means something
Hafley is right. Nobody should look at an August depth chart and assume this is exactly what Miami will look like in Week 1.
But that doesn’t mean we should throw it away, either.
Five rookies are already in the starting conversation. Rodriguez has made the linebacker battle real. Johnson is the starting nickel. Moore gives Hafley another versatile piece, and Wallace is already in the mix behind Jackson.
It’s a start.
Friday night gives us our first chance to see where it goes from here.
