Dolphins First Team Shows Promise, Depth Still a Work in Progress

The Miami Dolphins’ preseason opener offered the first look at a young roster that has spent training camp trying to become more physical and establish an identity up front. One preseason game, especially against a Washington team that rested several starters, isn’t enough to draw any major conclusions. Still, there were encouraging signs from many of the players Miami will be counting on this season.

The Offensive Line Sets the Tone

The Dolphins’ offensive line has shown progress throughout training camp, and some of that translated against another team on the opening drive. Miami went 14 plays and 93 yards, taking roughly seven minutes off the clock before De’Von Achane finished the possession with a 1-yard touchdown run.

Jonah Savaiinaea might have been the most encouraging sign. On one play, Savaiinaea engaged his defender, finished the block, and then moved on to find another defender. It was the type of play that looked much more like the player Miami believed it was getting coming out of college.

Savaiinaea struggled last season, so one preseason performance doesn’t erase those concerns. What makes Friday night encouraging is that it continued what he has shown throughout camp. He looks more confident, more comfortable, and more physical. Friday night, some of that progress translated into a game.

Then there is Kadyn Proctor.

Miami didn’t select Proctor No. 12 overall simply to fill a hole on the offensive line. His first preseason appearance offered a glimpse of the larger vision the Dolphins have for him. The Dolphins wanted to get bigger and more physical up front. Proctor created movement in the running game while also showing encouraging work against pressure.

With Patrick Paul at left tackle, Proctor next to him at left guard, Aaron Brewer at center, and Savaiinaea at right guard, you can start to see what Miami is trying to build up front.

And don’t overlook Brewer in the middle of it. Brewer was one of Miami’s better offensive linemen last season, and his value showed again Friday night. His ability to create movement inside stood out throughout the opening drive. Brewer gives Miami an established presence between two powerful young linemen in Proctor and Savaiinaea. That interior is starting to become very interesting.

The unit isn’t a finished product. Proctor is a rookie, Savaiinaea still has to prove he can play this way consistently, and the group needs time together. But between what this group has shown during training camp and what it showed on that opening drive Friday night, there are signs that this offensive line could eventually become a strength of the team.

That opening possession was a good first step. Miami controlled the line of scrimmage and mixed in heavier personnel. It finished with Achane having a relatively easy path into the end zone. The physicality Miami has talked about throughout the offseason was visible.

Willis Offers a Glimpse of What’s Possible

Malik Willis was sharp, too.

Willis finished 4 of 5 for 43 yards and added nine rushing yards during his lone possession. Miami got him into rhythm with quick throws to Malik Washington. From there, Willis showed more of what makes his skill set intriguing.

His velocity stood out when attacking outside the hashes. Willis also showed the added dimension his legs can bring when Washington pressured him. He escaped the pocket for positive yardage and made the smart decision to slide.

Miami doesn’t need Willis carrying the ball 15 times per game, but defenses have to account for his ability to run. Pair that threat with De’Von Achane in the backfield and a more physical running game, and defenses already have plenty to account for. Then Willis has the arm to attack the entire field. It was only one preseason drive, but it offered an encouraging glimpse of how different this offense could look.

Caleb “Payday” Douglas provided one of the highlights of the night.

Douglas failed to keep his balance and get his feet down on a sideline opportunity he’d like to have back, but the rookie responded. On third down, with a defender draped over him, Douglas extended his long frame and made a spectacular one-handed catch on a strike from Willis.

The play showed the length and catch radius that have stood out throughout camp. Douglas has consistently flashed this summer. His first preseason action offered another example of why he has become one of Miami’s more intriguing young players.

Depth Remains a Work in Progress

There were flashes elsewhere among the rookie class, but the game also reinforced an issue that has remained a concern throughout the summer: depth at several key positions.

The difference along the offensive line was noticeable once Miami moved deeper into the rotation. Protection became less consistent, and the running game didn’t create the same movement. Wide receiver, secondary, and edge depth remain areas of concern as well. Miami still has work to do on the back end of the roster.

Getting Chris Bell back should help the receiving corps, and the rookie has looked ahead of schedule in his recovery. Getting Kevin Coleman Jr. back in the mix should provide another boost to a receiving group that could use more depth.

None of that should be particularly surprising. This is the first year of a major roster overhaul. Miami was never going to build quality depth at every position in one offseason.

There is plenty left to build, but for a team at the beginning of a major roster overhaul, the first look at some of the pieces Miami hopes will form its foundation was an encouraging one.