What I Want to See From the Miami Dolphins Against the Giants

We’re not sure yet how much the Dolphins’ starters will play Saturday against the Giants. We’ll probably know more tomorrow before the game, but either way, there are several things I’m really interested in getting a longer look at.

There are players fighting for roster spots, others trying to move up the depth chart, and some position groups I want to see more from. Here are some of the things I’ll be watching closely Saturday.

Can Kevin Coleman Jr. push for a bigger role?

Kevin Coleman Jr. is somebody I liked during the draft process. I thought his short-area quickness and ability to create separation could make him a quarterback-friendly option in the slot.

An injury slowed him down, but since coming back, we’ve started to see some of that in practice. There are snaps available in this receiver room, especially in the slot, and I expect Coleman to play a lot Saturday. I think he has a chance to climb the depth chart.

The offensive line — and an opportunity for DJ Campbell

The pass protection during Thursday’s joint practice against the Giants wasn’t good enough. There were too many free rushers getting to the quarterback, so I’ll be watching how the offensive line as a whole handles it Saturday.

DJ Campbell is one young guy I want to see. He’s had an uneven camp, spent most of it with the third team, and had some struggles against Washington.

With James Ester gone, Campbell looks like the guy who could move up and take those second-team reps at left guard, even though he played right guard in college. To me, he’s still on the roster bubble. This is his chance to show he belongs.

Can Max Llewellyn keep building?

I liked Max Llewellyn during the draft process. I had a fifth-round grade on him, and Miami got him in the seventh.

Llewellyn has had some good moments over the last week of camp and created some pressure against Washington. The Dolphins need help at edge, so I want to see a lot of No. 57 Saturday.

How does he look against the run? Can he generate some pressure? I want to notice him out there making plays. I think Llewellyn has a good shot to make this team.

Cam Miller gets his opportunity

Cam Miller struggled in the first preseason game, but going back to the beginning of camp, I’ve seen some things I like. There’s a little juice to his game. I like some of the arm talent and athleticism, and overall, I think he’s had a pretty decent camp.

This week, quietly, Miller has looked really good in practice.

With Quinn Ewers injured, I don’t expect Malik Willis to play much Saturday, if he plays at all. That could mean at least a half for Miller, with Mark Gronowski also getting work.

If Ewers’ injury lingers, can Miller show Miami enough that they would feel comfortable with him as QB2 early in the season?

DJ Herman and Seydou Traore have plenty to gain

I still think DJ Herman has an uphill battle to make this roster, but he has a shot. At fullback, I want to see him create room in the running game. He’s shown good hands throughout practice but had a drop against Washington, so if he gets chances in the passing game Saturday, I want to see him take advantage of them.

Then there’s special teams, which might be even more important for Herman. There were a couple of punts against Washington that came close to being blocked with him involved in the protection. For a guy fighting for one of those final roster spots, what he does on special teams could be a big part of whether he sticks.

Seydou Traore is another guy I’ll be watching. I like his ability to separate from linebackers and safeties, but after drops against Washington and during Thursday’s joint practice, I want to see him finish those opportunities. If Miami keeps four tight ends, Traore and Cole Turner are in that conversation.

The Ben Sims injury could affect both situations depending on how long he’s out. Sims can also take snaps at fullback, so his availability could factor into Herman’s chances and how Miami constructs the bottom of the roster.

Can Miami’s young safety depth step forward?

I’ve liked moments from Major Burns and Louis Moore throughout camp. Can one of them — maybe both — start taking hold of a backup safety spot?

Miami could eventually look outside the organization when roster cuts start happening around the league. But maybe they don’t need to. Burns and Moore have a chance to change that conversation Saturday, and special teams will matter for both.

Two sleeper names to watch

Jackson Woodard and Fatorma Mulbah both stood out to me when I went back and watched the All-22 from the Washington game.

Woodard was making tackle after tackle, while Mulbah was tough to move in the middle and gave Washington problems trying to block him. Another good game could make Woodard an outside shot to stick depending on injuries and what Miami does with the veterans in that linebacker room.

With the injuries at defensive tackle, Mulbah is interesting, too. Could he be another sleeper who finds a way onto the 53?

Two names to keep an eye on Saturday.