Dolphins' Projected Winners of Key Position Battles
The Miami Dolphins have some fascinating positional battles developing at the back end of their roster.
The stars are already locked into their starting roles, but some of their backups may not be decided until after the final preseason game.
Mike White and Skylar Thompson are locked in a battle to be Tua Tagovailoa's backup and a handful of wide receivers are fighting to stay on the roster behind Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle and Odell Beckham Jr.
Defensively, the Dolphins have a breakout star at linebacker who could be vital to the team's success while the stars at that position work back from injuries.
Backup Quarterback
Mike White and Skylar Thompson are locked in one of the NFL's top backup quarterback competitions.
Thompson got the first-half snaps in Miami's preseason opener against the Atlanta Falcons.
The third-year quarterback went 8-for-19 with 95 yards. That is not the most impressive stat line, but it stands out when compared to White.
White only went 4-for-14 for 26 yards in the second half, but of course, that can be interpreted differently by some because of the talent he was throwing to.
Thompson holds the edge on preseason numbers alone, but White is the more experienced backup quarterback of the two.
Mike McDaniel and his staff hope that the backup quarterback decision is irrelevant and Tua Tagovailoa plays every snap in 2024, but they have to prepared for the worst-case scenario.
Projection: Skylar Thompson
No. 5 Wide Receiver
The Dolphins' top three wide receivers have been locked into the depth chart since Odell Beckham Jr. signed his contract.
Braxton Berrios is penciled as the No. 4 wide receiver because of his capabilities in the return game and in the slot.
Miami could feel comfortable with carrying just those four wide receivers on its active roster so that more numbers are committed to defense while that unit works back to full strength.
River Cracraft, Malik Washington, Willie Snead IV, Erik Ezukanma and Anthony Schwartz are among the other wide receivers in camp.
The final wide receiver spot may come down to who plays special teams the best. That would likely benefit someone with a bit of speed, like Cracraft, who can get down field on punts.
None of the depth wide receivers put up amazing numbers in Week 1 of preseason, and if that changes over the next two games, the No. 5 receiver could still be the best special teams player.
Projection: River Cracraft
Linebacker
The Dolphins are in a bit of bind at linebacker because of all the injuries at the position.
Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips are working back from season-ending injuries from the 2023 season, while Jordyn Brooks and Anthony Walker Jr. have missed time in training camp.
The good news for Miami is that Quinton Bell has emerged as a potential fill-in for Chubb and Phillips at the start of the season.
Bell received all sorts of praise for the level he raised his game to in training camp.
Phillips chimed in by saying Bell "has taken the next step" (h/t Fins Xtra), which is as big of an endorsement as you can get on the defense.
Bell may not be a long-term starter because of all the talent Miami has on its roster when healthy, but at least to start the season, he could be placed in an important role over other contenders at linebacker.
Projected Winner: Quinton Bell