In the past month the Miami Dolphins have claimed four players off the NFL waiver wire, and traded for an offensive tackle (Caedan Wallace) and a tailback (Jarquez Hunter).
The roster is clearly undergoing an overhaul this offseason, and it seems as if the team renovations will take place all season.
Over the next few days general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and his staff will have an opportunity to add substantially more talent because more than 1,000 players will be released this weekend as NFL teams trim down from the 90-player training camp roster to produce a 53-man roster.
Don’t be surprised if the Dolphins are aggressive when it comes to claiming players on the waiver wire because this roster needs help.
Here’s a look at how I’d pick the 53-man roster utilizing what’s available, with a breakdown for each unit.
The final number adds up to 54 players because rookie linebacker Trey Moore is likely headed to injured reserve.
Quarterbacks (2)
On the 53: Malik Willis, Quinn Ewers
Off: Cam Miller, Mark Gronowski (R)
Analysis: Willis’ growth and development has entrenched him into the starting role, while Ewers’ struggles during training camp raises concern about the backup quarterback spot. Miami should consider placing Ewers on injured reserve because of the groin injury he’s nursing and claiming another quarterback. Miller is a decent practice squad option, but hopefully the Dolphins can find better.
Tailback (4)
On the 53: De’Von Achane, Jaylen Wright, Ollie Gordon II, Jarquez Hunter
Off: Carlos Washington Jr., Coleman Bennett, Donovan Edwards
Analysis: Achane will be Miami’s workhorse, but Wright and Gordon need to find contributing roles, even if it’s on special teams. Neither has impressed during training camp or the preseason. The Dolphins acquired Hunter from the L.A. Rams in exchange for receiver Tutu Atwell, and it’s possible he could unseat Wright or Gordon in time. Washington, Bennett and Edwards are practice squad options.
Receiver (6)
On the 53: Caleb Douglas (R), Chris Bell (R), Kevin Coleman Jr. (R), Malik Washington, A.J. Henning, Ryan Miller
Off: Jalen Tolbert, Jalen Reagor, Terrace Marshall Jr., Donaven McCulley (R), Theo Wease Jr.
Analysis: Douglas, Bell and Coleman, the three rookies, represent the future of Miami’s receiving corp. Miami claimed Miller last week after he was waived by the New York Giants and will likely spend a couple of weeks exploring what he’s capable of. Henning survives the initial round of cuts because he has performed better than the rest of this disappointing unit. But Miami shouldn’t hesitate to find and claim better receivers off the waiver wire, and possibly demote him to the practice squad.
Tight end/Fullback (4)
On the 53: Greg Dulcich, Will Kacmarek (R), Ben Sims, Seydou Traore (R),
Off: FB Jeremiah Franklin, (R), D.J. Herman (R), Ethan Conner
Analysis: Kacmarek and Herman have each had impressive camps, showcasing the toughness Jeff Hafley wants to be his team’s identity. Traore, a fifth-round pick who hasn’t impressed one bit, is safe because of his draft status. Herman will likely be developed on the practice squad. A turf toe injury has kept Sims from contributing, but there’s a reason Miami kept him on the training camp roster instead of placing him on injured reserve.
Offensive line (9)
On the 53: Patrick Paul, Austin Jackson, Aaron Brewer, Jonah Savaiinaea, Kadyn Proctor (R), DJ Campbell (R), Andrew Meyer, Caedan Wallace, Gottlieb Ayedze
Off: Marques Cox, Kevin Cline (R), Charlie Heck, Josh Priebe
Analysis: Every team in the NFL is searching for offensive linemen that can be developed, serving as quality depth. Miami needs to keep the players with upside (Campbell, Wallace, and Meyers). Priebe deserves to return to Miami’s practice squad,, but his struggles in Friday night’s game against the Atlanta Falcons might cost him that spot. Ayedze might be released once Miami claim another offensive lineman or two. Campbell’s status as a 2026 sixth-round draft pick keeps him safe.
Edge rushers (5)
On the 53: Chop Robinson, Josh Uche, Clelin Ferrell, David Ojabo, Max Llewellyn (R)
Off: Cameron Goode, Robert Beal Jr., Rodney McGraw (R), Seth Coleman-Lyles
Analysis: This unit is difficult to predict because we haven’t seen Ferrell and Beal in the preseason, and Goode suffered an injury last week. Robinson and Uche are the top two players in this unit, but Miami needs to add an edge who excels at setting the edge, which is why Ojabo and Ferrell survive the first round of cuts. Llewellyn has turned up his performance in practice the past few days, but his status as a 2026 seventh-round pick should keep him safe. It’s possible that Goode and Ferrell could make the initial 53-man roster and be placed on injured reserve the next day, creating a roster spot for someone claimed.
Defensive line (5)
On the 53: Zach Sieler, Kenneth Grant, Jordan Phillips, Zeek Biggers, Matthew Butler
Off: Keith Cooper Jr., Alex Huntley, Fatorma Mulbah, Cam Rice (R)
Analysis: Sieler and Grant’s injuries, which has sidelined them for most of training camp, has allowed Miami’s coaches to gain an in-depth evaluation of this unit’s talent. Biggers and Butler seized on their opportunities this training camp, elevating their roles. Because there’s uncertainty about Phillips’ return the Dolphins will need to make sure the practice squad has two defensive linemen. Cooper and Mulbah are the two that have impressed the most in the two previous preseason games.
Linebackers (5)
On the 53: Jordyn Brooks, Jacob Rodriguez (R), Tyrel Dodson, Trey Moore (R) (injured), Willie Gay Jr.
Off: Jackson Woodard, Ronnie Harrison Jr., Stephen Dix Jr., Cam Riley, Jaheim Thomas
Analysis: Injuries to Brooks, Dodson and Moore could become a factor in how many linebackers the Dolphins keep on the initial 53-man roster. Moore is seemingly headed to injured reserve, and will likely miss half the season because of the ankle injury he suffered in last Saturday’s preseason loss to the New York Giants. Gay’s experience, and playmaking prowess should keep him safe, but Miami’s scouting department might opt to go with Woodard, who has been heating up as of late. However, the Dolphins should be able to easily place Woodard back on Miami’s practice squad. The fact Dodson and Gay played in the preseason finale hints that they could be released this weekend.
Cornerbacks (6)
On the 53: JuJu Brents, Chris Johnson (R), Jason Marshall Jr., Ethan Bonner, Alex Austin, Marco Wilson
Off: Miles Battle, A.J. Green III, Jai’Onte’ McMillan (R), Darrell Baker Jr. (on PUP), Storm Duck (on PUP)
Analysis: Miami’s top four cornerbacks – Brents, Johnson, Marshall and Bonnner each have talent. But none have proven they are ready to become 17 game starters. Duck and Baker likely will start the regular season on Reserve/PUP and will be out for at least the first four games. Who gets the final one or two spots in this unit will likely come down to special teams contributors because they’ve all blended in together.
Safeties (4)
On the 53: Dante Trader Jr., Michael Taaffe (R), Zayne Anderson, Kyle Louis (R),
Off: Louis Moore (R), Lonnie Johnson Jr., Major Burns
Analysis: If there’s a unit that has fallen short of expectations this camp it’s been the safeties, which have sparingly made impactful plays. Trader, who was viewed as this group’s leader, is working his way back into practice after being shelved two weeks with an injury. Taaffe’s draft status keeps him safe, and Anderson’s a special teams ace. Louis’ move from linebacker to safety strengthens this unit, but the former Pittsburgh standout will need time to develop.
Special teams (3)
On the 53: K Riley Patterson, P Bradley Pinion, LS Tucker Addington
Off: None
Analysis: Once Zane Gonzalez was placed on IR (and later released with an injury settlement) the kicking competition was over. However, Patterson is still competing against other unemployed kickers.
This story was originally published August 28, 2026 at 6:23 PM.
