{"id":384131,"date":"2026-08-29T02:10:19","date_gmt":"2026-08-29T02:10:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/384131\/"},"modified":"2026-08-29T02:10:19","modified_gmt":"2026-08-29T02:10:19","slug":"omar-kellys-final-projection-of-miami-dolphins-53-man-roster","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/384131\/","title":{"rendered":"Omar Kelly\u2019s final projection of Miami Dolphins\u2019 53-man roster"},"content":{"rendered":"

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).<\/p>\n

The roster is clearly undergoing an overhaul this offseason, and it seems as if the team renovations will take place all season.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t be surprised if the Dolphins are aggressive when it comes to claiming players on the waiver wire because this roster needs help.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s a look at how I\u2019d pick the 53-man roster utilizing what\u2019s available, with a breakdown for each unit.<\/p>\n

The final number adds up to 54 players because rookie linebacker Trey Moore is likely headed to injured reserve.<\/p>\n

Quarterbacks (2)<\/p>\n

On the 53: Malik Willis, Quinn Ewers<\/p>\n

Off: Cam Miller, Mark Gronowski (R)<\/p>\n

Analysis: Willis\u2019 growth and development has entrenched him into the starting role, while Ewers\u2019 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\u2019s nursing and claiming another quarterback. Miller is a decent practice squad option, but hopefully the Dolphins can find better.<\/p>\n

Tailback (4)<\/p>\n

On the 53: De\u2019Von Achane, Jaylen Wright, Ollie Gordon II, Jarquez Hunter<\/p>\n

Off: Carlos Washington Jr., Coleman Bennett, Donovan Edwards<\/p>\n

Analysis: Achane will be Miami\u2019s workhorse, but Wright and Gordon need to find contributing roles, even if it\u2019s 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\u2019s possible he could unseat Wright or Gordon in time. Washington, Bennett and Edwards are practice squad options.<\/p>\n

Receiver (6)<\/p>\n

On the 53: Caleb Douglas (R), Chris Bell (R), Kevin Coleman Jr. (R), Malik Washington, A.J. Henning, Ryan Miller<\/p>\n

Off: Jalen Tolbert, Jalen Reagor, Terrace Marshall Jr., Donaven McCulley (R), Theo Wease Jr.<\/p>\n

Analysis: Douglas, Bell and Coleman, the three rookies, represent the future of Miami\u2019s 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\u2019s capable of. Henning survives the initial round of cuts because he has performed better than the rest of this disappointing unit. But Miami shouldn\u2019t hesitate to find and claim better receivers off the waiver wire, and possibly demote him to the practice squad.<\/p>\n

Tight end\/Fullback (4)<\/p>\n

On the 53: Greg Dulcich, Will Kacmarek (R), Ben Sims, Seydou Traore (R),<\/p>\n

Off: FB Jeremiah Franklin, (R), D.J. Herman (R), Ethan Conner<\/p>\n

Analysis: Kacmarek and Herman have each had impressive camps, showcasing the toughness Jeff Hafley wants to be his team\u2019s identity. Traore, a fifth-round pick who hasn\u2019t 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\u2019s a reason Miami kept him on the training camp roster instead of placing him on injured reserve.<\/p>\n

Offensive line (9)<\/p>\n

On the 53: Patrick Paul, Austin Jackson, Aaron Brewer, Jonah Savaiinaea, Kadyn Proctor (R), DJ Campbell (R), Andrew Meyer, Caedan Wallace, Gottlieb Ayedze<\/p>\n

Off: Marques Cox, Kevin Cline (R), Charlie Heck, Josh Priebe<\/p>\n

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\u2019s practice squad,, but his struggles in Friday night\u2019s game against the Atlanta Falcons might cost him that spot. Ayedze might be released once Miami claim another offensive lineman or two. Campbell\u2019s status as a 2026 sixth-round draft pick keeps him safe.<\/p>\n

Edge rushers (5)<\/p>\n

On the 53: Chop Robinson, Josh Uche, Clelin Ferrell, David Ojabo, Max Llewellyn (R)<\/p>\n

Off: Cameron Goode, Robert Beal Jr., Rodney McGraw (R), Seth Coleman-Lyles<\/p>\n

Analysis: This unit is difficult to predict because we haven\u2019t 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

Defensive line (5)<\/p>\n

On the 53: Zach Sieler, Kenneth Grant, Jordan Phillips, Zeek Biggers, Matthew Butler<\/p>\n

Off: Keith Cooper Jr., Alex Huntley, Fatorma Mulbah, Cam Rice (R)<\/p>\n

Analysis: Sieler and Grant\u2019s injuries, which has sidelined them for most of training camp, has allowed Miami\u2019s coaches to gain an in-depth evaluation of this unit\u2019s talent. Biggers and Butler seized on their opportunities this training camp, elevating their roles. Because there\u2019s uncertainty about Phillips\u2019 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.<\/p>\n

Linebackers (5)<\/p>\n

On the 53: Jordyn Brooks, Jacob Rodriguez (R), Tyrel Dodson, Trey Moore (R) (injured), Willie Gay Jr.<\/p>\n

Off: Jackson Woodard, Ronnie Harrison Jr., Stephen Dix Jr., Cam Riley, Jaheim Thomas<\/p>\n

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\u2019s preseason loss to the New York Giants. Gay\u2019s experience, and playmaking prowess should keep him safe, but Miami\u2019s 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\u2019s practice squad. The fact Dodson and Gay played in the preseason finale hints that they could be released this weekend.<\/p>\n

Cornerbacks (6)<\/p>\n

On the 53: JuJu Brents, Chris Johnson (R), Jason Marshall Jr., Ethan Bonner, Alex Austin, Marco Wilson<\/p>\n

Off: Miles Battle, A.J. Green III, Jai\u2019Onte\u2019 McMillan (R), Darrell Baker Jr. (on PUP), Storm Duck (on PUP)<\/p>\n

Analysis: Miami\u2019s 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\u2019ve all blended in together.<\/p>\n

Safeties (4)<\/p>\n

On the 53: Dante Trader Jr., Michael Taaffe (R), Zayne Anderson, Kyle Louis (R),<\/p>\n

Off: Louis Moore (R), Lonnie Johnson Jr., Major Burns<\/p>\n

Analysis: If there\u2019s a unit that has fallen short of expectations this camp it\u2019s been the safeties, which have sparingly made impactful plays. Trader, who was viewed as this group\u2019s leader, is working his way back into practice after being shelved two weeks with an injury. Taaffe\u2019s draft status keeps him safe, and Anderson\u2019s a special teams ace. Louis\u2019 move from linebacker to safety strengthens this unit, but the former Pittsburgh standout will need time to develop.<\/p>\n

Special teams (3)<\/p>\n

On the 53: K Riley Patterson, P Bradley Pinion, LS Tucker Addington<\/p>\n

Off: None<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

This story was originally published August 28, 2026 at 6:23 PM.<\/p>\n


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