Miami Dolphins 2008 Preseason Update & Position Battles

“A New Beginning” is the mantra being heard around Dolphin camp. The fresh, new slogan will come as a welcome relief to many Dolphin fans who relish the opportunity to remove last year’s 1-15 debacle from their collective psyches. Out goes the bumbling, apprehensive approach of Cam Cameron and his staff and in comes a straight talking tough guy from New Jersey. No, not Bill Parcells, the iconic Tuna, but rather his hand-picked chieftain Tony Sparano, not to be confused with the TV mafioso of a similar nomenclature. Without long time stars Zach Thomas and Jason Taylor, Sparano will certainly have his work cut for him on a team that features only one former Pro Bowler, linebacker Joey Porter. Less than twenty players from last year’s squad seem assured of making the final roster, which is probably a positive sign for a team that went barely won one game last year.

Among the newcomers are quarterbacks Josh McCown and former Michigan starter Chad Henne, who the team drafted in the second round of this year’s draft. The new signal callers will compete for the starting job with last year’s second round pick, John Beck, who struggled during limited playing time last season. Additionally, first overall pick Jake Long will start at left tackle for the Fins, a position of weakness since Richmond Webb retired years ago. The team also brought in former Jacksonville wide receiver Earnest Wilford in free agency to start opposite the ninth overall pick in last year’s draft, Ted Ginn Jr. Tight end Anthony Fasano was also added in a draft day trade with the Dallas Cowboys.

On defense, the team will transition to a 3-4 base, despite trading away their top pass rusher in Jason Taylor. The Dolphins are hoping that Joey Porter and former Texans special teams standout Charlie Anderson, who will start in Taylor’s place, will successfully fill the pass rushing void created by JT’s departure. The Dolphins also selected two 3-4 defensive ends in the draft: second round pick Phillip Merling from Clemson, who was expected to go much higher if it were not for hernia surgery and third rounder Kendall Langford from Hampton. Both players are expected to compete for playing time with incumbent starters Vonnie Holliday and Matt Roth. Perhaps the most welcome addition for a team that struggled with the run last season was the acquisition of nose tackle Jason Ferguson, also acquired in a trade with the Cowboys. Parcells and new GM Jeff Ireland also added inside linebacker Reggie Torbor and former Cowboys ‘backer Akin Ayodele who arrived in the same swap which netted Fasano. The secondary remains intact from last season.

Latest Dolphins' News

The Dolphins recently signed former Cowboys quarterback Quincy Carter and are considering adding free agent wide receiver Terry Glenn, who just recently received his release from the Cowboys. The addition of former Cowboys has been a common occurrence throughout the Dolphins’ off-season. Jason Ferguson, Akin Ayodele, Anthony Fasano, Nathan Jones, and Keith Davis are all former Cowboys who are expected to make the team. Ferguson, Fasano, and Ayodele are all projected to start.

Position Updates for the 2008 Dolphins

Quarterback

John Beck has reportedly struggled in the three way competition with Henne and McCown. McCown has the inside track on winning the job due to his experience. However, the question will be whether he will finish the season as the starter or will Henne take over?

Running Back

While starter Ronnie Brown has been cleared to participate fully in practice, Sparano has indicated that he wants to limit Brown’s workload coming off ACL surgery. It’s possible that Ricky Williams could begin the season carrying the majority of the load at running back… provided he doesn’t get suspended beforehand. Rookie sixth round pick Jalen Parmele (no relation to former Dolphins RB Bernie Parmalee) has reportedly been impressive and has shown some burst and agility during camp.

Fullback

Last year’s holdover Reagan Maui, also know as “the Juggernaut” is battling former Kansas City Chief special teams standout Boomer Grigsby. The loser will most likely be cut.

Wide Receiver

Earnest Wilford and Ted Ginn Jr. are starting but Derek Hagan has been the most impressive receiver in camp so far. Apparently, he has actually been catching the ball with consistency, a welcome sign for a weak receiving core. Undrafted rookie Davone Bess and Broncos castoff David Kirkus have also made some plays in the passing game during practice. Overall, the receivers have struggled, which is why the team may choose to bring in Terry Glenn.

Tight End

Fasano is the clear cut starter, but the third tight end spot is an open competition, with Justin Peele and Sean Ryan the most likely candidates to make the team.

Offensive Line

The right guard spot is an open competition. Rookie Donald Thomas is currently holding down the starting job. From left to right the offensive line looks like the following: Jake Long (LT), Justin Smiley (LG), Samson Satele (C), Thomas, and Vernon Carey (RT). Some disturbing news for Dolphin fans, Jake Long has reportedly struggled to deal with Charlie Anderson and Quentin Moses off the edge at times during camp. The same Charlie Anderson who didn’t even start for the Texans and the same Quentin Moses who was cut by the Raiders.

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Defensive Line

Vonnie Holliday and Jason Ferguson are sure fire starters on the line. Matt Roth is working with the first team unit but could face competition from rookies Merling and Langford or even free agent acquisition Randy Starks. Last year’s fourth round selection Paul Soliai is working behind Ferguson at nose guard and is a question mark to make the final roster. If he’s cut, look for Starks to back up Ferguson.

Linebackers

Charlie Anderson and Joey Porter are starting on the outside. Quentin Moses is competing with Anderson to replace Jason Taylor. Even if he doesn’t win the starting job, look for Moses to play in pass rushing situations during the season. Channing Crowder and Akin Ayodele are penciled in on the inside. Look for former Giant Reggie Torbor to be used at either position in case of an injury. Also, Ayodele has played both inside and outside linebacker during his career so he could transition to the outside as well if Crowder gets injured or is deemed ineffective.

Cornerback

Starter Michael Lehan is out with a severely sprained ankle and is questionable for preseason. Will Allen and Andre Goodman are working with the first team. Nathan Jones and Travis Daniels are battling for the dime spot.

Safety

Former Nick Saban first rounder Jason Allen is starting at FS and Yeremiah Bell is working at the SS position. Both face challenges from last year’s starter Renaldo Hill (coming off ACL surgery) and Keith Davis, a former Cowboy who is already familiar with the defensive scheme.

Kicker

Jay Feely is expected to hold off the unknown Nick Carpenter.

Punter

Brandon Fields is expected to handle the punting duties again this season and has been booting the ball well in camp.

By Glenn Katzman
ProFootball-fans.com Miami Dolphins Correspondent