The start of the NFL regular season is officially three weeks away, and the Miami Dolphins still have many needs to fill and questions to answer.
The offensive line needs to be fortified, and the Dolphins would benefit from adding a running back and cornerback with more upside.
But the team did show progress when it came to executing in short-yardage situations against the Lions on Saturday. It will be interesting to monitor is that improvement continues.
Here is a look at the to-do list Mike McDaniel went into Saturday’s game against the Lions with, and how they fared.
Does Zach Wilson clean up his game?
Wilson’s role in Miami’s offense is critical because of Tua Tagovailoa’s injury history, so the Dolphins can’t afford for him to look as inconsistent as he was in Miami’s 24-24 tie against the Chicago Bears. He has a cannon for an arm, but lacks proper technique at times. Against the Lions he was more efficient, completing 15 of 23 passes, throwing for 151 yards and one touchdown. He was showcasing his experience and that stellar arm Saturday. If he cleans up his footwork issues and learns to process the field quicker he will become a respectable backup. And he better be since the Dolphins guaranteed him $6 million this offseason and already paid him $4.7 million of it.
Will Quinn Ewers rebound from his rough debut against Bears?
Ewers, the former Texas standout the Dolphins selected in the 2025 seventh round, completed 5 of 18 passes for 91 yards and delivered two turnovers on fumbles on the two sacks he took in Miami’s tie with Chicago. The rookie’s play needed to stabilize, and it did considering he completed 11 of 17 passes, throwing for 116 yards and two touchdowns, which produced. 123.7 passer rating. If the Dolphins were forced to only keep one backup quarterback my choice would be Ewers because of his upside. If he’s even with Wilson now imagine where he would be in two years as Tagovailoa’s understudy.
Is Jaylen Wright locking down the No. 2 tailback role?
Wright, whom the Dolphins traded into the fourth round of the 2024 Draft to select, has gotten off to a slow start this camp. He hasn’t showcased the game changing-speed that made him a big play producer at the University of Tennessee. He put in a ton of work to ensure his game went to the next level this offseason. He’s faster, stronger and has a better grasp of the offense, but his vision to find the appropriate running lanes isn’t showing. Wright has gained 19 rushing yards on 13 carries, and is averaging 1.5 yards per attempt in Miami’s two preseason games. If Ollie Gordon II, the rookie selected in the fifth round who has gained 83 yards on 18 carries in the preseason, keeps progressing it’s possible he could leapfrog Wright on the depth chart by October.
Can the Dolphins convert in short-yardage?
Losing Alexander Mattison, the second-best back in training camp, to a season-ending neck injury against the Bears was crippling because he was Miami’s best short-yardage weapon. But the Dolphins were respectable in short-yardage situations against the Lions. Wright converted a third-and-1 run by gaining the first down on a 1-yard carry. Wilson threw a 14-yard pass to Gordon II to convert a third-and-2. Gordon gained 15 rushing yards on a third-and-1 run that got Miami into Detroit’s red zone. But the Dolphins did fail to convert on two plays from inside Detroit’s 3-yard line and kicked a 22-yard field goal late in the fourth quarter to produce the game’s final score.
What’s salvageable with these backup offensive linemen?
Miami’s offensive line has been watered down by six injuries during training camp, and it has resulted in protection issues for the second- and third-team offensive line. At this point it’s a struggle to identify who is worthy of keeping as backup offensive linemen on this team, especially if backup center Andrew Meyer and Liam Eichenberg, who has started 52 games at every position on the offensive line, begin the season on injured reserve because of the injuries they are nursing. Larry Borom’s doing an adequate job as Austin Jackson’s replacement at right tackle while the starter is sidelined with a lower leg injury. But the Dolphins don’t have a single player who has been decent at left tackle this camp. General manager Chris Grier’s failures building this unit, and fortifying its depth is no laughing matter. Don’t be surprised if Miami trades a late-round pick for a backup O-lineman some other team plans to waive, or claims someone off the waiver wire. Grier has traded or swapped a late-round pick for four offensive linemen during his tenure as Miami’s top decision maker.
Which receivers will extend their stay in South Florida?
Malik Washington and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine not dressing for the Lions game indicates they will safely make it onto the 53 man roster. Considering Dee Eskridge, who caught three passes for 53 yards and a touchdown, has been a top performer all training camp it would be surprising if he’s not the fifth receiver. That means Tahj Washington, a 2024 seventh-round pick, is at risk of being released if six receivers don’t make the initial 53-man roster. Theo Wease Jr., who contributed 80 yards and two touchdowns off six receptions against Detroit, is worthy of a practice squad spot. Everyone else might be relocating at the end of the month.
Will Miami’s trio of rookie defensive tackles continue to blossom?
Kenneth Grant, Jordan Phillips and Zeek Biggers are blossoming with every snap they take in the preseason. At this point it’s safe to assume Grant (two tackles against Detroit) and Phillips (four tackles, and 1.5 sacks) will become key contributors in the Dolphins’ front seven. Biggers, who recorded two tackles and one pass deflection against the Lions, has proven he’s a good penetrator, but needs to become more proficient at taking on two blockers, which is a nose tackle’s role.
Can Wilie Gay Jr. handle the green-dot role on defense?
Gay, who has 55 games of starting experience, has been one of camp’s top playmakers, and he will need to continue playing well to carve out a contributing role, keeping himself sharp as Jordyn Brooks and Tyrel Dodson’s backup. If there were an injury to either starter it’s Gay’s job to make sure the defense doesn’t have a slippage. Gay and K.J. Britt’s emergence will likely lead to the release of Channing Tindall.
Which cornerbacks will earn their spot on the 53-man roster?
Storm Duck is the only Dolphins cornerback who safely makes it onto the 53-man roster. Everyone else, and that includes nickel cornerback Mike Hilton, is on unstable footing because of their camp performance, the inexperience of the unit, and what might become available on the waiver wire and in free agency. Nobody shined against Detroit, but nobody embarrassed themselves either. It’s interesting that Hilton didn’t play because it hints the nickel specialist safely makes it to the 53-man roster. Ethan Bonner injuring a leg could be troublesome, challenging the unit’s depth. Let’s be honest and admit that every cornerback who makes Miami’s initial 53-man roster would struggle to start for another team. Miami needs to add a proven veteran who is a scheme fit, or rummage through the waiver wire for an upgrade.
Which special teams contributors will shine?
Jake Bailey took the lead on the punter battle by outnetting Ryan Stonehouse by an average of 14.5 yards on their two punts each. Bank that with his history of holding for Jason Sanders and he should have the edge. But these decisions often come down to finances, and Stonehouse makes less this season. As for core special teamers, Cameron Goode shined against the Lions, and that performance might help him edge out Derrick McClendon and Grayson Murphy, the young and talented edge rushers.