A few position battles have started to heat up at training camp for the Miami Dolphins. With the Atlanta Falcons coming into town for two joint practices starting Tuesday, the roster is shaping up to become more clear. No real announcements have been made on the roster. However, some observations can foreshadow where some position groups are heading.
A Standout Linebacker and Other Dolphins Position Battle Updates
Thompson’s Strong Camp Could Lead to a Backup Role
Miami quarterback Skylar Thompson has been stellar throughout camp. The Dolphins seventh-round pick from the 2022 NFL Draft created connections with star wide receiver Tyreek Hill on deep routes and showcased his skills in extending plays. In practice Monday, Thompson rolled out of the pocket to his left to find a receiver open down the field. Moments like these in training camp were some of the attributes that Thompson had over fellow quarterback Mike White.
White, 29, entered the picture in Miami after two successful regular seasons with two New York Jets. The South Florida native’s first season with the Dolphins in 2023 ended with 74 passing yards, five passes completed out of six attempts, a touchdown, and an interception. White appeared in six games but never started.
Thompson, who hasn’t appeared in a regular season game since his rookie year, has gradually been given more 11-on-11 work in practice. A majority of the highlights from practice at quarterback have come from his awareness and ball placement. Thompson found wide receiver Anthony Schwartz for a catch right at the right sideline for more than 20 yards Monday. The quarterback replicated it in a pass earlier to Hill for 15 yards on the left side.
With Thompson’s progress not slowing down, he could be starting in the Dolphins first preseason game Friday against Atlanta. White has shown a lot of great things in the pocket but hasn’t pushed the offense down the field a lot in scrimmage drills. His best chance to regain composure as the second-string quarterback would be to impress in joint practices.
Bell’s Stock Has Risen to Standout Level
Linebacker Quinton Bell has ushered a lot of attention with his play as a pass rusher in camp. The three-year journeyman has gotten to quarterbacks through the offensive line and has gained respect within the organization. Bell wore the orange jersey at practice Tuesday, which means he controlled the music in the speakers for the whole day.
The 28-year-old linebacker has been one of the first guys to work in reps besides linebacker and defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah. The duo have created havoc in scrimmage work. The defensive line itself has been a strong point throughout camp led by Bell. The linebacker has credited his speed and quickness to his ability to his good reviews in camp, he said.
“I definitely feel like my speed, my get off and those things are my strengths,” Bell said. “My main goal is playing fast, letting the plays come to me, knowing my assignments, and yeah, I’m flying around. That’s the main thing I’m doing, just flying around. I’m gonna find the ball just off my speed, just off my one-two, my will and my motor. I’ll make plays.” The Dolphins are Bell’s third team since he was drafted by the Las Vegas Raiders in the seventh round in 2019. This could be looking at his first opportunity to start in the NFL with linebackers Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips still on the physically unable-to-perform list.
Bonner Still Taking on the Best With Smith Back
Cornerback Cam Smith returned to on-field activities Monday for the first time since day three of training camp on July 28. Smith’s absence allowed cornerback Ethan Bonner to take crucial reps toward a roster spot. Even though Bonner has played as a safety a few times, he’s been placed solely at corner taking on the best receivers throughout camp.
Bonner throughout camp has gone one-on-one with Hill. A lot of the times targeted, Bonner would be able to stand his ground against the Pro-Bowler. In one case, the second-year cornerback stuck to Hill’s hip on a deep vertical route until the ball was batted away. This was the case as well on Monday.
Smith played more on the inside instead of toward the sideline. Bonner stayed outside to continue his matchups against Hill. With little time left in training camp, and before the preseason, Smith may be too behind to catch up to Bonner in the position group. Bonner and other cornerbacks with great performances in camp such as Jalen Ramsey and Kader Kohou could be safe locks for the 53-man roster.
A New Receiving Tight End Could Overtop Smythe
Tight end Jonnu Smith has been inclusive in every part of the passing game. The Florida International University alum has been placed at the side of the offensive line and far outside as a receiver. Smith throughout camp has been a favorite target for quarterbacks. Smith’s ability to run routes across the field has made him a unique tool for Miami.
This new outlook on offense from the 28-year-old may harm tight end Durham Smythe. The six-year veteran has been a part of the Dolphins regular season roster since 2018 and has played in 95 games throughout his career with the franchise. However, that is now in jeopardy as Smith is creating a name for himself in camp. Smythe in Monday’s practice did a majority of his work as a blocker next to the offensive lineman.
Still, a lot can change in the Atlanta joint practices and the Dolphins first preseason game on Friday. Smythe can easily take a lot of reps in the first half and perform well in the passing game. However, with not a lot of opportunities so far in camp for him, he’ll need to take advantage of an efficient receiving tight-end group.
Main Photo: [Sam Navarro] – USA Today Sports
