The Miami Dolphins released their first depth chart of the 2024 season Monday. This announcement comes less than 24 hours away from Miami’s joint practice with the Atlanta Falcons, who it will also play against on Friday at 7 p.m. to open the preseason. A few rookies broke onto the chart. Some of them are as close as the second-string guy in their position groups. Here are a few takeaways from the Dolphins depth chart:
White Secures the Second-String Spot at Quarterback for Now
The backup position at quarterback has been a heated conversation throughout camp between Mike White and Skylar Thompson. Thompson has had the better camp compared to White so far in 11-on-11 work. Despite this, White listed as the second-string quarterback behind Tua Tagovailoa.
This will mean that White will have a lot of reps and start in the Dolphins preseason game Friday. The 29-year-old quarterback retained his position on the roster, but there is still time for Thompson to impress. He’ll most likely play the majority of the second half Friday.
One Rookie Wide Receiver Made the Chart
Rookie wide receiver Malik Washington made the depth chart both as a receiver and kick returner. The former Virginia Cavalier has practiced a lot with special teams throughout camp but hasn’t been the main returner in drills. Most reps go to wide receivers Braxton Berrios, River Cracraft, and Anthony Schwartz. All three receivers are higher on the depth chart than Washington.
On the other end of the receiver group, wide receiver two’s depth chart has Jaylen Waddle on top, with Cracraft and Schwartz behind him. Pro-Bowler Odell Beckham Jr. is currently not on the depth chart as he is currently on the physically unable to perform list. All athletes on the PUP list were not placed on the chart.
Washington, in the wide receiver one position group, placed fifth behind Berrios, Willie Snead IV, Tyreek Hill, and two-year Miami receiver Braylon Sanders. The sixth-round selection from the 2024 NFL Draft could find a lot more opportunities in the preseason compared to camp. Hill, Berrios, and Snead will most likely not play more than half of preseason games this year. This will be huge for the rookie as fellow wide receiver rookie Tahj Washington is still on the injured/reserve list.
Wright Behind Ahmed and Wilson Jr in Depth Chart
The running back group is one of the tightest contests in camp. This depth chart gave us a real bar to place each back at. Running back Raheem Mostert, as expected, leads the group as the first-string runner along with De’Von Achane. Both running backs led Miami in rushing yards last season.
Running backs Jeff Wilson Jr. and Salvon Ahmed were able to get in front of rookie Jaylen Wright from Tennessee. Wright started to get a lot of rep opportunities early in camp, but Wilson and Ahmed have shown their worth catching a lot of short gains. Wright has really only gotten success running throughout camp. The former All-Southeastern Conference running back made it onto the depth chart as a third-string back with Chris Brooks.
Robinson, Bell Listed High at Linebacker
Outside of pass rushers Jaelen Phillips and Bradley Chubb recovering on the PUP list, linebackers Quinton Bell and rookie Chop Robinson have been all the buzz at camp. Bell, who joined the team late last season on the practice squad, was named a first-string outside linebacker with Emmanuel Ogbah.
Bell has been described as the “hidden gem” on this roster. The 28-year-old linebacker’s speed and IQ as a pass rusher has allowed him to boost his stock throughout camp with the absence of Phillips and Chubb. Robinson, the Dolphins’ first-round selection from this year’s draft, showcased his explosive play in every drill and motion in 11-on-11 work. Besides outside linebacker, the inside group is led by Jordyn Brooks and David Long Jr. Linebacker returnee Duke Riley at the moment is the second-string with veteran Anthony Walker Jr.
Long was activated from the PUP list July 28 and has worked gradually back. The veteran’s return and the other deep experienced players in the linebacker room impacted Channing Tindall. Despite being a usual on Miami’s roster for the past two years, the 6-foot-2-inch linebacker dropped to a third-string position.
Berrios Is the Lead Man Returning on Special Teams
Berrios is not only the first-string kick returner but also the first-string punt returner. The former Miami Hurricane has been fielding kicks throughout his seven-year NFL career. Berrios, at 28 years old, can be deemed as a specialist at returning. He’s been the first guy in special team drills to field balls in both kicks and punts.
Cracraft, as mentioned previously, is the second-string punt returner but isn’t listed at all for kick returns. Running back De’Von Achane will occupy that spot in front of Schwartz. Another player making it into the depth chart on special teams include wide receiver Kyric McGowan.
McGowan went undrafted and signed to the Washington Commanders practice squad in 2022. The 24-year-old only appeared in two games for Washington as a receiver. Since then, McGowan had a week stint with the Jacksonville Jaguars and then was picked up off waivers by Miami. This could be his best chance to make the regular season roster.
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