Miami Dolphins' 12 best training camp position battles

This battle isn’t exactly about the position because Smith is a boundary cornerback and Needham is primarily used in the nickel (inside) role. It has more to do with who will serve as Miami’s fourth cornerback, entering the rotation to spell Jalen Ramsey, Kendall Fuller and Kader Kohou, or replacing one if they get injured. Needham, who has started 27 games in his five seasons, has an experience edge, but Smith, the Dolphins’ 2022 second-round pick, is the superior athlete.

Erik Ezukanma vs River Cracraft for fifth receiver

Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle and Odell Beckham Jr. should serve as Miami’s top three receivers if they remain healthy throughout training camp and the season. And Braxton Berrios will likely serve as the leading slot receiver, and return specialist. That leaves one, and likely two spots on the 53-man roster behind them. Ezukanma, a 2022 fourth-round pick, and Cracraft, a five-year veteran who has been in the offense his entire career, likely hold an edge on the other receivers because of their athleticism and size (specifically Ezukanma) and familiarity with the playbook (Cracraft). Productivity in the preseason will likely lock up the final receiver spots, and rookies like Malik and Tahj Washington could leapfrog the veterans because of their upside, and potential.

Da’Shawn Hand vs. Jonathan Harris vs. Neville Gallimore for 3-4 end role

The Dolphins will need at least two five technique defensive linemen to serve as Calais Campbell and Zach Sieler’s backups on a defensive line that will lean into rotating frontline players in and out of the game. All three have started NFL games, but they haven’t proven they are impactful players. Hand has started 11 games in six seasons. Harris has started nine games in four season, and Gallimore has started 14 games in four seasons.

Jeff Wilson Jr. vs Chris Brooks for power back role

The Dolphins can only keep so many tailbacks on the roster, and with Mostert, Achane and rookie Jaylen Wright being viewed as locks and Alec Ingold entrenched at fullback, that leaves Wilson, Brooks and Salvon Ahmed competing for the final one, or two tailback spots on the 53-man roster. Ahmed is a speedster like Mostert and Achane. Wilson and Brooks fill specialized roles because of the power and force their running style possesses, which could be beneficial in short-yardage situations. Brooks is clearly a cheaper player since he’s on his second season after making the team as an undrafted rookie last year. But Wilson has a proven body of work (515 career attempts), and a deeper grasp of Miami’s offense.

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