The Miami Dolphins began their fourth day of practice fully padded. As I tell a number of people, that’s when you can make a better determination of the players on the field.
As the fourth day is set to begin, I will answer a few questions that were sent to me via Twitter.
@antwanstaley Who is under the most pressure to have a "good camp"
— Joe cardoso (@cright) July 31, 2016
I don’t know if anyone is under a serious amount of pressure to have a good camp, but they’re a couple of players that really could benefit from it.
Jordan Cameron had a disappointing 2015 season as he finished with 35 receptions, 386 yards and three touchdowns. During the offseason, Cameron took a pay cut to remain with the Dolphins.
Considering it’s the last year of Cameron’s deal and the lack of production last season, it would be in Cameron’s best interest to have an improved season.
DeVante Parker is another player that many expect to have a big 2016 season. After playing sparring in the team’s first eight games, Parker’s production increased during the second half of the season.
In the Dolphins season finale against the New England Patriots, Parker recorded six receptions for 106 yards and a touchdown. Miami needs Parker to become a go-to-guy in the red zone, which should improve Ryan Tannehill’s productivity.
@antwanstaley Who could be the #6 receiver in your eyes, so far? Top guys battling it out?
— Andrew Granado (@AGranad0) July 31, 2016
The locks on the team are Parker, Jarvis Landry, Leonte Carroo and Kenny Stills. Jakeem Grant will almost certainly get a roster spot because of what he brings on special teams. It should be a good battle between Griff Whalen, AJ Cruz Brandon Shippen and Matt Hazel. Whalen can play on special teams, so you get a lot of value with him.
@antwanstaley Are Foster and Ajayi going to be a committee?
— Jonathan Meisner (@jmeisnergbp) July 31, 2016
Unless Jay Ajayi suffers a long-term injury, he will be the start at running back for the Dolphins. With Arian Foster’s injury history, he is better suited for spot duty carries throughout the course of the game.
I’m sure both will play and have certain roles on the team. Ajayi isn’t the best pass catcher, so expect to see Foster more on passing downs because he is an excellent route runner.
@antwanstaley Wide receivers are a strength too, no?
— David Drucker (@DruckerDigest) August 1, 2016
Yes, the receiver position is a strength on the Dolphins, but they also have some questions to address as well. Parker has been impressive during practices, but he needs to show it over the course of a 16-game schedule. I’m sure he will, but Parker’s injury history is always a concern.
Jarvis Landry is the only proven receiver on the team as he has caught 194 passes in his first two years in the league. Kenny Stills didn’t do a lot after coming over from New Orleans last season. Leonte Carroo and Jakeem Grant are both rookies and are also unproven.
The receiver corps has a lot of potential, but that’s all it is right now, potential.
I will be back next week with another mailbox as the Dolphins get closer to their preseason opener against the New York Giants.
Twitter @antwanstaley
