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The Miami Dolphins may have settled on rookie Ryan Tannehill as the starting quarterback for Week 1 against Houston, but there are plenty of roster spots up for grabs in Miami.
Miami has little idea about the receiver position beyond Legedu Naanee and Davone Bess. At tight end, Jaron Mastrud is making a case to earn a spot as one of the top blockers on the team. And while RBs Reggie Bush and Daniel Thomas will earn the majority of carries this season, there could be a practice-squad spot for several players.
Each week during preseason, RapidReports will take a position-by-position look at the players we think are likely to make the final cut to 53 on Sept. 2 and those who we think may soon be seeking alternative employment.
QB -- In: (3) Tannehill, Matt Moore and Pat Devlin. Out: David Garrard. Analysis: Tannehill was named the starter this week and while Moore can’t be happy, he is regarded as one of the top backups in the league and could be moved in a trade if another team is desperate. Meantime, Devlin is eligible for the practice squad but Garrard, who is out for up to another three weeks with a knee injury, makes too much to keep on the active roster once the season starts.
RB -- In: (4) Bush, Thomas, Steve Slaton and Lamar Miller. Out: Marcus Thigpen, Jonas Gray. Analysis: With the team moving to a zone blocking scheme and investing a draft pick on Miller this April it all but locks up the first four running backs. Thigpen could possibly stick as a WR/KR because of his receiving ability but likely will be cut and catch on with another team.
FB -- In: (1) Jorvorskie Lane. Out: Jerome Messam. Analysis: A strong performance from the tight ends could make this position non-existent on the roster. However, Lane’s dedication to the team and his relationship with OC Mike Sherman earn him a roster spot.
WR -- In: (6) Naanee, Bess, Marlon Moore, Chris Hogan, Julius Pruitt and Roberto Wallace. Out: Jeff Fuller, Brian Hartline, B.J. Cunningham, Rishard Matthews. Analysis: Hartline has yet to practice at all in Sherman’s new offense as he has been hampered by a hamstring injury. Cunningham likely makes the practice squad. This is by far the most competitve position in camp and chances daily. A big game by any of these players on Friday against Atlanta could garner a full-time job this fall.
TE -- In: (4) Anthony Fasano, Charles Clay, Jeron Mastrud and Michael Egnew. Out: none. Analysis: The team is high on the play of Clay and spent a high draft pick on Egnew in April’s draft. Mastrud, however, is the best blocker of the lot and with Fasano a free agent next season, depth and potential is a key to this position.
OL -- In (8): Jake Long, Richie Incognito, Mike Pouncey, Artis Hicks, Jonathan Martin, Eric Steinbach, Josh Samuda and Lydon Murtha. Out: Ryan Cook, John Jerry, Will Barker, Andrew McDonald and Nate Garner. Analysis: Samuda, an undrafted free agent, came out of nowhere to earn the No. 2 center job and can fill in at guard in a pinch. The high salary of several veterans made them expendable.
DL -- In (8): Cameron Wake, Jared Odrick, Randy Starks, Paul Soliai, Olivier Vernon, Derrick Shelby, Kheeston Randall and Tony McDaniel. Out: Jamaal Westerman, Ryan Baker, Jarrell Root, Jacquies Smith, Isaako Aaitui, Chas Alecxih. Analysis: Vernon has a preseason start and was a third-round pick in April’s draft, but undrafted Rookie Derrick Shelby has stolen the show and could earn time as a situational pass rusher. The team is transitioning from a 3-4 to a 4-3 front so depth is key.
LB -- In (7): Karlos Dansby, Kevin Burnett, Koa Misi, Jason Trusnik, Gary Guyton, Austin Spitler and Josh Kaddu. Out: Jonathan Freeny, Cameron Collins and Shelly Lyons. Analysis: Dansby and Burnett have both been injured for much of the preseason, allowing Misi and Trusnik to get lots of time with the first team. Kaddu has shown flashes and should contribute on special teams.
CB -- In (10): Vontae Davis, Sean Smith, Richard Marshall, Nolan Carroll, Jonathan Wade, Quinten Lawrence, Reshad Jones, Chris Clemons, Jimmy Wilson and Tyrone Culver. Out: Marcus Brown, Anderson Russell, Tyrell Johnson, Kelcie McCray, Kevyn Scott and Trenton Hughes. Analysis: Smith and Davis have had mediocre preseasons, but Marshall has emerged as a legitimate starter. Wade provides an athletic backup and special teams contributor. Wilson pushed for the starting job at safety but makes the squad with his special teams play and gets another shot in the offseason.
Special teams -- In (2): Dan Carpenter, Brandon Fields. Analysis: These two kickers are among the best at their position in the league. Carpenter converted 29 of 34 field goals last season with a long of 58 yards. Meantime, Fields just earned a rich contract extension as he has posted three of the top four punting seasons in team history. The former Michigan State star averaged 48.8 yards per boot last season.
For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis on the Miami Dolphins from blogger Dave Carey, follow @CBSSportsNFLMIA.