DeVante Parker, Receiver
First-round rookie wide receiver DeVante Parker joins the Dolphins as part of a brand new, revamped Dolphins wide receiving corps. The No. 14 overall pick reeled in 156 catches for 2,775 yards and 33 touchdowns during his four-year career at Louisville, despite a broken bone in his left foot that caused him to miss the first seven games of 2014. He is currently set to open camp on the PUP list after undergoing foot surgery in early June. Parker has been given a 2-3 month timeline for recovery and is expected to be a full-go for Week 1. Even at full health, however, he still falls behind Kenny Stills, Greg Jennings, and Jarvis Landry in the depth chart.
Jamil Douglas, Guard
Jamil Douglas, a rookie offensive lineman out of Arizona State, is coming off a college career as a 40-game starter during which he converted from guard to tackle his senior year and earned first-team All-Pac honors. The fourth-round draft pick was selected to help fill one of the biggest holes on Miami’s offensive line at guard—a position which boasted two unproven players in Dallas Thomas and Billy Turner competing for spots. Now, Douglas is in an open competition for the starting left guard spot against Thomas and could very likely emerge a starter should he continue to impress throughout training camp.
Jay Ajayi, Running back
A fifth-round selection out of Boise State, Jay Ajayi plummeted in the draft due to long-term knee durability concerns. He produced an impressive college campaign amassing 678 carries for 3,796 yards and 50 touchdowns. Ajayi comes in behind
Lamar Miller who is currently locked in as Miami’s starter. The rookie back isn’t expected to immediately pose a threat to the No. 1 spot, and will most likely assume the role as a complementary back his first season. He’ll look to further impress throughout training camp to prove his worth and attempt to split snaps with Miller.
Bobby McCain,
Cornerback
Fifth-rounder Bobby McCain was one of two cornerbacks drafted by Miami, along with and Tony Lippett, to provide young talent and depth to the unit. McCain made 43 starts for Memphis, recording 12 interceptions, 6.5 tackles for loss, and a forced fumble. As it stands now,
Brent Grimes will settle in his starting role while Jamar Taylor will enter this year’s camp as the starter opposite Grimes. McCain will likely enter camp in a heated battle with third-year Will Davis and fellow rookie Lippett for playing time.
Cedric Thompson,
Safety
Miami selected Thompson with the No. 150 overall pick in the fifth round. The rookie was a three-year started for Minnesota where he finished his senior season second on the team in tackles with 83, while recording four pass breakups and two interceptions. Louis Delmas is Miami’s incumbent starter at free safety, with Reshad Jones the returning strong safety. Michael Thomas and Walt Aikens currently serve as their backups respectively. However, Thompson will be in a tough competition with Don Jones, Jordan Kovacs, and Shamiel Gray for one of the remaining safety spots on the roster.
