http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap30...ning-camp-preview-key-issues-players-to-watch
Miami Dolphins
Training camp report dates: rookies (July 20) and veterans (July 26).
Location: Baptist Health Training Facility, Davie, Florida.
Most important position battle: Linebacker. The Dolphins seem oddly settled for this time of year, but as The Phinsider pointed out, this linebacking unit is undergoing a serious remake. I once thought the courtship and signing of Lawrence Timmons was about injecting some attitude into a group that didn't stand up to its counterparts on the defensive line. However, the selection of Raekwon McMillan in the 2017 NFL Draft could point to a tactical change, as well. In cases like this, no one's job is guaranteed, with a few capable bodies floating around.
Newcomer to watch: DE Charles Harris. The first-round pick has Dolphins fans dreaming of an outright swarm on defense. This might be a year away from materializing, though Harris will have a lot of protection across the line and could see more than his fair share of one-on-one matchups. Given the attention paid by opponents to Ndamukong Suh alone, Harris could be an early favorite to win the rookie sack race. Early reports from spring practices suggest he's a regular presence in the backfield, though everything changes when the offensive linemen are encouraged to hit back.
Looming camp question: Does Ryan Tannehill hit the ground running? This is a playoff team. Despite having the look and feel of an upstart, this is a veteran-laden, top-heavy roster built to at least nag the Patriots. Tannehill grew under first-year head coach Adam Gase last season, momentarily fending off questions about his ability to become a franchise quarterback. However, this year -- Tannehill's sixth in the NFL -- needs to see Tannehill break away from his modest reputation and take a crack at the Pro Bowl.
Miami Dolphins
Training camp report dates: rookies (July 20) and veterans (July 26).
Location: Baptist Health Training Facility, Davie, Florida.
Most important position battle: Linebacker. The Dolphins seem oddly settled for this time of year, but as The Phinsider pointed out, this linebacking unit is undergoing a serious remake. I once thought the courtship and signing of Lawrence Timmons was about injecting some attitude into a group that didn't stand up to its counterparts on the defensive line. However, the selection of Raekwon McMillan in the 2017 NFL Draft could point to a tactical change, as well. In cases like this, no one's job is guaranteed, with a few capable bodies floating around.
Newcomer to watch: DE Charles Harris. The first-round pick has Dolphins fans dreaming of an outright swarm on defense. This might be a year away from materializing, though Harris will have a lot of protection across the line and could see more than his fair share of one-on-one matchups. Given the attention paid by opponents to Ndamukong Suh alone, Harris could be an early favorite to win the rookie sack race. Early reports from spring practices suggest he's a regular presence in the backfield, though everything changes when the offensive linemen are encouraged to hit back.
Looming camp question: Does Ryan Tannehill hit the ground running? This is a playoff team. Despite having the look and feel of an upstart, this is a veteran-laden, top-heavy roster built to at least nag the Patriots. Tannehill grew under first-year head coach Adam Gase last season, momentarily fending off questions about his ability to become a franchise quarterback. However, this year -- Tannehill's sixth in the NFL -- needs to see Tannehill break away from his modest reputation and take a crack at the Pro Bowl.
