Quarterbacks:
2014: Ryan Tannehill, Matt Moore
2013: Ryan Tannehill, Matt Moore, Pat Devlin
Comment: This is the same from a year ago except the Dolphins enter the season with only two quarterbacks. In theory the quarterback play should be better in 2014 because Tannehill has one more year of experience. He still has to prove it on the field.
Running backs:
2014: Lamar Miller, Knowshon Moreno, Damien Williams, Orleans Darkwa
2013: Lamar Miller, Daniel Thomas, Mike Gillislee, Marcus Thigpen (w/fullback Evan Rodriguez)
Comment: If Moreno looks anything like the player we saw in the third preseason game against Dallas, the running backs have improved this year. It’s unclear how much better Miller is than a year ago. But Moreno should be a big upgrade over Thomas and Williams looks more NFL-ready than Gillislee did last year. Thigpen was grouped in with the running backs last year but his primary contributions came in the return game. The Dolphins completely eliminated the fullback from their offense early last season.
Receivers:
2014: Mike Wallace, Brian Hartline, Brandon Gibson, Rishard Matthews, Jarvis Landry, Damian Williams
2013: Mike Wallace, Brian Hartline, Brandon Gibson, Rishard Matthews
Comment: The Dolphins only had four receivers to start last season and they’re all back this year. Add in talented rookie Jarvis Landry and veteran Damian Williams and this group is deeper and better then in 2014. It could be much improved if Wallace and Tannehill finally start connecting on the deep ball.
Tight ends:
2014: Charles Clay, Dion Sims, Gator Hoskins
2013: Charles Clay, Dion Sims, Michael Egnew
Comment: It’s too early to say if this group will be better. Hoskins, an undrafted rookie who led all NCAA tight ends in touchdowns the last two seasons for Marshall, is an exciting prospect. But he’s a rookie who has a lot to prove. Clay had a breakout season in 2013. If there’s no regression and he can take his game to the next level, then the tight end play will be improved. Sims, a second-year tight end, has shown flashes of promise.
Offensive linemen:
2014: Branden Albert, Daryn Colledge, Mike Pouncey, Shelley Smith, Ja’Wuan James, Samon Satele, Nate Garner, Dallas Thomas, Billy Turner, Jason Fox
2013: Jonathan Martin, Richie Incogntio, Mike Pouncey, John Jerry, Tyson Clabo, Nate Garner, Josh Samuda, Dallas Thomas, Will Yeatman
Comment: There are big question marks at guard — and the Colledge/Smith duo is probably weaker than Incognito/Jerry — but there’s enough upgrade at the tackle position to consider this year’s group better (especially when Pouncey returns from a hip injury). Pass protection should be much improved this year but run blocking woes could really hurt the offense.
Defensive linemen:
2014: Olivier Vernon, Cam Wake, Jared Odrick, Earl Mitchell, Randy Starks, Derrick Shelby, Terrence Fede, Anthony Johnson
2013: Olivier Vernon, Cam Wake, Jared Odrick, Paul Soliai, Randy Starks, Dion Jordan, Derrick Shelby, Vaughn Martin
Comment: This year’s lineup is basically the same with Mitchell replacing Soliai, so you can’t say the Dolphins are improved on the defensive line. Jordan, who is not included on this year’s debut 53-man roster because he’s serving a PED suspension, says he’s improved both as a pass rusher and defending the run. He still has to show it in games when he returns.
Linebackers:
