Five good surprises
1. Davon Godchaux. Any time a fifth-round draft pick comes in and starts through preseason, he’s a good-news story. It hardly matters that Jordan Phillips is re-challenging for the starting job. Was this just the latest motivational ploy for Phillips? Maybe. The larger point is the Dolphins will need both of them in the tackle rotation. Godchaux has shown an ability to hold his own and make some plays. That’s a rarity for a low-round rookie at this position. Then again his back-story is rare as well,
as I wrote in a recent column.
Five who disappointed
1. Charles Harris. This isn’t a conclusion, of course. But one preseason tackle for the No. 1 pick? And not really making himself a topic of conversation in camp? Sure, you expected a learning curve in the pros for an undersized pass-rushing defensive end. You also expect some flash of talent that shows why he was taken with the 21st pick overall. He showed it in the summer sessions. He took a step back when the pads went on. Compare that to Philadelphia’s 14th overall pick, Derek Barnett, who is drawing raves for his work. Again, there are no conclusions out of this. Just observations. And it looks like Harris will have a redshirt year this season to get stronger and work on his game.