The Dolphins’ 2016 draft class already has netted them a likely immediate starter at left guard in Laremy Tunsil, a potentially explosive returner in Jakeem Grant and possibly a soon-to-be starter at cornerback, if Xavien Howard can jump Tony Lippett on the depth chart.
But questions swirl around the other draft picks, with quarterback Brandon Doughty, tight end Thomas Duarte and cornerback Jordan Lucas battling to make the roster, and receiver Leonte Carroo and running back Kenyan Drake simply trying to get on the field.
First, the good news: Tunsil started for the second consecutive game at left guard on Thursday and performed capably, especially in pass protection. In 90 snaps this preseason, Tunsil hasn’t allowed a sack or quarterback pressure. His run blocking still needs work, but the Dolphins like what they’ve seen.
“I thought he was arguably the best player in the draft,” NBC’s Cris Collinsworth said during Thursday’s broadcast.
Even though Howard has missed all three preseason games after June knee surgery, the Dolphins are ready to escalate his workload this week and believe he could contribute a lot in September.
“I wouldn’t say he’s far behind mentally because he’s dialed in to what we’re doing,” coach Adam Gase said. “He’s playing one-on-one coverage a lot of the times. That’s his strength and I’m sure we’re going to try to lean on his strength of just matching him up with somebody and letting him go. He gets his hands on a lot of balls and then when he does get both hands up to make a play on the ball, he usually catches it.”
Grant, meanwhile, appears close to winning the return jobs. He’s averaging 25.5 yards on four kickoff returns and 12.2 yards on seven punt returns. Less clear is how much the Dolphins plan to use him on offense.
He caught four passes for 68 yards in the opener but wasn’t targeted the past two games. In fact, Grant played only one offensive snap against Dallas and five against Atlanta, surprising considering that offensive coordinator Clyde Christensen said recently that “every practice we’ve put him in, he’s made something happen.”
Grant said he wasn’t given a reason he has played so little on offense, and Gase was vague when asked whether he doesn’t want to show other teams how they plan to use him.
“I would like to play on offense and continue to prove I’m a great receiver,” Grant said.
