As the Miami Dolphins’ training camp winds down, tomorrow night’s preseason game looms as one more important audition for rookies and roster hopefuls trying to force their way into the conversation. That was the backdrop for a question posed to fans: which player or players once looked like safe bets for the Dolphins’ 2026-2027 roster, but now need to do more in camp and the preseason if they’re going to survive the final 53-man cut?
The answers came from a few different angles, but the common thread was simple: a lot of spots still feel unsettled.
Dolfanjoe put the spotlight on Willis, saying the quarterback has to deliver. “Willis has to lead and perform.
Trading the first or second pick in the 27 draft is what will help build this team for years to come. If Willis is the man, Our future is looking very bright!”
Molly Polly II wants to see a quarterback who has not shown much finally show something, while also looking for a sharper defense. “Defense!
Gonna get ugly if Tua embarrasses our defense so I’m hoping to see some QB pressure and DBs steppin up. Offensively , I’d like to see Miller secure that second spot, Ewers doesn’t cut it.”
FFFL66IBA&O kept it broad and blunt: “I’m just hoping Everybody get’s their head’s outta their @$$€$ this week and.....PLEASE GET YOUR HEAD’S IN THE GAME!!!”
SlayerNation1 admitted the picture is still fuzzy heading into Week 1. “Not sure which of Our bright stars will be shining come Week 1… but it will be… Chris Myers, Mark Schlereth singing their praises.”
JUK laid out the clearest room-by-room breakdown, pointing to pressure points all over the roster. At quarterback, JUK singled out Ewers: “He’s had a terrible camp, and I think we will be looking for backups in the market if he doesn’t show something this week.” At receiver, the concern centered on the vets Tolbert and Atwell, who have partially guaranteed contracts but may still be vulnerable now that Bell is back early.
The offensive line drew attention too, with Charlie Heck described as someone who has “done nothing to suggest he deserves a roster spot” but might still make it because there is no one else. On the defensive line, JUK sees the fifth spot behind Sieler and the three second-year players as wide open. At linebacker, Gay was the name to watch, with the concern that his splash plays and energy in camp have not translated into playing time and that he needs to prove he can stay disciplined without losing impact.
Cornerback was described as even more crowded. Johnson, Brents and Marshall were labeled locks, but JUK said there are probably five players, not even counting the two on PUP, fighting for just two or three spots.
Luvs2drnk was certain of one thing: it will not be Tahj Washington, who has already been released and replaced by Ryan Miller.
MiamiItaliano focused on the backup quarterback situation, saying the Dolphins need someone capable of handling the job. “Need to see Gronowski, Miller or someone with a pulse off the street shine at backup QB.
If not, cut them. Can Malik play during the season wearing a protective suit?”
NeenerWhacker circled the edges of the roster on both sides of the ball. The three rookie wideouts all need to show something, with Douglas projected to make more splash plays, Bell expected to handle the tough yards, and Coleman viewed as a possession option on third downs.
On defense, Marshall or Juju need to step up as well, since Johnson appears set to start in the nickel until one of them forces the issue. As NeenerWhacker put it, “Juju has all the potential in the world.”
That was the range of opinions heading into the final preseason chance for fringe players to make their case. The roster battles are still very much alive, and for a handful of Dolphins, tomorrow night may decide whether they’re still part of the picture when cut-down day arrives.
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