MIAMI -- The Miami Dolphins open the 2024 NFL regular season against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sept. 8 at Hard Rock Stadium.
The NFL's league-leading offense from a season ago returns its core skill players, including wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle and running backs Raheem Mostert and De'Von Achane. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa also returns after leading the league in passing yards in 2023 -- with a fresh contract extension in hand.
There are some changes after Miami parted ways with seven key contributors from last season's defense and hired defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver. First-round pick Chop Robinson adds to a pass-rush rotation that includes Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb -- although the latter is still working his way back from a late-season ACL tear.
The roster will be cut to 53 players by 4 p.m. ET Tuesday. Here is a projection for the Dolphins:
QUARTERBACKS (2): Tua Tagovailoa, Mike White
Tagovailoa is now being paid like a franchise quarterback, but the situation took the entire offseason to complete. White beat out Skylar Thompson for the No. 2 job, although Thompson should land on Miami's practice squad.
RUNNING BACKS (4): Raheem Mostert, De'Von Achane, Jaylen Wright, Chris Brooks
Mostert and Achane should lead the way, but Wright's impressive training camp could make this a three-man rotation earlier than expected. Brooks entered concussion protocol after the second preseason game, but he is the most physical runner in the room and gets the nod over veteran Jeff Wilson Jr.
FULLBACKS (1): Alec Ingold
Ingold is one of the Dolphins' most important players at a position that has lost its luster around the league. He's a no-brainer here.
WIDE RECEIVERS (7): Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Odell Beckham Jr., Braxton Berrios, River Cracraft, Malik Washington, Erik Ezukanma
Hill and Waddle represent one of the most productive receiver tandems in league history. Beckham Jr. didn't participate in any on-field work throughout the offseason. The veteran is trending toward starting the season on the PUP list. Cracraft is also destined for short-term injured reserve after suffering a shoulder injury in the preseason; that'll be critical for any players on the roster bubble.
TIGHT ENDS (3): Durham Smythe, Jonnu Smith, Julian Hill
There was a lot of excitement surrounding Smith's arrival, and he validated it with a strong training camp. He's their best receiving tight end, Hill is the best blocker, and Smythe offers a blend of both. Tanner Conner lands on the practice squad.
OFFENSIVE LINEMEN (9): Terron Armstead, Isaiah Wynn, Aaron Brewer, Robert Jones, Austin Jackson, Kendall Lamm, Patrick Paul, Liam Eichenberg, Lester Cotton
Armstead and Jackson are mainstays from Miami's starting lineup over the past two seasons, while Brewer was signed to take over at center. This group is full of guys who can play multiple positions -- particularly Eichenberg, who enters the final year of his rookie deal.
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN (4): Zach Sieler, Calais Campbell, Brandon Pili, Da'Shawn Hand
Sieler and Campbell are impact players and roster locks. Pili and Hand emerge from a crowded competition at the defensive line position.
LINEBACKERS (10): Jaelan Phillips, Bradley Chubb, Chop Robinson, Emmanuel Ogbah, Mohamed Kamara, Jordyn Brooks, David Long Jr., Anthony Walker Jr., Duke Riley, Channing Tindall
Phillips returned from the active/PUP list midway through the preseason and provides a major boost to Miami's pass rush. Ogbah returned to the team after Shaquil Barrett retired, but Chubb could start the season on the reserve/PUP list. Rookies Robinson and Kamara appear ready for early-season roles, while Tindall's strong camp and preseason gets him out of the roster bubble.
CORNERBACKS (6): Jalen Ramsey, Kendall Fuller, Kader Kohou, Cam Smith, Siran Neal, Nik Needham
Ramsey and Fuller project as the starting outside corners, while Kohou mans the slot position. Needham has cross trained at safety but was a multiple-year starter at slot corner and probably will play both positions this season. Smith was on and off the field throughout training camp with various injuries, but the former second-round pick isn't a cut candidate at this point. Neal is a special teams star but is a productive defender when called upon. Rookies Storm Duck and Jason Maitre make the practice squad after strong camps.
SAFETIES (4): Jevon Holland, Jordan Poyer, Elijah Campbell, Marcus Maye
This was one of the deeper rooms on Miami's roster during camp and will be a strong rotation during the season. Campbell could be a factor on defense but will make his greatest contribution on special teams. Rookie Patrick McMorris impressed during camp but starts the year on the practice squad.
SPECIAL TEAMS (3): Jason Sanders, Jake Bailey, Reid Ferguson
Sanders seemingly shook off his struggles from range last season, making 5 of his 7 attempts from 50+ yards after connecting on just 4-of-12 such attempts in his previous two seasons. Bailey returns as does Ferguson, who is one of the Dolphins' longest-tenured players.