The Miami Dolphins loaded up on wide receivers this offseason in hopes that it would make things much easier for quarterback Ryan Tannehill. The franchise made a very expensive and long-term commitment to Tannehill as he heads into a crucial season with the Dolphins. The additional fire power to the roster means certain players might not make the 53-man roster including Rishard Matthews and Greg Jennings.
After drafting DeVante Parker, trading for Kenny Stills and signing Greg Jennings, Matthews requested a trade from the team. According to Adam H. Beasley of the Miami Herald, Matthews who was a seventh-round pick in 2012 had stopped attending practices and wanted to be traded from the team. However, as OTAs kicked off on Tuesday Matthews was in attendance, but is still fighting for a roster spot.
ESPN.com predicts the starting rotation for the Dolphins will likely be Jarvis Landry, Parker and Stills for Tannehill. That will leave Jennings, Matthews and Michael Preston competing for position on the roster. Jennings seems to be a lock for the roster given his experience in the league. The Dolphins need a veteran voice in the huddle and he has proven he can still be a productive threat on the field. Matthews might not get the trade he wants, but he also might not make the final roster.
The running back group is also going to feature an interesting competition as Lamar Miller enters as the presumed No. 1 back for Tannehill. The Dolphins drafted Jay Ajayi and the Herald believes he does stand a chance at getting starting time, but still has a lot to prove before that can happen. In the meantime, questions remain for LaMichael James who was re-signed this offseason, but does not have a clear role on the team.
According to the Palm Beach Post, James was seen returning punts on the first day of OTAs. If he can carve out a niche for himself on special teams, his roster spot because a lot more safe heading into the new season. Andrew Abramson reports that the main rotation appears to be Miller and Ajayi with James the third option if someone gets injured. Miller is ready for the starting spot.
"All-around guy," said Miller, via the Palm Beach Post. "I'm just trying to keep building off last year, just trying to get better as a player and trying to do anything to help this team win. I'm just coming in everyday trying to work on my game and trying to take that next step."