Miami Dolphins 2024 Preseason: Rookie Standouts, Starter Form, and Final Roster Cuts Loom

As the Miami Dolphins wrap up their second preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the focus has shifted from training camp drills to real-game evaluations—with roster spots on the line and starters fine-tuning their rhythm ahead of the regular season. For a team with Super Bowl aspirations, the preseason isn’t just about avoiding injuries; it’s a chance to identify hidden talent, test new  (schemes), and make tough decisions about which players will contribute to the 53-man roster. From a fifth-round rookie linebacker turning heads to veterans showing signs of early-season dominance, every snap carries significance. Miami Dolphins 2024 Preseason: Rookie Standouts, Starter Form, and Final Roster Cuts Loom takes a deep dive into the stories defining the Dolphins’ preseason, offering a preview of what to expect when the regular season kicks off in September.

The biggest surprise of the Dolphins’ preseason has been the emergence of rookie linebacker Mohamed Kamara, a fifth-round pick out of Colorado State who has quickly become a favorite among coaches and fans. Kamara, who recorded 19 sacks in his college career, has carried that pass-rushing prowess to the NFL, notching two sacks and three quarterback hits in the first two preseason games. What stands out most about Kamara isn’t just his production—it’s his versatility. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio has used him in multiple roles: standing up as an edge rusher, lining up in the interior on passing downs, and even dropping back into coverage in nickel packages. “Mohamed has a high football IQ—he picks up schemes fast and isn’t afraid to make mistakes, which is exactly what we want from a young player,” Fangio told reporters after the Buccaneers game. Miami Dolphins 2024 Preseason: Rookie Standouts, Starter Form, and Final Roster Cuts Loom highlights Kamara because he’s quickly turning from a “project pick” into a potential contributor—especially if edge rushers Jaelan Phillips or Bradley Chubb face injury setbacks. For a defense looking to improve its pass rush, Kamara’s emergence could be a game-changer.

While rookies like Kamara are grabbing headlines, the Dolphins’ veteran starters have also used the preseason to build momentum—with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and wide receiver Tyreek Hill leading the charge. In his only preseason appearance (a one-quarter start against the Falcons), Tagovailoa looked sharp, completing 8 of 10 passes for 92 yards and a touchdown to Hill. What impressed coaches most was his decision-making: he avoided risky throws, checked down to running backs when receivers were covered, and even audible out of a play that would have been stopped for a loss. Hill, meanwhile, has been his usual explosive self, catching four passes for 65 yards and a touchdown in limited action. “Tua and I have a rhythm that doesn’t need a lot of reps—we know each other’s strengths, and that shows on the field,” Hill said after the game. The offensive line, a focal point of camp, also held its own, allowing zero sacks in Tagovailoa’s time on the field. Miami Dolphins 2024 Preseason: Rookie Standouts, Starter Form, and Final Roster Cuts Loom emphasizes the starters’ performance because it signals that the Dolphins’ offense—one of the league’s best in 2023—hasn’t lost a step. If Tagovailoa and Hill can maintain this form into the regular season, Miami’s offense will once again be a nightmare for opposing defenses.

As the preseason progresses, the Dolphins are facing tough decisions about final roster cuts, with several position battles heating up and only 53 spots available. One of the most competitive races is at wide receiver, where veterans like Robbie Chosen and rookies like Jalen Brooks are fighting for the final two spots behind Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and Erik Ezukanma. Chosen, who joined the team in free agency, has impressed with his route-running and hands, catching 7 passes for 98 yards in preseason. Brooks, a sixth-round pick, has stood out on special teams, making two tackles in kick coverage and returning a kickoff 35 yards against the Buccaneers. “These guys are making it hard on us—and that’s a good problem to have,” head coach Mike McDaniel said. The running back position is also up for grabs, with De’Von Achane and Myles Gaskin competing for the backup role behind Raheem Mostert. Achane, a rookie, has shown speed (he recorded a 43-yard run against the Falcons), while Gaskin brings experience (he’s played four seasons with the Dolphins). Miami Dolphins 2024 Preseason: Rookie Standouts, Starter Form, and Final Roster Cuts Loom explores these battles because roster depth will be critical during the long regular season—especially if key players get injured. The Dolphins’ front office will have to balance talent, experience, and special teams value when making their final decisions by August 27.

On the defensive side, the Dolphins are using the preseason to fine-tune Vic Fangio’s scheme and ensure every player understands their role—even backups who may not see much regular-season action. One area of focus has been the secondary, where the Dolphins are adjusting to the addition of veteran safety Jordan Poyer. Poyer, who played for the Bills for six seasons, has quickly become a leader in the secondary, calling out coverages and helping young safeties like Cam Smith (a second-round pick) adjust to the NFL. In the Buccaneers game, the secondary held Tampa Bay’s backup quarterbacks to just 120 passing yards and intercepted two passes—one by Smith and one by cornerback Xavien Howard. “Jordan brings a level of experience that makes everyone around him better,” Howard said. The defensive line has also looked sharp, with Christian Wilkins recording a sack and two tackles for loss against the Buccaneers. Miami Dolphins 2024 Preseason: Rookie Standouts, Starter Form, and Final Roster Cuts Loom highlights these adjustments because Fangio’s scheme is still new to some players—especially rookies—and the preseason is the last chance to work out kinks before facing elite offenses like the Chiefs and Ravens. A well-executed defense will be just as important as the Dolphins’ explosive offense in their quest for a Super Bowl.

Finally, the Dolphins are using the preseason to address small flaws that could become big problems in the regular season—like red-zone efficiency and third-down conversion rate. In 2023, the Dolphins ranked 15th in the NFL in red-zone touchdown percentage (54%), a number they’re looking to improve this season. Through two preseason games, they’ve scored touchdowns on 7 of 10 red-zone drives—including a 1-yard run by Mostert and a 5-yard pass from Tagovailoa to tight end Durham Smythe. “We’ve been working on red-zone plays every day in practice, and it’s paying off,” Smythe said. The Dolphins have also improved their third-down conversion rate, going 8 for 16 (50%) in preseason after ranking 12th in the NFL (42%) last season. Part of the improvement comes from Tagovailoa’s ability to connect with secondary receivers—like Smythe and running back Jeff Wilson Jr.—on third downs. Miami Dolphins 2024 Preseason: Rookie Standouts, Starter Form, and Final Roster Cuts Loom concludes with this focus on details because it’s the small adjustments that often separate good teams from great ones. As the Dolphins prepare for their final preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, all signs point to a team that’s not just talented, but focused on fixing flaws and building momentum. With the regular season just around the corner, the Dolphins are positioning themselves to be a serious contender in the AFC—and the preseason has only reinforced that belief.