Breaking Down the Miami Dolphins 53-Man Roster by Position

The Miami Dolphins initial 53-Man roster is set, most notably keeping only four wide receivers. The team also deciding not to pick up a third quarterback.

Here is a rundown by position:

QUARTERBACKS (2)

On the 53: Tua Tagovailoa, Skylar Thompson

Mike White was the cut out of this group. White was in the second year of an $8 million dollar contract. The Dolphins saved $3.5 million in cap space by making the move. White has signed to the Bills practice squad.

RUNNING BACKS (5)

On the 53: Raheem Mostert, De'Von Achane, Jaylen Wright (R), Jeff Wilson Jr., FB Alec Ingold

Mostert and Ingold are coming off of Pro-Bowl seasons, while Achane is expected to breakout in year 2. The rookie Jaylen Wright has also flashed, while Jeff Wilson Jr. makes the team over Chris Brooks.

WIDE RECEIVERS (4)

On the 53: Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Braxton Berrios, Malik Washington (R)

Expect the Dolphins to run more "12 personnel" with Hill and Waddle on the outside. Those two create possibly the best wide receiver duo in the league, but this group lacks serious depth. However, the team placed River Cracraft on IR/designated to return, while moving Odell Beckham Jr. to the Reserve/PUP list. Help is on the way, but the production at the top should be more than enough. General Manager Chris Grier could also add a piece to bolster this position group

TIGHT ENDS (4)

On the 53: Durham Smythe, Jonnu Smith, Julian Hill, Tanner Conner

Smith is the offseason acquisition that is expected to play a prominent role in the offense, while Smythe returns as a great run-blocker and an improved pass rusher. Again, expect more two tight end sets this season from Head Coach Mike McDaniel

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN (10)

On the 53: Terron Armstead, Robert Jones, Aaron Brewer, Liam Eichenberg, Austin Jackson, Kendall Lamm, Lester Cotton, Jack Driscoll, Patrick Paul (R), Andrew Meyer (R)

Meyer making the team as a rookie free agent has to be the biggest surprise on the 53, but the rest of the group is as expected. Terron Armstead anchors the line at left tackle, while former first-round pick Austin Jackson was paid to protect Tua's blindside. The question mark is at center. Brewer has battled injury. Eichenberg continues to be the "swiss army knife" sliding in to multiple positions.

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN (5)

On the 53: Zach Sieler, Calais Campbell, Da'Shawn Hand, Brandon Pili, Benito Jones

This group will miss Christian Wilkins who signed the a massive deal this offseason to join the Las Vegas Raiders. However no surprises here.

EDGE DEFENDERS (5)

On the 53: Jaelan Phillips, Emmanuel Ogbah, Chop Robinson (R), Mohamed Kamara (R), Quinton Bell

Ogbah was brought back on a discounted deal after initially being released following last season. The first-round pick was spent on Chop Robinson. The feeling inside the building is that he has the potential to be special. No official word on if Jaelen Phillips will be ready Week 1. The former first-round pick tore his achilles against the Jets on Nov. 24th last season. He was having a Pro-Bowl year. Bradley Chubb and Cameron Goode begin the season on the PUP list.

LINEBACKERS (5)

On the 53: David Long Jr., Jordyn Brooks, Duke Riley, Channing Tindall, Anthony Walker Jr.

David Long Jr. leads this group will begin his second season in Miami. Anthony Walker Jr. has been hurt, but the coaching staff likes what he brings when healthy. Channing Tindall has been a lackluster pick out of Georgia, expect him to primarily be a special teams player.

DEFENSIVE BACKS (11)

On the 53: CB Jalen Ramsey, CB Kendall Fuller, S Jevon Holland, S Jordan Poyer, S Marcus Maye, CB Kader Kohou, CB Ethan Bonner, CB Siran Neal, S Elijah Campbell, CB Storm Duck, S Patrick McMorris

"Gold Jacket" Jalen Ramsey seemingly doesn't age and continues to be one of the most feared cornerbacks in the NFL. This is a contract year for Jevon Holland who should command serious Money. Both sides have shown interest on an extension. This group is deep and versatile, so much so that the team felt comfortable waving Nik Needham. Last year's second-round pick Cam Smith will begin the season on IR.

SPECIALISTS (2)

On the 53: K Jason Sanders, P Jake Bailey

The surprise here is that the team released long snapper Jake Ferguson. Currently, the Dolphins do not have a "hiking specialist" on the roster. Expect this to change or can Eichenberg do this, too? Bottom line- get Jason Sanders someone he is comfortable with.