NFL preseason report: Miami Dolphins

This page will be regularly updated with news and analysis regarding the Dolphins’ skill position players throughout training camp and the preseason. ⬆︎ ⬇︎ Indicate which way a player’s fantasy value is trending and (R) denotes rookies.

Warren Sharp has the Dolphins projected to face the NFL’s 9th easiest schedule of 2018.

Quarterback

Ryan Tannehill ⬆︎ -- Although he’s not a gamebreaker, Ryan Tannehill is a starter-level NFL QB. He’s got a retooled receiving corps and a cake schedule. Through Weeks 1-12, Sharp projects the Dolphins to face the NFL easiest pass-defense schedule (and a harder than average run-defense schedule). If the Dolphins want to win games, they’ll be forced to rely on their passing game. Ryan Tannehill is the most intriguing undrafted QB I’ve come across this year. Pairing him with a high-ceiling/low-floor passer like Patrick Mahomes could pay dividends.

Running Back

Kenyan Drake ⬇ -- Drake’s looks like he has all the traits to be a bellcow back in Miami’s offense. He was a dynamic late-season boom last year that likely carried a number of teams to championships. However, he did not earn the No. 1 role of his own volition. Drake was only handed the keys to the offense once Damien Williams dislocated his shoulder. This is noteworthy because it tells us that the coaches didn’t necessarily want to feature Drake as their lead back. Additionally, Miami has continued to show little-to-no confidence in Drake as they’ve signed both Frank Gore and (recently) Jeremy Langford, while also drafting Kalen Ballage. Let the Dolphins’ backfield be someone else’s headache.

Frank Gore ⬇ -- I think Gore functions as a thorn in Drake’s side, more so than a usable fantasy asset. He’s a future Hall of Famer, but at age 35, I can’t see him being more than a weekly headache on your bench.

Kalen Ballage (R) ⬇ As the third member of this crowded backfield, I also don’t see Ballage as worth a spot on your roster. He’s got a good all-around skill set, however, his weak running style has dogged him for years.

Jeremy Langford ⬇ -- Gase signed one of his former running backs, Jeremy Langford, earlier this month. It’s unlikely Langford takes on a meaningful role though.

Wide Receivers

DeVante Parker ⬇ -- Parker will produce in a major way -- after he’s left Miami. He’s a talented wide receiver but his weaknesses are glaring and the Miami coaching staff appears unwilling to make the necessary changes. On Episode 33 of the Fantasy Football Engineering Podcast, guest Matt Harmon shared his thoughts on Parker. It’s worth a listen, but its essence was this: Parker struggles against press coverage -- the main coverage he faces while playing the Dolphins’ X wide receiver role. Unless the Dolphins are willing to move him around the formation, it’s likely Parker busts once again. Reports out of camp are grim: Xavien Howard’s “pretty much owned [Parker] this entire training camp”. On top of all this, Parker recently suffered a broken finger. Avoid Parker in 2018.

Kenny Stills ⬆︎ -- This is starting to look like Kenny Stills’ year. He’s going to be the nominal No. 1 receiver in this offense. As discussed above, Parker simply cannot gain separation as the X receiver. Meanwhile, Stills and Tannehill are continuing to work on their connection. Calling it now: Kenny Stills will lead the Dolphins in targets in 2018. Given the dreamy pass-defense schedule, he should produce in a major way. Draft him aggressively at his absurd 10th round ADP.

Danny Amendola ⬆︎ -- If Amendola can stay healthy in 2018, it’s likely he can be an extremely usable flex option, especially in PPR. The matchups will be there as long as his health is too. Like Stills, Amendola and Tannehill and likewise showing a strong connection. Amendola is currently going undrafted. He’s a solid option as the final pick in your draft.

Albert Wilson ⬇ -- Wilson can be a dynamic playmaker with the ball in his hands. However, the coaching staff still seems uncertain as to how they’ll be using their expensive new offensive piece. Wilson is currently going undrafted and should remain as such.

Tight End

Mike Gesicki (R) ⬆︎/⬇ -- Gase has been effective in his passing-game tight end usage so there’s reason for optimism with Gesicki. Gesicki’s an athletic freak and a talented receiver as well. However, we’ve got a long track record showing us that tight ends have difficulty producing meaningful fantasy numbers early in their careers. Gesicki’s a fine secondary tight end option for your roster but I would not enter the season with him as my No. 1.