5 Miami Dolphins Training Camp Battles To Watch In 2015

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5 Miami Dolphins Training Camp Battles To Watch In 2015

Ryan Tannehill Miami Dolphins Quarterback
Brad Barr – USA TODAY Sports

This could be the year for the Miami Dolphins to finally make the leap. The team has been very close to the postseason the last couple of years, and with the potential suspension of Tom Brady, the team will have a chance to be quick out of the gate and take the lead in the AFC East. With that said, the Dolphins need to field their best possible lineup, and here are five important position battles to watch during their training camp.

5. Backup RB: Jay Ajayi vs. Damien Williams vs. LaMichael James

Jay Ajayi Miami Dolphins Running Back
Matt Kartozian – USA TODAY Sports

5. Backup RB: Jay Ajayi vs. Damien Williams vs. LaMichael James

Jay Ajayi Miami Dolphins Running Back 2
Matt Kartozian – USA TODAY Sports

Jay Ajayi was a steal in the 2015 NFL Draft, as the projected day two pick slipped all the way to the fifth round before the Dolphins picked him. Ajayi has some injury concerns, but he will compete to be the primary backup behind Lamar Miller. While Damien Williams and LaMichael James will make it difficult for Ajayi because of their pass catching abilities, the rookie should be able to hold them off and earn the backup role.

4. Wide Receiver: Greg Jennings vs. Kenny Stills

Greg Jennings Miami Dolphins Wide Receiver
Steve Mitchell – USA TODAY Sports

4. Wide Receiver: Greg Jennings vs. Kenny Stills

Greg Jennings Miami Dolphins Wide Receiver
Steve Mitchell – USA TODAY Sports

Two of the starting receiving jobs are already basically locked down, as Jarvis Landry will occupy the slot, while DeVante Parker will likely win the job as the No. 1 receiver if he can stay healthy. That means that the other outside receiver job will be decided by a battle between Greg Jennings and Kenny Stills. Stills likely has the advantage now, but the veteran Jennings could push him for the job during training camp and the preseason.

3. Left Guard: Jamil Douglas vs. Dallas Thomas

Jamil Douglas Miami Dolphins Guard
Mark J. Rebilas – USA TODAY Sports

3. Left Guard: Jamil Douglas vs. Dallas Thomas

Jamil Douglas Miami Dolphins Guard 2
Mark J. Rebilas – USA TODAY Sports

Dallas Thomas has been a major disappointment since the team selected him in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft. This is probably the last chance he’ll have to compete for a starting role in Miami. Jamil Douglas, a fourth round rookie, will not make that easy for Thomas, and he has been outplaying the veteran thus far this offseason. Thomas will need to battle hard in the preseason if he wants to keep his job.

2. Defensive Tackle: Earl Mitchell vs. C.J. Mosley

Earl Mitchel Miami Dolphins Defensive Tackle
Brad Barr – USA TODAY Sports

2. Defensive Tackle: Earl Mitchell vs. C.J. Mosley

Earl Mitchel Miami Dolphins Defensive Tackle
Brad Barr – USA TODAY Sports

This will be an interesting battle to watch, as both veterans have been primarily backups during their NFL careers. Mosley is probably the better pass rusher; he had 2.5 sacks in limited playing time with the Detroit Lions last season. However, Mitchell was decent rushing the passer last season, and he did well against the run as well. These two veterans will battle hard for the starting spot, and it is a neck-and-neck race as of now.

1. Cornerback: Will Davis vs. Jamar Taylor

Jamar Taylor Miami Dolphins Cornerback
Mike Dinovo – USA TODAY Sports

1. Cornerback: Will Davis vs. Jamar Taylor

Jamar Taylor Miami Dolphins Cornerback 2
Mike Dinovo – USA TODAY Sports

Jamar Taylor was a second-round pick back in 2013, but he has never lived up to his draft slot. Will Davis hasn’t really done much in his NFL career either since being selected in the third round that same year. Still, the two are competing for the starting spot across from Brent Grimes, and one of them needs to show improvement so that Miami’s secondary can be strong. Finding a solid player at this position is extremely important for the team.

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