In a move that took both fans and peers by surprise, the Miami Dolphins traded away two players that had been seen as essential parts of their rebuilding process. Laremy Tunsil, the Dolphins first round draft pick in 2016 and just 25 years old, and Kenny Stills, the 27-year-old wide receiver who was arguably the most consistent part of the team’s wide receiving corps, were traded to the Houston Texans.

In exchange for Stills and Tunsil, as well as a fourth round draft pick in 2020, the Dolphins received the Texans 2020 first round draft pick, their second round picks in 2020 and 2021, and two players viewed as role players in linebacker Johnson Bademosi and offensive lineman Julien Davenport.

Tunsil, whose draft stock famously fell in the 2016 draft when a video of him smoking pot surfaced as the draft began (Tunsil claimed his phone was hacked), and Stills, who ruffled the feathers of owner Stephen Ross with criticism on equality front, were both still considered young enough and good enough to be part of the rebuilding process the team in undergoing. But ultimately, every player has his price, and the Texans came calling with an offer that couldn’t be ignored.

The move leaves the Dolphins with concerns on the offensive line, a unit that has yet to see five consistent starters on the field together. But the Dolphins had a plethora of wide receivers, making departure of Stills easier to absorb.

The Dolphins now have a total of 22 picks in the next two NFL drafts, including at least 13 in next year’s draft, which is viewed as QB-heavy by most experts. But the on-field talent for 2019 is viewed as one of the weakest in the league.

Buckle up, Dolphins fans, it’s going to be a long year.

​This story was written by Eldon Jenson. Follow him on Twitter: @EJFootball

​There are those who believe that the Miami Dolphins will win only one game in 2019. Then there are those who believe this team can win more games than anyone's expecting. Who's right? Only time will tell, and the emergence (or failure) of Josh Rosen will likely have a lot to do with how bettors decide to approach the season.

With the recent increase in sports betting, trying to figure out how to make a profit isn't as easy as just deciding who will win week in and week out, there's way more to it than that. That's what this primer is meant to do: give an idea of what kind of bets there are to make and what works best for anyone looking to place a bet.

But this is where things get interesting. If the Dolphins are truly as bad as everyone is predicting, then betting on Miami any given week could potentially lead to big winnings if the gamble pays off. However, what sort of things should factor into making that decision?

If there's anything to really look forward to in 2019, it's the growth of a young defense. The Dolphins have young players who are emerging as potential superstars, as well as Pro Bowl cornerback Xavien Howard, who himself is also a young player in his own right.

Take into account the play of Jerome Baker, and apparent hidden gem Sam Eguavoen. Between those two, Miami has a linebacker duo who can go from sideline to sideline, cover running backs and tight ends, and shoot gaps in pass rush. All these traits were displayed in the preseason, and could give opposing offenses a reason to respect the Dolphins defense.

Then you have Minkah Fitzpatrick, who's projected to play in his best spot, at slot cornerback. True, it moved Bobby McCain to free safety, but with the exception of a few moments where his physical limitations got exposed, McCain has handled the transition admirably, while Fitzpatrick gets to focus on becoming the playmaker he was at Alabama.

The only true weak point for Miami is the pass rush. Charles Harris has shown improvement, but he's still nowhere close to meeting the expectations placed on him as a first round draft pick. As for Tank Carradine and Nate Orchard, they have something to offer as depth players, but not as true starting material. The Dolphins pass rush will have to be schemed in order to be effective, unless Miami does something drastic like trade for Texans rusher Jadeveon Clowney.

​This should come as a surprise to no one, but the offense is not firing on all cylinders. Once again, Miami's offensive line is a disaster, and the scheme has to adapt to the inability to protect the quarterback and open up holes for running backs. That isn't easy to do no matter who's in charge.

Rookies Michael Deiter and Shaq Calhoun have struggled at the two guard positions. Frankly, that's putting it mildly. However, they are young and learning. Perhaps in time, they will figure it out. But for right now things are going to be difficult for the Dolphins to put points on the board. That should be taken into account if one wants to place a bet.

However, things are not hopeless. The weapons Miami has at their disposal are fairly impressive. Kenyan Drake and Kalen Ballage are a good duo of running backs, while Kenny Stills, Albert Wilson, Jakeem Grant, and up and comer Preston Williams is a corps loaded with potential.

Truly, this offense hinges on how well the quarterback, whether it's Josh Rosen or Ryan Fitzpatrick, adapts to pressure they'll be facing. The weapons can bail them out of jams if necessary, but they'll have to improvise around the pocket a lot for the team to find success scoring points.

​A lot of losses the Dolphins have suffered over the past several years have been due to coaching that was...less than ideal. But so far, this new coaching staff has done more good than harm. Philosophies are being put into place that demand excellence, but don't come off as arrogant.

Brian Flores can do himself a favor by naming Rosen the starter at quarterback, since he's outplayed the veteran Fitzpatrick this preseason. From the very beginning, Flores has said that the best player will start, and that appears to be Rosen at this point, based on performance.

The offense and the defense's new schemes and how they're executed will have a lot to do with how bets should be placed on the Dolphins in 2019. Perhaps, it would be safer to bet small until there's some idea of how the team is going to come together. With their first regular season game being against the Baltimore Ravens, that's a huge first challenge.

Maybe you're not much of a betting person, but it's always a good idea to learn more about how the NFL views things from different perspectives. There's a reason Las Vegas always puts odds on teams. And scarily enough, they're right more often than not. If that's the case, maybe there's something to be gained by keeping an eye on these sorts of things.

Joint practice always offer unique insights that cannot be had anywhere else. True, it hasn't seemed to make a difference in the Dolphins annual results, but it's never a bad thing to test skills against opponents other than one's own teammates.

So with that in mind, as Miami prepares for their season dress rehearsal against the Jaguars, here are the top five things we learned from watching the Dolphins practice and play against the Buccaneers.

Just when it seemed like the Dolphins would never be able to find another CFL star after Cameron Wake (and that isn't for a lack of trying), enter linebacker Sam Eguavoen, whose aggressive play style and ability to get from sideline to sideline has earned him a spot with the starters.

In practice he was all over the place, and in the game he did the same, even forcing a fumble with a hard hit. Between him and Jerome Baker, the linebacker corps for the Dolphins seems bright. But he needs to continue these strong showings to give some extra insurance. Flashes are just that, until they become consistent.

To be fair, Williams received a fairly generous pre-draft evaluation by NFL.com's Lance Zierlein, comparing him to Martavis Bryant. In his first preseason game against the Falcons, Williams was a playmaker, earning him an instant cult status among Dolphins fans.

In practice against the Buccaneers, that status was protected. Williams was solid, breaking the proverbial ankles of Tampa Bay cornerbacks in one on one drills. But things took a sour turn during the preseason game. Williams was targeted several times by Josh Rosen in that game, only to drop three of the passes thrown his way.

It would be foolish to assume Williams has nothing to offer after one bad game. His undrafted status came as a result of a miserable pro day, but his film had some considering him a first round talent. He has some things in his game that need cleaning up, but Miami has plenty of time to make that happen.

It's always been said that Kalen Ballage was underutilized back in his college days. All it took was a practice injury to Kenyan Drake, and suddenly ​Ballage was speeding into the endzone like a bat out of hell. Both days of practice, Ballage scored multiple touchdowns while Drake was seen on the sidelines in a walking boot.

​Frank Gore's departure requires Miami to find a new workhorse back. Ballage is starting to show more physicality in his running style. If he stays on that path, he could become the clear-cut top back in the Dolphins offense.

This should come as a surprise to no one, but the second cornerback spot is a mess. Between Eric Rowe, Jomal Wiltz, and the much-maligned Nik Needham, no one has stepped up to prove they deserve the privilege of starting opposite Pro Bowl CB Xavien Howard.

Even Howard, to some extent, struggled against the Buccaneers in practice and in their preseason matchup. Should that in itself be a cause for alarm? Not necessarily, no cornerback is perfect. Even Deion Sanders got beat sometimes. But when the opposite starter is literally being used as fodder for a quarterback to abuse, there's a serious problem that needs to be addressed.

It doesn't seem like it matters who's in charge. Miami has had Jim Turner, John Benton, Chris Foerster, Jeremiah Washburn, Pat Flaherty, and now Dave DeGuglielmo returns for his second stint as the Dolphins offensive line coach after Flaherty's firing. All remains the same, however. The Miami Dolphins offensive line is not good, it's not even average. It's bad, very bad, and it feels like it's been very bad for over a decade.

Why? After investing in countless first round picks, talented young players with potential to be unleashed, it wouldn't be a stretch to say Miami should have found success by now. Nevertheless, the answer is no. All three of Miami's QBs ran for their lives throughout the Tampa Bay practices and preseason game, and that is going to make evaluation of the skill players a challenge.

Williams, an undrafted receiver out of Colorado State, shined Thursday night versus the Falcons, totaling 97 receiving yards on four receptions, a team-high. Williams’ 97 yards came at the hands of Rosen, so the two have presented great communication thus far.

​Williams is shooting for a starting role in this offense, so each exhibition contest is crucial for Williams. Look to see how Williams adjusts Friday night against Tampa Bay, and if he gets an opportunity to work with Fitzpatrick. ​

Dealing with a foot issue, Drake is expected to sit out the remaining three exhibition games. Drake was spotted Wednesday morning in a walking boot, and with the regular season opening in less than a month, that spells trouble.

Drake’s absence will result in extra playing time for Kalen Ballage, a 2018 fourth-round draft choice and Mark Walton, who is listed as the third string running back on the depth chart. Both have shown full capability handling the running game thus far. ​

When Josh Rosen was acquired with a trade during the NFL draft in April, most fans of the Miami Dolphins figured they finally had their quarterback of the future in place for years to come.

Or did they?

With the preseason in full swing and the Dolphins spending the week in Tampa for practice scrimmages with the cross-state NFC rival Buccaneers, Ryan Fitzpatrick remains firmly entrenched atop the quarterback depth chart. Experience, which the veteran fourteen years with seven other NFL teams has plenty of, certainly plays a big part of it. But Rosen, the 10th overall pick of the 2018 draft, has the pedigree and skills to step right in and start, right?

Or does he?

Rosen suffered through an abysmal rookie season for the Arizona Cardinals last year, including a Week 7 game in which two (of three) interceptions were returned for touchdowns. Rosen also lost two fumbles and was sacked six times in that 45–10 loss to the Denver Broncos on Thursday Night Football. The next day his offensive coordinator was fired. The Cardinals improved from that point, but not enough to save the coaching staffs jobs.

Not exactly a winning formula for introducing a rookie QB to the NFL, right?

Understandably, the Dolphins are bringing Rosen along slowly, a luxury they can afford because they have Fitzpatrick to fill in the gap until Rosen is ready. While the coaches insist that there is an open quarterback competition and the best player will start, it’s becoming more apparent as each week goes by that the two quarterbacks’ relationship is more teacher/student than as competitors.

“I think he has to do a better job getting guys in and out of the huddle,” says head coach Brian Flores. “His communication, body language; there were some plays there he didn't like, and we just have to move onto the next play. That's the case for him and all the quarterbacks … that's something that's part of the evaluation as well.”

Body language is something coaches are emphasizing to the quarterback room this year. After every play, good or bad, all eyes, from coaches, players, and TV cameras and fans alike, drift back to the quarterback.

“At the quarterback positon, they're all looking at you,” says Flores. “I think that's something that they have to be conscious of. I talked to all of the quarterbacks about that, as well as the leaders on the team. They're looking to you as a leader. I think that's an important piece of this that people don't talk about very much, but I think it's very important."

Rosen gets it, and insists that no one is more critical of himself, making sure to not let the highs be too high, nor the lows be too low, regardless of what happens on the field.

“I think as a quarterback,” says Rosen, “in addition to the execution part of it, I think a lot of it is about leading, and about trying to keep a steady ship and keep that forward momentum, regardless of what's going on around you. Because a lot of people are looking to you to kind of be that rock. I think that's what Coach Flores was referring to. He wants me to kind of be steadier, and just execute, and be a positive force.”

And that’s where the mentorship of Fitzpatrick comes into play. As a veteran journeyman, he’s certainly no stranger to being replaced by up and coming youngsters, and he knows he’s here to steady the ship until if and when Rosen is ready. And in spite of being in competition for the same job, Rosen and Fitzpatrick are getting along great in the quarterback room and on the field, something Rosen is quick to appreciate.

“He's been unbelievably helpful,” says Rosen of Fitzpatrick. “He's probably one of the best mentors I've had in the sport, and he's been an unbelievable teammate - very selfless in helping me so much. It's pretty impressive how he can just sort of walk up to the line and see it and just know what front, what coverage - everything they're trying to do. I'm just trying to get to that level. It's going to be a long road, a lot of film, a lot of studying, and I'm just indebted to Fitz for how selfless he's being.

“He is being selfless and whatnot, but he's still competing his ass off. He's balling and when/if/and whenever this or whatever shakes out this year, he's going to absolutely fight his balls off.”

​This story was written by Eldon Jenson. Follow him on Twitter @EJFootball.

Can you smell that? The smell of appetizers and cold beer is about to overtake someone’s home including my own.

Ahhh, smoke pork butt!

It’s time to draft your fantasy teams fellas!

Most people are expecting the Miami Dolphins to be a little barren of talent this year at the skill positions, but the Dolphins are not short of sneaky picks. How great is it when you can draft a guy from your favorite team to fill roster spots on your fantasy team? There are some definite opportunities with this year’s group. My rankings are based on half point PPR format since that is the league I play in.

First let’s talk Kenyan Drake, the ultimate boom or bust pick currently going into this year. Most fans expect him to make the next step, but I’ve been a critic of this thought process. My first concern is we’ve only seen it a few times and why in the heck couldn’t he steal the show from Granddaddy Gore?

I argue with my fellow writers all the time about this. Was Adam Gase just that stubborn and ghastly as a coach? Or, is Kenyan Drake a third down runner with pass catching ability in situational football? That’s all he’s ever really been going back to Alabama. Maybe Nick Saban was actually right on his ability.

My take with Drake is he has always been a third down running back. If you want to draft him this year, do so as a fallen value in the 70-80 pick range. If you really think he’s a franchise guy, you can pick him as high as the 65-70. He’s an inconsistent player playing behind an even more inconsistent offensive line, so flex appeal is his best fit for any team he finds himself on.

Draft him as a RB2 and you might very well not make the playoffs. Drake is no better than the 25th best runner this year as he also faces competition behind him.

Secondly, staying on the RB theme make sure that if you invest in Drake, you also invest in Kalen Ballage. Having Ballage is the upside you may need to win your league let along mitigate risk in picking Drake. He may very well get his opportunity to take over the starting job at the bye week if the team is looking for a spark coming out of the time off.

You’re starting to see Ballage pop up on “2nd Year Backs To Watch” lists all over the fantasy landscape and you can include me in that group. At 6’2” and 231 lbs., running a 4.46 at the scouting combine and 4.35 at his pro day. Ballage is built to be that every down back the Dolphins have been desperate to find, and they may have very well found him.

Draft Kalen Ballage as the 35th to 40th Runner off the board. Consider him higher than a handcuff somewhere in the Austin Ekelar, Royce Freeman, Duke Johnson range and he shouldn’t disappoint. It could very well be the Ballage-Walton show to close out the season.

Well thanks for reading, the rest is a complete wasteland…or is it?

Kenny Stills is walking into this years Fantasy Season undervalued once again. At 27 years old, Stills is in his prime and with previous QB/Coach woes there is no doubt in my mind he can be at minimum a WR3 capable of filling bye weeks or operating as a flex most weeks.

Draft him knowing that there could be legitimate upside because there is little competition and a new staff and QB who can throw the deep ball. Landry was so effective here because Tannehill couldn’t complete anything past 10 yards.

That no longer applies with either of the QBs Miami now has on the roster. There will be lines that break down and force Fitzmagic/Rosen to get creative and an astute Stills can be a difference maker.

Draft Stills as the 50th or so Wide Receiver off the board ahead of guys like Emmanuel Sanders, Donte Moncrief, and DeSean Jackson. He’s the number one guy on a rebuilding team that will be playing from behind a ton. He should absolutely finish higher than where he’s being drafted.

And with the last pick of every fantasy football draft, every team not in my league, should take a flier on Preston Williams. He may already be the best wide receiver on the roster. I know it was preseason but how impressive for this young guy to come out and make those catches. He played the ball exceptionally well and that size! You may say I’m overreacting, but his story isn’t new.

​The message has been the same through all camps this year. That man can ball. I never bought into the idea he was a project. He was very productive; it was really about the grey matter between his ears that caused him to fall out of the draft and the combine. Everything I’m reading is that he really has done everything he can to turn his life around. And great job Grier for giving a young man a chance to prove he deserves another shot at life.

Other…

I love the versatility and skills sets in Jakeem Grant and Albert Wilson. I just don’t see them finding much consistency although there will undoubtedly be a four catch, 130 yard, one touchdown stat line. Don’t draft any of these guys and expect consistent production.

Undraftable positions is Tight End and Team Defense. We just don’t have the guys built for the defensive system yet. Mike Gesicki can’t block hence bringing in Dwayne Allen. I’m not even sure he can beat out the feisty Nick O’Leary yet.

Playing IDP?

Minkah Fitzpatrick may be a viable option but you’ll need to see that develop. He’s a swiss army knife that will play near the line of scrimmage quite a bit. If he puts a couple weeks back to back with ten plus point, pull the trigger.

This story was written by Steven Paulsen. Follow him on Twitter: @SarcasticPhin

Prior to the opening of the preseason schedule Thursday night, the Miami Dolphins and former Ole Miss product Robert Nkemdiche came to terms on a one-year, $1.16 million dollar deal, per ESPN's Adam Schefter and NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Miami placed Nkemdiche on the Active/Physically Unable to Perform List (PUP), as Nkemdiche is recovering from a knee injury suffered in 2018 while playing for the Arizona Cardinals. Miami is taking another risk on a former bust first-round selection, as Nkemdiche has dealt with numerous off-the-field issues. During his collegiate football days in 2015, Nkemdiche was charged with possession of marijuana, after breaking a window and falling approximately fifteen feet from his hotel.

On June 6, Nkemdiche was arrested for speeding and driving with a suspended license. Arizona released Nkemdiche on July 27, after new head coach Kliff Kingsbury told reporters Nkemdiche was “not in shape” when reporting to the team’s training facility.

In three seasons with the Cardinals, Nkemdiche totaled 44 tackles (ten for loss), ten quarterback hits and 4.5 sacks. As Nkemdiche works his way towards the active roster, the Georgia native will reunite with quarterback Josh Rosen and college teammate Laremy Tunsil. ​

“He’s a talented young defensive tackle." head coach Brian Flores said. "I think any time you can add somebody with this type of talent you got to at least explore it. We did that, we did a lot of research homework on Rob. We felt comfortable making the move, (General Manager) Chris (Grier), (Vice President of Football Administration) Brandon (Shore), myself, we had a lot of conversations about it and we brought him in and we signed him.

​"We’re looking forward to working with him and, again, helping him reach his potential. But that’s going to be up to Rob. I’ve told him that. He and I have had some … I’ve had very direct conversations with him. He knows where I stand as far as him coming in, working hard, doing things our way, getting himself back into shape, rehabbing, and then hopefully we get to see, or he gets to realize, his potential. I enjoy taking on that type of challenge and helping guys reach their potential.”

This story was written by Brandon Liguori. Follow him on Twitter: @BrandonRLiguori

The stats don’t show much, just a short line showing two tackles and one assist in a limited preseason game. But Christian Wilkins, the ever-exuberant defensive tackle and first round pick for the Miami Dolphins in the NFL draft knew going into the game that the stats wouldn’t matter as much as getting some playing time under his considerable belt.

Prior to the game, Wilkins said, “I feel like as long as I need to do what I need to do for this team, I don’t get out of myself, don’t get out of this scheme, as long as it matters what I do for this team and the coaches trust me, my teammates trust me and that I know I did my best, it doesn’t matter what other may think. But I know eyes are going to be on me as well and there’s going to be some attention for me.”

And it didn’t take long to get comfortable.

“I wasn’t really (nervous) until the national anthem,” he said. “That was when I first started to feel a little – not nervous but a little anxious, like this is really it, it’s go time. After that first play, I was good. I flushed all that and just started playing football.”

And his boss was paying attention.

“I saw he made a couple plays,” says head coach Brian Flores. “He brought great energy. Those interior guys it’s hard to tell, it really is; he could have been on two blockers the entire game. It’s hard to tell. I’ll let you know tomorrow.”

Wilkins is a 6’-3” 315 pound bundle of energy, making a lasting impression from his very first professional appearance as he nearly body slammed NFL commissioner Roger Goodell on the stage after his name was called 13th overall at the NFL draft. His enthusiasm and energy is contagious and never-ending, and a welcome addition to the locker room. But make no mistake, Wilkins is serious about his craft and wants to improve.

“I’ve never been more excited to watch a game tape ever I don’t think,” he said after the game. “But I’m really looking forward to it. I’m probably going to watch this tonight before I go to bed so I can see what I did wrong, see what I can improve and just get better. I’m just excited to learn from this game.”

After solid if unspectacular debut, Wilkins is looking forward to the nest round.

 “It was pretty good,” he says of his first game as a pro, even if only a short preseason appearance. “I was really excited before the game, my first NFL opportunity. It’s official, I’ve got a game in the books and it feels awesome. I’m just excited now to go watch the tape and learn from this.”

​This story was written by Eldon Jenson. Follow him on Twitter @EJFootball.

Miami Dolphins wide Receiver Preston Williams didn’t take a normal path to stardom.

After exploding for four catches and 97 yards in the Dolphins preseason win over the visiting Atlanta Falcons, the undrafted rookie caught the eye of not just Dolphins fans, but the national media as well. His leaping one-handed catch for a 36-yard gain in the closing minutes of the first half is making highlight reels across the country.

And funny thing, it wasn’t a surprise to Williams.

“When we were warming up, I practiced it,” said Williams of his grab up the left sideline. “And the opportunity presented itself, so it happened the same way I practiced it.”

“When coach gave me the opportunity, I was just tried to make the most of it,” he continued. “I didn’t have any expectations really coming into this game."

Williams, a 6’-4” 210 pounder, was a star in high school, winning the long jump championship while earning all-state honors in football for two years. After playing two years at Tennessee, he transferred to Colorado State, sitting out the 2017 season. It was during that lull from football that trouble found Williams, as he was arrested and pled guilty for an altercation with his girlfriend. He then exploded onto the national scene in his 2018 season, finishing as one of the top receivers with 96 catches for 1345 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Foregoing his senior season, Williams declared for the 2019 NFL draft, but his pro day workouts were horrendous, leaving scouts disappointed. That, coupled with the character flags, were enough to leave him undrafted. After signing with Miami it didn’t take long for coaches to noticed this kid’s unbridled talent.

“I think he’s worked extremely hard really since he got here,” says head coach Brian Flores. “He’s big, he’s fast, he’s got good hands, he’s tough, and he’s really worked every day to get better. We tell him to block in the run game, he blocks in the run game; play more downhill on your end cuts, he does that. He works hard after practice, he works hard in meetings.

“And it showed up tonight.”

One thing that jumped out to many fans watching the game was the humbleness and hustle Williams showed after making plays, jumping up and immediately heading back to the line of scrimmage to get the next play call and line up quickly. That show of maturity will go a long way in dispelling character issues, as hard work endears players to the coaching staff quickly.

“I think this is a talented young receiver,” said Flores. “(Of course), there’s a lot of talented people in this league. To get to a number one status, he’s got a long way to go, but does he have that potential? I would say he does. And it’s up to him to do the things he has to do to reach that potential. We’ll help him.”

For now, Williams is content to just keep learning the pro game and focusing on getting better every day.

“I got a lot of great guys around me, a lot of vets,” said Williams. “I learn from a lot of them. I’m actually glad they’re here. It’s my first year, I can learn from everybody; everybody has a different past. I’m here taking from everybody, learning.

“When my number was called, I just wanted to answer.”

This story was written by Eldon Jenson. Follow him on Twitter @EJFootball.
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