Miami Dolphins Training Camp Battles to Watch Ahead of Preseason Kickoff

The Miami Dolphins’ offseason has been full of drama, and training camp has picked up right where it left off. Yet despite the headlines, players continue to show up and show out in practice. With camp battles already in full swing, the competition for spots on the final depth chart and 53-man roster is intensifying ahead of Sunday’s preseason opener against the Chicago Bears.

1. Quinn Ewers vs. Zach Wilson

The backup quarterback race is the most intriguing storyline behind starter Tua Tagovailoa, whose injury history makes the role critical. Zach Wilson, signed to a one-year, $6 million fully guaranteed deal, brings NFL experience but has been inconsistent, flashing talent in short bursts. Rookie Quinn Ewers, a seventh-round steal from Texas has turned heads in camp with a quick grasp of the offense and big-time throws, earning praise from both Mike McDaniel and Tagovailoa. Preseason snaps will be decisive in determining QB2.

2. Starting Cornerback #2 — and the Entire Corner Room

With Jalen Ramsey traded and Kader Kohou lost for the season, the starting spot opposite presumed CB1 Storm Duck is wide open. Young corners Kendall Sheffield, Cam Smith, and Ethan Bonner are battling alongside veteran Jack Jones, while the front office keeps an eye on veterans like Asante Samuel Jr. and Rasul Douglas.

Cam Smith, a 2023 second-round pick, has drawn criticism from McDaniel for his inability to stay on the field and is even rumored as a possible cut. Bonner, Sheffield, and Jones have all made plays, but Jones currently has the inside track for CB2. The rest of the group will fight for depth spots, but without upgrades, this could be one of the roster’s biggest liabilities in today’s pass-heavy NFL.

3. Jaylen Wright vs. Alexander Mattison

Second year player Jaylen Wright has impressed enough to be considered the favorite for backup running back duties, especially after Alexander Mattison’s two fumbles in Friday’s practice. Mattison still offers big-play potential beyond his short-yardage label, but ball security issues could open the door for Wright and possibly rookie Ollie Gordon to climb the depth chart.

4. Tyrel Dodson vs. Willie Gay Jr.

The linebacker spot next to Jordyn Brooks is a three-way race between Tyrel Dodson, Willie Gay Jr., and K.J. Britt. Dodson’s familiarity with Anthony Weaver’s system and his three interceptions in eight games last season make him the early favorite. Gay has been one of camp’s biggest standouts, flashing speed and playmaking ability with multiple sacks and disruptive plays. Britt adds depth but trails in the race. The preseason opener will be crucial for Gay to prove his athleticism can outweigh Dodson’s system knowledge and reliabilty.

5. Ryan Stonehouse vs. Jake Bailey

It may fly under the radar, but the punting battle is real. Ryan Stonehouse offers a booming leg, elite hangtime, and pinpoint directional kicks. Jake Bailey counters with consistency, short-field control, and veteran savvy. The deciding factor could be holding on field goals — an often-overlooked special teams’ skill that could sway the competition.

Other Notable Battles

• Safety 2: Ashtyn Davis vs. Ifeatu Melifonwu

• Last Safety Spot: Patrick McMorris vs. Dante Trader Jr.

• WR3–WR6: With Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle locked in and Malik Washington the likely slot starter, the fight is wide open between Dee Eskridge, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, Tahj Washington, Andrew Armstrong, Erik Ezukanma, and Tarik Black.

• Tight End 3/In Line Tight End: Julian Hill vs. Pharoah Brown

• Last Edge Spot: Cameron Goode vs Grayson Murphy

The Bottom Line: These battles will define Miami’s 2025 roster. Ewers must deliver clean, impactful drives to challenge Wilson. The cornerbacks must prove they can survive without Ramsey and Kohou. Wright is testing Mattison’s reliability, Gay is pushing Dodson’s experience, and Stonehouse is battling Bailey’s steadiness. With preseason action just days away, the pressure is on, and the depth chart is still very much in play.