Mike Rodak, ESPN Staff Writer 6y

Miami Dolphins depth chart: Ryan Tannehill back on top

With free agency and the draft completed and OTAs and minicamps scheduled for the next month and a half, here’s a closer look at the depth chart for the Miami Dolphins:

OFFENSE

Note: Starters in bold

Quarterback (4): Ryan Tannehill, Brock Osweiler, David Fales, Bryce Petty

After months of speculation that Miami could draft a quarterback, none of the top four in the draft fell to the Dolphins at No. 11. That gives Tannehill some breathing room as he returns from a torn ACL, but his career in Miami still seems to be at a crossroads. The Dolphins claimed Petty on waivers from the Jets on Friday.

Running back (5): Kenyan Drake, Frank Gore, Kalen Ballage, Senorise Perry, Brandon Radcliff

The question here is how much of a role Gore plays and how effective he can be as the league’s oldest running back.

Wide receiver (11): Danny Amendola, Kenny Stills, DeVante Parker, Albert Wilson, Jakeem Grant, Leonte Carroo, Isaiah Ford, Rashawn Scott, Francis Owusu, Drew Morgan, Malcolm Lewis

The top four spots seem somewhat jumbled as the Dolphins look to replace the production of Jarvis Landry last season: 112 catches for 987 yards and nine touchdowns.

Tight end (6): Mike Gesicki, MarQueis Gray, Durham Smythe, A.J. Derby, Thomas Duarte, Gavin Escobar

After releasing Julius Thomas to help clear cap space, the Dolphins continued their search for a playmaking presence at tight end by drafting Gesicki and then doubling down with Smythe.

Tackle (7): Laremy Tunsil, Ja'Wuan James, Sam Young, Eric Smith, Zach Sterup, Sean Hickey, Roubbens Joseph

The Dolphins decided to stand pat at this position in the offseason despite Tunsil’s struggles last season. James is entering the final season of his rookie deal.

Guard (4): Josh Sitton, Jesse Davis, Ted Larsen, Isaac Asiata

The Dolphins hope Sitton, whom Pro Football Focus ranked fifth among NFL guards last season, can be an upgrade over their combination of Davis (tied for 63rd) and Larsen (tied for 67th) last season.

Center (2): Daniel Kilgore, Jake Brendel

The Dolphins acquired Kilgore, who graded 23rd among centers by Pro Football Focus last season, from the 49ers after releasing Mike Pouncey.

DEFENSE

Note: Starters in bold

Cornerback (9): Xavien Howard, Cordrea Tankersley, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Bobby McCain, Cornell Armstrong, Tony Lippett, Walt Aikens, Torry McTyer, Taveze Calhoun

Fitzpatrick, one of the top talents in the draft, slipped to the Dolphins at No. 11 and could begin his career in the slot, helping to cover opposing tight ends. They have given Miami problems in recent seasons.

Safety (6): Reshad Jones, T.J. McDonald, Jordan Lucas, Maurice Smith, Trae Elston, Tracy Howard

Fitzpatrick could also contribute as a safety alongside Jones and McDonald, who were two of Pro Football Focus' top-ranked Dolphins defenders in 2017.

Linebacker (8): Kiko Alonso, Raekwon McMillan, Stephone Anthony, Jerome Baker, Mike Hull, Terence Garvin, Quentin Poling, Chase Allen

After releasing Lawrence Timmons this offseason, the Dolphins are counting on McMillan being able to slide into a starting role after he missed his rookie season with an ACL injury. It seems plausible that Fitzpatrick could also see some snaps in a linebacker-type role.

Defensive line (11): Cameron Wake, Robert Quinn, Jordan Phillips, Davon Godchaux, Andre Branch, Charles Harris, William Hayes, Vincent Taylor, Gabe Wright, Jonathan Woodard, Cameron Malveaux

The Dolphins could use a step forward from Harris, their first-round pick in 2017.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Punter (1): Matt Haack

He enters his second season as the Dolphins’ punter after ranking 17th in net punting average last season.

Kicker (1): Jason Sanders

The Dolphins drafted Sanders, who played at New Mexico, in the seventh round last month after Cody Parkey signed with the Chicago Bears in free agency.

Long-snapper (1): John Denney

He enters his 14th season in this role for the Dolphins.

Kick returner (3): Jakeem Grant, Senorise Perry, Kenyan Drake

The Dolphins return the three players who combined to handle all but two of Miami’s kick returns in 2017.

Punt returner (1): Jakeem Grant

Grant handled 25 punt returns last season, with Landry fielding the other 12.

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