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Minkah Fitzpatrick, Mike Gesicki set up to be Dolphins core pieces

Minkah Fitzpatrick's versatility gives the Dolphins an array of options in the secondary. Doug Murray/Icon Sportswire

A breakdown of the Miami Dolphins' 2018 draft class and its progress after three weeks of training camp:

Minkah Fitzpatrick, DB, first round: Fitzpatrick immediately made his presence known as a versatile chess piece who can play slot cornerback, safety and as a specialty player in nickel and dime defenses. The Dolphins love Fitzpatrick's ability to absorb the defense, play fast, cover tight ends and makes plays on the ball. He shined in Miami's first preseason game against the Bucs. He's expected play a lot in Year 1 and be a core piece for a long time in Miami.

Mike Gesicki, TE, second round: Adam Gase's offense needs a receiving matchup nightmare tight end who can produce the way Julius Thomas did with Peyton Manning in 2013-14. Gesicki has shown glimpses of being that guy, but he needs more consistency and hasn't had a preseason catch yet. He likely won't ever be a plus-blocker, but he can be a top target for Ryan Tannehill in the red zone and on third down as a rookie.

Jerome Baker, LB, third round: No rookie has flashed in the preseason as much as Baker, who has worked his way up to being with the starters. Baker's coverage ability got him drafted and the Dolphins will need him big-time this season as they've struggled to get production from their linebackers.

Durham Smythe, TE, fourth round: Smythe has held up well as a blocking tight end and appears to have a secure roster spot even if his role is currently undefined. He also flashed his hands with two catches for 27 yards last week against the Panthers.

Kalen Ballage, RB, fourth round: Ballage was having a strong training camp, earning a few reps with the first-team offense and gained 60 yards on 13 touches in the first preseason game. The next weekend, Ballage had a rough couple of days at practice, including getting kicked out of the huddle by Tannehill and suffering a concussion. His roster spot is secure.

Cornell Armstrong, CB, sixth round: Armstrong has had a quiet spring as the Dolphins try to figure out their cornerback rotation. This is a unit where the Dolphins have more depth than starting-caliber talent, which could leave Armstrong on the roster bubble. The practice squad could be his landing spot.

Quentin Poling, LB, seventh round: Poling's biggest role this summer has been on special teams and he hasn't looked to be a significant player on defense. His chances to make the team increased after Mike Hull's knee injury, but he could be looking at a practice squad spot if he doesn't finish strong this preseason.

Jason Sanders, K, seventh round: After an inconsistent spring, Sanders has been impressive since the preseason began. He's 4-of-5 on field goals over two games and has shown off a strong leg in practice, including making two 61-yarders. He's locked in a tight battle with undrafted free agent Greg Joseph.