The Miami Dolphins are back on the gridiron. The fact that it is “only” practice? Who cares? The team is together for the first time in nearly two months and looking to finalize the 2019 depth chart over the crash course that is the next month of preparations and practice.
And while the Dolphins were only in caps yesterday — meaning no pads and certainly diminished hitting as a result — the first day of training camp led to some significant observations. Here are the highs and lows of Miami’s first day of camp.
Undrafted free agent Montre Hartage continues to buzz around the ball
The Northwestern product was active around the football in organized team activities (OTAs) and promptly nabbed another interception on the first day of training camp — picking Josh Rosen’s pocket in the end zone.
Hartage is a slot defender with upside on special teams thanks to his good tackling at the college level. This is a sneaky contender to make the 53-man roster.
Mike Gesicki’s acrobatic one-handed catch
The Penn State product labored as a rookie — and furthermore was done in by poor usage by the Dolphins coaching staff. Day 1 of practice offered a glimpse that maybe fans will see a different, more physical version of Gesicki in 2019.
With the offseason weight training yielding some extra muscle mass, Gesicki now just needs to put it into application on the field.
So far, so good with plays like this one over Bobby McCain.
Receiver Albert Wilson back on the field
Wilson avoided being placed on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list at the start of camp, which in itself is a win. And finally seeing Wilson back on the field — when it has become apparent what kind of X-factor he can be after the catch for the Dolphins — is a huge development.
Fans have been hearing that Wilson is finally back and at 100%, but now we can see Wilson working among his teammates.
“It’s a blessing,” said Wilson regarding getting back on the field.
