While head coach Brian Flores would tell you that every position for the Miami Dolphins is up for grabs in training camp, we all know that won’t actually be the case. One can appreciate the culture that Flores is trying to cultivate — one of urgency and the need to perform at a high level every day. And using “competition” for your job as a vehicle to create that culture is an effective approach.
But on a roster filled with young players looking to prove themselves, there are a handful of talents that stand out as head and shoulders above the rest. Their jobs are not on the line starting next week.
Here are the three Dolphins players with the least at stake entering 2019 training camp.
Left Tackle Laremy Tunsil
Yeah. Anyone who tries to tell you that Laremy Tunsil has to show up so that he doesn’t lose his starting job in 2019 is out of their mind. The “competition” for Tunsil is the likes of Jesse Davis, Jaryd Jones-Smith and Zach Sterup.
Tunsil is a force at left tackle — his elite physical tools are finally being harnessed with consistency. And that makes him the safest player on offense. When you consider the status of the rest of the offensive line, it may well give him the most job security of any player on the team.
Cornerback Xavien Howard
Speaking of job security, when the team backs up a dump truck filled with money and drops it on your front step, odds are pretty strong that you’re not going to lose your starting job. Howard has been a delight to watch grow and mature over his first three seasons.
The Dolphins must’ve thought so too, considering the contract extension they agreed upon. And so Howard, with a record-setting contract in hand, will not have to worry about Jalen Davis, Cordrea Tankersley or Torry McTyer stealing his job this summer.
Defensive Back Minkah Fitzpatrick
Minkah Fitzpatrick has all the job security in the world. Mostly because he can play about 6 positions on defense. When you’re as young, smart, athletic and versatile as Minkah Fitzpatrick, you don’t have to prove you can play.
The team proves it can play you as effectively as possible.
