The Dolphins continued their work to construct a reliable offensive line on this 12 months’s offseason. Starting tackles Austin Jackson and Patrick Paul and starting center Aaron Brewer are all expected to proceed leading the group, and Miami is hoping first-round guard Kadyn Proctor will fare higher than guard Jonah Savaiinaea did as a rookie starter. When the team has to make final roster decisions, the group behind these five offer some intriguing candidates to fill those few available spots.
In accordance with Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, sixth-round Texas rookie DJ Campbell is likely a lock to secure a roster spot, and a backup center — whether that finally ends up being 2024 undrafted signee Andrew Meyer, undrafted Iowa State rookie Jim Bonifas, or some unknown future addition — will likely lock up one other. Even when Savaiinaea isn’t in a position to hold on to his starting role, the team isn’t likely to offer up on last 12 months’s second-round pick. That makes seven slots taken out of an expected nine or 10, per Jackson.
Regarding the remaining two or three roster spots, Jackson expects the Dolphins to retain two backup tackles. He notes free agent addition Jamaree Salyer as a powerful candidate to grab one spot. A former starting lineman for the Chargers, Salyer has unique experience at each guard and tackle, versatility that would prove very priceless as a backup weapon on the road. Jackson offers up veteran Charlie Heck as one other strong tackle candidate who has part-time starting experience with each the Texans and the Buccaneers.
There’s one other interesting name that’s in the combination for a roster spot, though they could not have the most effective odds to win it. Per Jackson, the Dolphins have been auditioning former Packers defensive lineman James Ester on the inside offensive line. Apparently, Miami’s Green Bay transplants at general manager and head coach, Jon-Eric Sullivan and Jeff Hafley, witnessed Ester work at guard on the Packers’ practice squad and thought he had the “power, movement skills, strength, and athleticism” to potentially succeed at guard.
At 289 kilos, the Northern Illinois-product is a bit undersized for an NFL guard, but there’s no 300-pound weight requirement for the offensive line, and Brewer has found success at center at 295 kilos. Ester has loads of competition for a roster spot and is probably going at a drawback because of his lack of experience, but when Sullivan and Hafley consider in him, their favor may give him the sting over more experienced candidates.