Training camp bodies who could surprise for Dolphins

By Dan Davis  |   Thursday, July 10, 2008  |  Comments( 2 )

Miami Dolphins
Got something to say?

Log In above and share your thoughts on this topic with other fans!
As fans approach the precipice of the 2008 NFL season, most have a strong idea which players will comprise the majority of their favorite team's roster. Although there will be a few shocking cuts here and there, not to mention a few surprise players, the majority of rosters are similar from a year-to-year basis.

For the Miami Dolphins, let’s take a moment to look at a few players who will be present in training camp who will put up a fight for a roster spot.

1) Titus Brown, OLB

Ask SEC fans about this monster, and they'll express relief that his college days are over. During his tenure at Mississippi State, Brown became an All-SEC pass-rushing terror for opposing offenses. Racking up 15.5 sacks in his final two years of college, Brown became known for his relentless effort. However, at 6-foot-3, 250 pounds, Brown lacks the ideal size for a pro defensive end, the position he played in college. After apparently struggling to make the transition to LB at the Senior Bowl, Brown went undrafted. However, Brown still has tremendous physical tools. Timed at 4.66 in the 40-yard dash, he has plenty of size and speed to play the OLB position at this level. Additionally, Brown should benefit from the exceptional talent the Dolphins will field at the LB position this year. If he can get into camp and impress with his effort and determination to learn a new position, Brown could very well find himself on at least the practice squad. If he fails to develop in that regard, Brown could still find a role as a situational pass rusher based on his natural skills.

2) Lionel Dotson, DE

This late-round pick from Arizona must bank on his versatility if he hopes to latch on in Miami. At 6-4, 296, Dotson is big enough to play inside in a one-gap scheme, or he could serve as an end in the Dolphins’ 3-4 alignment. At this point Dotson is a project player, but much like Brown, he’s known for giving outstanding effort. Dotson seems to be the type of player Dolphins front-office leader Bill Parcells loves because he's big, disciplined, unselfish and relentless. Throughout his senior year at Arizona, every aspect of his game steadily progressed. If he continues to work to improve himself fundamentally, Dotson could be a pivotal backup or solid starter in the next two to three years.

3) Lex Hilliard, RB

Hilliard, like Dotson, was a late-round selection by Parcells & Co.. Although he lacks the skill set to be an every-down back in the NFL, the former Montana standout (who's 5-11, 228 and excels at between-the-tackles running) could carve a niche for himself as a goal-line specialist. Looking at the Dolphins’ roster, beyond established starter Ronnie Brown and legitimate second option Ricky Williams, the RB corps is a bit thin after the departures of Jesse Chatman and Lorenzo Booker. Journeyman Patrick Cobbs is joined by rookie Jalen Parmele, another late-round draft choice. Although Cobbs has the experience edge, it would seem that Hilliard and Parmele have been brought in to battle for the third running back/goal-line spot. Although he and Parmele are similar in stature, Hilliard is more effective with the ball in his hands, and Parmele’s future may be as a lead blocker. If Hilliard can come into camp and prove to be a tough, physical runner for the Dolphins, he might end up on this year’s roster and possibly see some snaps.

4) Davone Bess, WR

While quarterback Colt Brennan was busy putting up eye-popping statistics at Hawaii this year, Bess was on the other end posting his third straight 1,000-yard receiving season. Although Bess is a bit undersized at only 5-11, 195, he makes up for it in quickness. Bess doesn’t have great timed speed, but he possesses terrific agility and a solid set of hands. Many will dismiss his college productivity because of the type of offense Bess played in, but to simply shrug him off would be a mistake. For a Dolphins team that is in desperate need of playmaking wide receivers, Bess could be a solution. It seems only three receivers -- Ted Ginn Jr., Ernest Wilford, and Derek Hagen -- are locks to make Miami's roster. Beyond those three are an assortment of veterans and rookies who will be battling for the final couple spots. Bess seems a reasonable choice to fill one of those positions.
Got something to say?

Log In above and share your thoughts on this topic with other fans! (2)

About Dan Davis

I'm a 23 year professional camel trainer, well exercised in the disciplines of pass rushing and mass texting. I'm an avid fan NAIA Men's Lacrosse, and I regularly paratroop on the weekend. Any questions feel free to ...
read more
Article Tools Share!   |  RSS  |  Bleacher Report About Bleacher Report