Players On The Roster
Chase Allen, Kiko Alonso, Stephone Anthony, Jerome Baker, Cayson Collins, Terence Garvin, Mike Hull, Mike McCray, Raekwon McMillan, Quentin Poling
Offseason Transactions
Released Lawrence Timmons (March 12) … Extended an exclusive-rights tender to Mike Hull (March 14) … Lamin Barrow and Koa Misi became unrestricted free agents (March 14) … Signed unrestricted free agent Terence Garvin (April 11) … Re-signed Mike Hull as an exclusive-rights free agent (April 16) … Selected Jerome Baker in the third round of the 2018 NFL draft (April 27) … Selected Quentin Poling in the seventh round of the 2018 NFL draft (April 28) … Signed Cayson Collins and Mike McCray as undrafted rookie free agents (May 10) … Signed rookie Quentin Poling to a four-year contract (June 1) … Signed rookie Jerome Baker to a four-year contract (June 6).
What Stood Out In The Spring
It's difficult for linebackers to really shine in the spring because there's no contact and little emphasis on the running game but, that said, Raekwon McMillan generated some attention because of the way he moved in his return to action after missing his entire rookie season because of a knee injury. Defensive coordinator Matt Burke expressed his satisfaction with McMillan's performance, both physically and how he was taking charge on defense.
Training Camp Focus
McMillan and Kiko Alonso stand out as the two linebackers who figure to get significant playing time in 2018, but the Dolphins need to find a third starter for when they'll be lining up in their traditional alignment and not in a nickel package. The Dolphins have several young linebackers who will be battling for playing time and/or a spot on the roster, with the list featuring Stephone Anthony, Chase Allen, Mike Hull and rookie draft picks Jerome Baker and Quentin Poling. Some decisions at linebacker likely will come down to who performs best during training camp.
Players To Watch
With the youth at this position, just about every linebacker will be interesting to watch this summer, but Baker and Anthony stand out for various reasons. Baker is intriguing because he possesses unique speed for a linebacker and it will be interesting to see how quickly he can get ready to contribute as a rookie. As for Anthony, he showed promise at the end of last season after joining the Dolphins in September via trade. Anthony is hoping to again become a full-time starter, something he was as a rookie first-round pick for the New Orleans Saints in 2015.
