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2018 Training Camp Preview: Offensive Tackles

PositionPreview_OT

Players On The Roster

Ja'Wuan James, Roubbens Joseph, Eric Smith, David Steinmetz, Zach Sterup, Laremy Tunsil, Sam Young

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Offseason Transactions

Signed Sean Hickey to a futures contract (Jan. 2) … Sam Young became an unrestricted free agent (March 14) … Re-signed Sam Young as an unrestricted free agent (March 23) … Signed Roubbens Joseph as a free agent (April 4) … Signed David Steinmetz as an undrafted free agent (May 10) … Waived Sean Hickey (May 29).

What Stood Out In The Spring

Because it's so difficult for offensive linemen to shine in spring practices (no contact, little work on the running game), we'll go outside the box here and simply point to the size the Dolphins have at the position. At this time last year, Sam Young was the tallest offensive lineman on the roster at 6-8, but this spring the Dolphins also featured 6-foot-9 Zach Sterup and 6-8 rookie free agent David Steinmetz.

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Training Camp Focus

The Dolphins have a pair of former first-round picks at this position with Ja'Wuan James and Laremy Tunsil, and both of them are looking to take a big step forward in 2018. Tunsil had an up-and-down season in 2017 in his return to left tackle, while James saw his season cut in half because of a serious hamstring injury, and how they perform could go a long way toward determining what kind of success the Dolphins offense can have this fall. James and Tunsil need a good training camp to establish the foundation for a successful 2018.

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Player To Watch

Eric Smith joined the Dolphins in 2017 as a rookie free agent from the University of Virginia and showed enough potential in training camp to earn a roster spot before he landed on injured reserve because of a knee injury. The Dolphins then decided to activate him off IR in December, a clear indication of just what they think of him — even though he didn't get into a game. Smith clearly has a lot of upside and it will be interesting to see his development this summer.

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