Stating the obvious let’s begin with offense. I want to see Mike Wallace run around in Dolphins gear and continue to build that chemistry with Ryan Tannehill. Now that we got that out of the way there is a few other things to watch out for on this side of the football. For instance, how is Jon Martin looking at first glance? He has been working to get stronger heading in to his second year. As it stands right now he is protecting the future of this franchise. (This is still subject to change). If Martin can’t protect there won’t be much of a future. Tanny will be on his backside and Wallace will get tired of running 10 yards down the field repeatedly. Next up is Dustin Keller's health. He along with Brent Grimes are on one year prove it deals. Dustin is a bit different from Grimes in that he has managed to stay healthy longer in his Carrier. If last year is an anomaly rather than a trend he is going to be that "seam thread" TE that's going to open up things on the outside. Running back is a heated competition and I want to see who looks hungrier, and in better shape of the 4 backs competing. Yes 4 Miller, Thomas, Gillislee, and Jonas Gray, who is a dark horse in this competition for me.
On defense I honestly don't expect to see much from the CB position at this particular point in time. One of the things I will be looking out for is health. Guys like Richard Marshall, (who I think could move to safety) and Brent Grimes are coming back from injuries. I would like to hear about how their recovery and rehabs are going. I would also like to see how rookies like Will Davies, Don Jones, (my sleeper on defense to surprise us all) and Jamar Taylor continue to assimilate an NFL atmosphere.
Now on to Rich Eisen's favorite unit. Special teams. It would be fitting to start with the kicking game right? I want to see how Dan Carpenter and Sturgis approach the competition. I doubt we will get any real insight as to who might have the upper hand. Generally the cheaper one, who isn't carried over from a previous staff, and didn't cost us two game winning field goals, last year does. Finally I want to see how this rookies handle whatever duties coach Rizzi gives them today. We all know how "special" special teams are for those guys who are on the fringes of the 53.
Honestly I doubt we will draw many conclusions from the following days but we will certainly enjoy them, and make more of them than what they really are. After all it is the closest we have been to any real football in months.
