Miami Dolphins general manager Chris Grier has put together a talented roster loaded with superstar veterans and rising youngsters that was good enough to make the postseason in 2023.
While Grier will have his work cut out for him over the next several months through free agency and draft season, there are some players on the roster who should see their playing time go up next year.
Let’s take a look at three Dolphins who should get more opportunities in 2024.
RB De'Von Achane
Achane showed up and showed out in his limited action in 2023, as Miami’s speedy running back from Texas A&M broke the NFL single-season record for highest yards per attempt (7.8 – minimum of 100 carries).
In total, he rushed for 800 yards and eight touchdowns and added another 197 yards and three scores on 27 receptions. He did all of that in just 11 games due to injury.
Going forward, Achane should be at least splitting reps with Raheem Mostert, who had a franchise record-setting 2023 season himself (scoring 18 touchdowns on the ground and 21 in total). A big part of this, however, is staying healthy. So, Achane needs to do whatever he can to make sure he’s on the field.
CB Cam Smith
Miami drafted Smith with their highest pick (No. 51 overall) in this past draft, but despite his draft status, defensive coordinator Vic Fangio was reluctant to play the former South Carolina Gamecock.
The 23-year-old played just 20 defensive snaps all season. That’s the fourth-fewest for any cornerback drafted in 2023 (Kyu Bly Kelly, Ameer Speed and Christian Braswell all had fewer but were also fifth and sixth-round selections).
Kader Kohou was picked on a lot this past year, and there’s a chance that Xavien Howard and Nik Needham don’t return in 2024, so Smith should see much more work in his second season in the NFL.
LB Channing Tindall
Tindall was Miami’s top selection in the 2022 NFL draft (No. 102 overall), and through two seasons he’s appeared in 33 of 34 possible games, but it’s mainly on special teams.
The former Georgia Bulldog has only received 21 defensive snaps in his first two seasons. That’s not exactly the type of work you’re expecting to get from a third-round pick.
The Dolphins’ top three inside linebackers (Jerome Baker, David Long and Duke Riley) are all under contract for 2024, but Grier, head coach Mike McDaniel and new defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver want to prepare for the future, they should see what they have in Tindall in game settings.
