Sad News: Unexpected Cut? Miami Dolphins Star Player May Not Make the Season Roster Due to…
Dolphins Players Who Need Impressive Camp to Avoid Being Cut
Erik Ezukanma’s time with the Miami Dolphins shows just how hard it is for a young player to break into the NFL.
The 2022 fourth-round pick has a single reception in two NFL seasons because of numerous factors.
Ezukanma could have been in line to earn more playing time in 2024 if everything went right, but instead, he is fighting for a spot on the 53-man roster.
Miami added more wide receiver depth in the offseason and that could lead to a departure during the final set of cuts.
The Dolphins also face a tough decision at running back, where 2024 fourth-round pick Jaylen Wright could push one of the team’s veterans off the 53-man squad.
Erik Ezukanma
Erik Ezukanma will be fighting for his Miami Dolphins roster spot, and potentially his NFL career, during training camp.
The 2022 draft pick has not done much in a Miami uniform and now he needs a strong preseason just to be in consideration for the regular-season squad.
Odell Beckham Jr.’s arrival in free agency gave the Dolphins four solid pass-catching options at the position of Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Beckham and Braxton Berrios.
The Dolphins may not feel like they need to carry five active wide receivers each week because of how much production will be distributed between the four wide outs.
Ezukanma likely needs to make a breakthrough on special teams to make the roster. He is not going to receive many targets unless a few injuries happen before Week 1.
River Cracaft
Perry Knotts/Getty Images
River Cracraft resides in the same zone as Ezukanma.
He has to be a special teams ace to feel safe about his position on the roster.
Cracraft has no upward movement available to him on the depth chart unless an injury happens, and even then, Miami may be more willing to go after a veteran pass-catcher through either free agency or a trade.
Berrios is viewed as the top return man on the current roster, so that means Cracraft has to be a vital part of the kickoff and punt teams to stay in Miami.
He could have a nice preseason at wide receiver while the top stars sit, but his offensive performance would mean more to other teams who are looking for additional depth.
Jeff Wilson Jr.
Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The life cycle of a running back in the NFL is brutal.
Jeff Wilson Jr. was a solid No. 3 back for the Dolphins last season, but it looks like he will be replaced by Jaylen Wright.
Wright’s fourth-round selection added even more speed to an offense that thrives on its fast pace.
The Dolphins as a team should benefit from Wright’s speed, but that means Wilson likely will not have a spot on the roster.
The 27-year-old could still find a home elsewhere with a strong preseason, but unless Wright struggles to adjust to life in the NFL, Wilson will be the odd man out at running back.
