Ethan Bonner Has Unreal Speed and Miami's #39-Ranked Player Still Hasn't Earned a Big Role

Alright, Seattle! Even in the Emerald City, we're always keeping an eye on the league, and some news dropping out of Miami about their Dolphins roster for the upcoming training camp has got me fired up, and a little confused, if I'm being honest. They're doing a total overhaul, brought in tons of new faces, and are ranking their players from 1 to 91. But the big head-scratcher? Their number 39 guy, cornerback Ethan Bonner. This dude's speed is legendary, consistently praised by his teammates, yet he hasn't quite broken through for a big role on defense. What gives?

Speed to Burn, Role to Earn

You hear about guys with raw talent, right? Bonner is exactly that for Miami. His teammates are always talking about how fast this guy is, and that's not something you just make up. He's been one of the most intriguing players on their roster, but despite all that top-end speed, he's still waiting to earn a significant spot on defense. There’s nothing stopping him from making that leap this summer, but the ball is in his court; he’s got to get it done. The Dolphins just brought in 91 players, counting an exemption for England-born rookie tight end Seydou Traore, part of the International Player Pathway Program, and they also signed former UFL tackle Gottlieb Ayedze. With such a massive roster overhaul and a clear rebuilding project underway, led by new GM Jon-Eric Sullivan and Head Coach Jeff Hafley, you’d think a talent like Bonner would be a higher priority.

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Then you've got rookie safety Michael Taaffe, picked in the fifth round out of Texas. He’s ranked number 40, just behind Bonner. While it feels like a lock that he’ll make the 53-man roster, the team isn’t envisioning a major defensive role for him right now. It just goes to show how much is up in the air down in Miami as they figure out their identity for 2026.

New Faces and Proving Grounds

Speaking of players trying to carve out a role, tight end Ben Sims, ranked 38, is another interesting case. Miami actually signed him as a free agent, only to then draft two other tight ends, Will Kacmarek and Seydou Traore. That’s a tough break, feeling like you’ve been pushed to the back of the line right away. But give Sims credit, he showed in the spring that he’s a viable option at tight end and shouldn't be dismissed. That kind of resilience is what you need.

Over on the defensive edge, David Ojabo, a former second-round pick, is ranked 37. There are definitely opportunities for edge defenders to earn playing time and a defensive role with this team. Ojabo looked the part in the spring, which is a good sign, but the work is far from over. And rounding out this group at number 36 is safety Lonnie Johnson Jr., another former second-round pick, who got drafted by the Houston Texans. Johnson is trying to get his career back on track and return to being a starter. There’s an opportunity there for him, for sure, if he can light it up in training camp. But honestly, with all these newcomers, a roster spot isn’t even guaranteed for him. That’s how deep and competitive this Dolphins roster is getting as they overhaul their squad from last year’s 2025 season finish.

What's Next for Miami's Rebuild?

So, what does all this mean for the Dolphins? As they gear up for training camp at the end of July, the stakes couldn't be higher for these guys, especially those on the bubble like Johnson Jr. and Bonner. With a totally different roster, an offseason overhaul that saw significant veterans depart, and a rebuilding project in full swing, every snap in camp will be critical. Can Bonner finally translate that unreal speed into a major defensive role? Will Ojabo and Johnson Jr. seize their opportunities? We'll be watching closely to see who steps up in Miami, because every decision they make now shapes their future for the 2026 season. Get ready, folks, because the NFL never disappoints!

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.