Ethan Bonner Is Still Untapped and Miami Has No Answer
Alright, so you know how the NFL offseason just goes absolutely BONKERS, right? Every team is making moves, trying to get that edge. Well, down in Miami, they've been doing some serious house cleaning. Their roster for 2026 is gonna look totally different from last year's squad, after an offseason overhaul that saw a bunch of significant veterans pack their bags and a whole lot of new faces, young and old, roll in. Seriously, after their latest moves, including signing former UFL tackle Gottlieb Ayedze, the Dolphins are sitting at a whopping 91 players right now, counting that England-born rookie tight end Seydou Traore from the International Player Pathway Program.
The Rebuild Continues and the Competition Is ON
As anyone who bleeds football knows, not every player on that massive roster is created equal. That's why some folks decided to rank them all, judging importance for the Dolphins' success in the 2026 season based on ability, expected role, and how significant they are to the overall progress of this rebuilding project. That whole rebuild kicked off when they brought in Jon-Eric Sullivan as GM and Jeff Hafley as head coach, and it's still full steam ahead.
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Let's dive into some of the guys ranked from 36 to 40. At number 40, we've got safety Michael Taaffe, a rookie fifth-round pick out of Texas. He's got a wide range of possibilities, and it feels like he's almost a lock for the 53-man roster, but honestly, it's tough to see him having a major role on defense right now. He'll have to earn it, for sure.
The Unsung Talent Fighting for a Breakthrough
Then we get to the real intriguing names. Sitting at number 39 is cornerback Ethan Bonner. This dude is consistently praised by his teammates for his speed, and you hear the whispers about his potential. But here’s the kicker: he hasn't quite broken through to earn that big defensive role yet. There's nothing stopping him from making that leap this summer when training camp hits, but he's gotta go out there and get it done. The talent is clearly there, the raw speed, but the consistency and role have yet to materialize. It's the kind of situation that makes you scratch your head, wondering when that speed is finally going to translate into a consistent impact.
Tight end Ben Sims, number 38, is another interesting case. He was a free agent signing, but then Miami went and drafted both Will Kacmarek and Seydou Traore. That looked like it would push Sims way down the depth chart, but he actually showed in their offseason sessions that he shouldn't be dismissed. He's a viable option, no doubt.
Rounding out the list at 37 and 36, we have some guys fighting for their NFL lives. Edge defender David Ojabo, a former second-round pick, looked the part in the spring too, and there are plenty of opportunities for edge rushers to snag some playing time. Then there’s safety Lonnie Johnson Jr., a former second-round pick of the Houston Texans, trying to revive his career and get back to being a starter. There's an opportunity for him on this Dolphins squad if he can crush training camp. But honestly, with all these newcomers, he's not even guaranteed a roster spot. That's how fierce the competition is.
These guys, from the rookies to the vets trying to restart their careers, are all pivotal to this Miami rebuilding project. The organization is serious about building a new foundation, and every single one of these players will be looking to make their mark. The summer is going to be HUGE for them, deciding who steps up and who fades into the background. It's going to be a battle to watch for sure, and we'll see if Bonner's speed finally gets its moment.
This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.