Ethan Bonner Is Still Chasing a Starting Role and the Dolphins' Overhaul Might Just Depend On It

Alright, Emerald City, gather 'round! While we're all locked into our Mariners and getting hyped for the Hawks' next run, let's peek down south for a sec. The Miami Dolphins, fresh off a wild offseason, are totally rebuilding for the 2026 season. We're talking a complete roster teardown, bringing in a ton of new faces. They've got 91 players on the books, plus rookie Seydou Traore, which is insane. And get this: they're ranking players from the bottom up based on importance, not just raw talent. We're looking at players 36 through 40, and honestly, the fate of their 'rebuilding project' might just lie with guys like cornerback Ethan Bonner.

The Bonner Conundrum and Untapped Speed

You know how it is, the whispers start early. Everyone's talking about Ethan Bonner, number 39 on their importance list, and how *fast* he is. Teammates can't stop raving about his speed, consistently praising it. But here's the kicker: despite all that hype, he still hasn't locked down a big role on defense. It's wild, right? You'd think with that kind of praise, he'd be a breakout star. The potential is clearly there, but he's got to *make it happen* as they push forward into their competitive sessions later this summer. If he doesn't, that's a huge piece of untapped talent they're missing in this massive roster shake-up.

Deep Dive into the Roster Rebuild

It's not just Bonner, though. This whole 'rebuilding project' thing, led by GM Jon-Eric Sullivan and Head Coach Jeff Hafley, means every s

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ingle player counts. Take safety Michael Taaffe, their rookie fifth-round pick from Texas. They're pretty sure he'll make the final 53-man roster, which is a big deal for a late-round guy, but they don't envision him playing a major defensive role. Then there's Ben Sims, a tight end they signed as a free agent. You'd think he'd be an afterthought after they drafted Will Kacmarek and Seydou Traore, but Sims actually showed in recent offseason workouts that he's a viable option. Talk about fighting for your spot! And what about the other guys trying to make a name? Edge defender David Ojabo, a former second-round pick, apparently looked the part in early drills. There's a real chance for edge rushers to grab playing time, so he's got an opening. Lastly, safety Lonnie Johnson Jr., another former second-rounder from the Houston Texans, is trying to restart his career. He's got a shot to be a starter, but with all the new guys coming in, his roster spot isn't even guaranteed. It's a cutthroat business, folks, and these guys at the bottom of the list are fighting for their NFL lives. So, while we're not talking about our beloved Hawks, this look at the Dolphins' lower-tier players reminds us that every single guy on the roster, from the top draft pick to the guy ranked 40th, has a part to play. With such a dramatic roster overhaul, these are the guys who could surprise everyone and truly define the 2026 season for Miami. Keep an eye on Bonner, Seattle. His speed could either be a game-changer or just another 'what if' story in the making as they prepare for the full roster assembly later this summer.

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