The Miami Dolphins released the team’s first depth chart on Monday and it featured a few surprises, but one of them wasn’t who was named the first-team quarterback.
David Garrard has consistently outperformed Matt Moore and Ryan Tannehill, which explains why the nine-year veteran was listed as the top quarterback, with Moore and Tannehill as his backups.
Head coach Joe Philbin said the depth chart is a fluid situation, and stressed changes could be made before Friday’s home exhibition game against Tampa Bay.
“It’s the starting point. It’s a fluid situation,” Philbin said. “In no way shape or form have decisions been finalized.”
What did come out of left field was cornerback Richard Marshall being listed ahead of Vontae Davis, who has started 36 games for Miami the past three seasons.
Marshall was signed to a three-year, $16 million contract this offseason with the intent of serving as the team’s nickel cornerback. Last week Marshall and Davis reversed roles, with Davis serving as the nickel and Marshall becoming the boundary cornerback paired with Sean Smith.
During Monday’s practice Davis was the starter and Marshall returned to the nickel spot. Both cornerback pulled down an interception during the session, which was closed to the public.
Philbin acknowledged that a battle is ongoing.
Here’s what else was notable about the team issues depth chart:
Artis Hicks remains the front-runner to start at right guard, and Nate Garner was listed as his backup. Eric Steinbach is Richie Incognito’s backup at left guard.
Rookie Jonathan Martin, the team’s second-round pick, is the starting right tackle with Andrew McDonald, an undrafted rookie, serving as his backup.
Rookie Jorvorskie Lane is listed as the first team fullback with Ryan Mahaffey and Jerome Messam behind him.
Legedu Naanee, Chad Johnson and Davone Bess are Miami’s starting receivers, with Julius Pruitt, rookie Jeff Fuller, Marlon Moore and Roberto Wallace as the top backups.
Rookie tight Michael Egnew, one of Miami’s third-round picks, is fourth on the team’s depth chart, behind Anthony Fasano (the starter), Charles Clay and Jeron Mastrud.
Chris Clemons and Reshad Jones are the Dolphins’ starting safeties with Jimmy Wilson and Tyrone Culver serving as their backups.
Rookie defensive end Olivier Vernon is the second-team right end, and his backup is Jamaal Westerman. Undrafted rookie defensive end Derrick Shelby is listed as Jared Odrick’s backup at left end.
Tailback Daniel Thomas is Reggie Bush’s backup, and behind him is Steve Slaton and former UM standout Lamar Miller, and Marcus Thigpen.
Thigpen is also listed as the team’s top kickoff returner, with Miller and Slaton as his backups.