With a massive influx in talent looming later this week courtesy of the 2020 NFL Draft, the Miami Dolphins have begun to undertake their fair share of housekeeping items. Miami announced yesterday afternoon that it was waiving six players — LB Jake Carlock, LB Jamal Davis II, WR Andy Jones, CB Linden Stephens, DL Gerald Willis and WR Terry Wright.
We have waived LB Jake Carlock, LB Jamal Davis II, WR Andy Jones, CB Linden Stephens, DT Gerald Willis and WR Terry Wright.
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) April 18, 2020
The decision to cut down on the roster numbers was inevitable and the Dolphins will now have ample space to accommodate their new rookie class — no matter how many players are a part of the class. There has been some speculation that the Dolphins will be looking to wheel and deal, which may cut down on the number of picks they make in 2020. But now, with these roster moves, the Dolphins will have ample flexibility to make as many selections as they would like.
It’s a great year to be loaded up with picks.
The biggest surprise among the Dolphins’ cuts yesterday is DL Gerald Willis — a promising standout from the University of Miami who prospered during the 2018 college football season and has the penetration capability that could afford the Dolphins some value up front. But in a deep class of defenders and with no true nose tackle on the roster, Miami may be intent to target an interior defender to help bolster the team’s multiplicity along the defensive line.
The Dolphins’ departures at wide receiver come as a bit less of a surprise, especially considering the depth of both Miami’s receiving room as things currently stand and the depth of the wide receiver class — where Miami might be able to secure an upgrade and help turn what is already a strength into a true identity of the team.