Dolphins rookies should get chance to shine against Cowboys

Both teams will likely hold out key veterans in the Hall of Fame game


CANTON, Ohio — Dolphins rookie cornerback Will Davis can't wait to take the field Sunday against Dallas in the nationally-televised Hall of Fame game, which serves as the NFL's pre-season opener.

Davis' exuberance is shared by all of the Dolphins' draftees. They're hyped. They could be among the Dolphins' most productive draft classes in years. Sunday will offer the first glimpse into whether that statement has a chance at coming to fruition.








We're going to get a lot of playing time, we know that, a lot of reps," said Davis, who turned heads by recording five interceptions in a four-day stretch this past week.

"We're excited. All our boys are watching, our families are watching, so yeah, we're excited about that."

The Dolphins' and Cowboys' starters will likely play sparingly in Sunday's 8 p.m. game at Fawcett Stadium. The Cowboys likely won't play quarterback Tony Romo, defensive end DeMarcus Ware, running back DeMarco Murray, or wide receiver Dez Bryant.

The Dolphins might not play four starters. Wide receivers Mike Wallace (groin) and Brian Hartline (calf) haven't practiced all week. Defensive tackles Jared Odrick (right hamstring) and Randy Starks (right leg) missed Friday's practice.

Dolphins coach Joe Philbin said quarterback Ryan Tannehill would play, but he didn't say how long.

Sunday's game should give many of Miami's nine draftees — defensive end Dion Jordan, the first-round pick; cornerback pick Jamar Taylor, the second-round pick; Davis and tackle/guard Dallas Thomas, the third-round picks; tight end Dion Sims and linebacker Jelani Jenkins, the fourth-round picks; kicker Caleb Sturgis and running back Mike Gillislee, the fifth-round picks; and safety Don Jones, the seventh-round pick — a chance to make an impression.

Jordan, the No. 3 pick of the draft, was limited earlier in training camp as he recovered from off-season shoulder surgery. But lately he's been giving left tackles Jonathan Martin, Will Yeatman and Thomas fits.

Jordan's speed is too much. In Friday's practice the offense had to double-team Jordan a few times, and at least once they used a running back to chip him before going on a pass pattern. So far Jordan has been running second-team at right defensive end behind Olivier Vernon, and he's been used mostly as a pass rusher. But Jordan might get a chance to show his all-around skills against Dallas.

"I feel good," said Jordan, who could also be limited Sunday as he continues to recover. "I'm out here, I'm competing with my guys, and I'm going 100 miles an hour."

Taylor had off-season hernia surgery but he was fully cleared to practice Thursday. Davis could play extensively Sunday; Taylor said he's unsure how much he'll play considering his recent medical clearance.

Sturgis, who battled a groin injury early last week, seems healthy. On Friday, he was 3 for 3, hitting field goals from 44, 47 and 52 yards. He could get lots of work against Dallas, if his groin permits.

Sims, who is in the three-man tight end rotation along with starter Dustin Keller and Charles Clay, could also get lots of work. After being used largely as a blocker in his senior year at Michigan State, he's showed soft hands and an ability to get open so far in training camp.





Thomas, who was sidelined part of the off-season as he recovered from shoulder surgery, got a little work at starting right guard last week. The Dolphins have moved him between guard and tackle, and there's a chance he could see action at both positions. Gillislee and Jenkins should get meaningful work, too.

Davis, the most exciting rookie aside from Jordan, said this year's draftees see themselves as part of a new era.

"We're excited," he said. "We can definitely tell in South Florida, with the whole big change, the new jerseys and everything, the new logo, there's definitely a big change, and to be that rookie class to begin that, all the rookies are excited about that."


Source:http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2013-08-03/sports/fl-dolphins-advance-0804-20130803_1_dion-jordan-dallas-thomas-fame-game