Miami Dolphins: Five rookies to watch vs. Panthers

Oct 4, 2014; Fort Worth, TX, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive tackle Jordan Phillips (80) celebrates a turnover against the TCU Horned Frogs at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

The Miami Dolphins are primed for perhaps their strongest run at a division title in the AFC East in a long, long time as the roster has taken shape and Ryan Tannehill has taken form.

In week 2 of the preseason, hopefully we get to see more of the starters than last week — perhaps the entire first half — but there will also be plenty of scouting of rookies to be done in this game.

The Dolphins’ rookie class was led by Devante Parker, but it’s uncertain at what point we’ll be able to see him in action as he works his way back to the field from injury. Here are five rookies we’ll be keeping an eye on for the Dolphins in their preseason matchup against the Carolina Panthers on Saturday night…

1. Jordan Phillips, DT

Jordan Phillips, a 2nd round pick out of Oklahoma, is the highest drafted Dolphins rookie playing in this game. He had a rocky season opener against the Bears, grading out a -2.2 from Pro Football Focus with just one tackle, but the upside is certainly there.

Coming out of OU, Phillips showed exceptional athletic ability for as massive a man as he is, and he showed that off a little bit at Dolphins practice as well.

Aside from returning a punt in practice, there have been reports surfacing that Phillips has started to show off some of the traits that made him a highly coveted player in this year’s draft. If he can progress quickly and earn snaps with the top defensive line in Miami, this defense will be absolutely fearsome.

Next: Bobby McCain