James Walker, ESPN Staff Writer 9y

Ndamukong Suh paying dividends early on Miami's investment

The first four days of training camp are in the books for the Miami Dolphins.

With the team taking its first off day from camp Monday, let's take a look at whose stock is rising and falling in the first week.

Rising

1. Ndamukong Suh, defensive tackle: Suh has been as good as advertised. Miami’s $114 million investment entered training camp in tremendous shape and has been difficult to block in team and one-on-one drills. Suh was most dominant Saturday in Miami’s first day in full pads. Although Suh also must get ready for the regular season, the Dolphins’ coaching staff may want to taper Suh back a bit so the interior offensive line can gain some confidence.

2. Jarvis Landry, wide receiver: There are no signs of a sophomore slump from Landry. Miami’s second-year receiver is a technician who is doing all the right things in the first week of camp. Landry is thriving in red zone drills and making catch after catch in team drills. He’s one of the few holdovers from last year’s receiving corps and already has good chemistry with quarterback Ryan Tannehill.

Falling

1. Offensive line: As Suh and the rest of Miami’s defensive line have wreaked havoc, the offensive line hasn’t offered enough resistance to inspire confidence. Both guard spots have struggled and starting left tackle Branden Albert (knee) isn’t 100 percent. The result has been poor pass protection early in camp that makes you wonder if it is a sign of things to come this year. In addition, the backups also are struggling. It hasn't been a good first week for this group.

2. Kenny Stills, wide receiver: It’s very early, but I expected to see more from Stills at this point. Still has been in and out of the lineup all spring with injuries and that’s hurt his stock. He also hasn’t made many impact plays when he’s in the lineup. In fact, backup receiver Rishard Matthews is taking a lot of starting reps and making more plays. All of that can quickly change once Stills is healthy. Perhaps the coaching staff feels Stills is a proven receiver and doesn’t need to be rushed in the lineup. However, Stills must build chemistry with Tannehill sooner than later if he’s going to be a full-time starter in the regular season.

^ Back to Top ^