Camp Countdown: Defensive Line

Training Camp 2010 is scheduled to begin with the first practice in the afternoon of July 30, and it figures to be an intriguing summer for the Dolphins. We take a look at the Dolphins heading into camp by breaking down the team by position with an analysis of the biggest issue at each spot and a projection of the roster battles. This installment looks at the defensive line.

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN

On the roster: DE Ryan Baker, DE/NT Paul Soliai, DE Phillip Merling, DE Lionel Dotson, DE Marques Douglas, DE Charles Grant, DT Montavious Stanley, DE/NT Randy Starks, DE Kendall Langford, DE Tony McDaniel, NT Travis Ivey, DE Ikaika Alama-Francis, DE Jared Odrick

Number likely to be kept: 7

On the 2009 opening-day roster: DE Kendall Langford, NT Jason Ferguson, DE Randy Starks, NT Paul Soliai, DE Phillip Merling, DE Lionel Dotson, DE Tony McDaniel

The big training camp question: How long will it take for Randy Starks to make the adjustment from defensive end to full-time nose tackle?

Analysis: The Dolphins have shuffled the defensive line in recent weeks after Phillip Merling was lost to a torn Achilles tendon and veteran Jason Ferguson suddenly retired. Signed to help out were veterans Marques Douglas, Montavious Stanley and most recently Charles Grant. Douglas and Grant clearly figure into the mix, but the guy to watch in training camp will be Odrick, the first-round pick from Penn State. He didn't get to show much in the offseason camps because of the lack of contact in those practices, but now it's time for him to show why the Dolphins drafted him.

Who will make the team: Langford, Starks, Odrick, Douglas, Grant, McDaniel, Soliai