10 Biggest Winners and Losers of Miami Dolphins OTAs Thus Far

The Miami Dolphins' first two OTA sessions are in the books. 

Matt Moore, David Garrard and Ryan Tannehill have officially commenced the quarterback battle; competition for the starting safety jobs is intensifying; and some unexpected names are making noise. 

Not all is well in Miami, though. 

For every player on the rise, there's a player on the decline. 

Who are the winners and losers of Dolphins camp so far?

Here's a look. 

Winner: Reshad Jones

Both starting safety jobs are up for grabs, but Reshad Jones is already fastening his grip on one of them. 

Jones was a standout at Miami's first two OTA sessions, grabbing three interceptions and showcasing his ball-hawking abilities. Jeff Ireland's decision not to add a big-name safety through the draft or free agency was initially puzzling, but given Jones' performance, it makes a whole lot more sense now. 

However, Jones did surrender a pair of touchdowns to Davone Bess, which is cause for concern. Jones was a liability in pass coverage last season, and the Dolphins' defense can't reach its potential unless he shores those issues up. 

Hopefully, Jones will find a balance between aggressiveness and coverage by September. 

Loser: Clyde Gates

Although Clyde Gates is only entering his second NFL season, he's already on the roster bubble. There are 12 wide receivers competing for five or six roster spots, and Gates is no lock. 

To make matters worse, Jeff Ireland doesn't sound particularly pleased with Gates' progress. When asked about the status of his wide receiving corps, Ireland mentioned five other wide receivers before acknowledging Gates. All Ireland had to say about his 2011 fourth draft pick: "Gates still has to develop."

It sounds like Ireland is deliberately sending a message to Gates, and the pressure will only continue to mount. Gates played with a torn groin last season, so he deserves some slack. But, this new coaching staff has no loyalty to him.  

Gates has elite speed, which is something no other Dolphins receiver has. In order to retain his roster spot, he has to prove his value as a return-man and show that he is a viable vertical threat. 

Winner: Davone Bess

Now that Brandon Marshall is gone, somebody has to step up as the go-to wide receiver. Matt Moore claims the Dolphins don't need a go-to guy, but when it's 4th & 7 late in the fourth quarter, he's going to want one.

So far, Davone Bess is the leading candidate.

Bess reeled in a pair of touchdowns at Miami's second OTA session. This might not sound like earth-shattering news, but it's actually kind of a big deal for one reason: Matt Moore threw both passes. 

Last season, Bess posted the worst numbers of his young NFL career. The only explanation I can conjure is that there was a lack of chemistry between Bess and Moore. After all, the Dolphins signed Moore on the same day training camp began, leaving him minimal time to develop a rapport with his wideouts. 

Now that Bess and Moore have played nearly a full season together and have the entire offseason to further develop chemistry, Bess' numbers should skyrocket. 

Loser: David Garrard

David Garrard is competing for the starting quarterback job, and he has a very realistic chance of winning it. Remember, Garrard is just two years removed from a Pro Bowl season and he is far more experienced than Matt Moore. 

But, things haven't gone too well for Garrard so far. 

First, Stephen Ross said that he expects Matt Moore to enter the regular season as the Dolphins' starting quarterback. Even though Ross has no say in football matters, that's not exactly a great way to welcome a new player. 

Then, Garrard was forced to miss Miami's second OTA session because Tropical Storm Beryl caused damage to his Jacksonville home. This isn't a huge deal, but considering how tight this quarterback competition might become, missing a practice could hurt Garrard. 

Winner: Matt Moore

Even if David Garrard attended last Tuesday's OTA session, it's hard to believe he would've outperformed Matt Moore. 

Moore tossed a pair of touchdown passes to Davone Bess, and the Sun Sentinel donned him one of their three "top standouts." On top of that, he took first team reps during the Dolphins' first OTA session, which Garrard was in attendance for.  

This is a huge step in the right direction for Moore, who is a notoriously erratic practice performer. If he can consistently play well in practice, then there's no doubt he'll win this quarterback competition. 

Loser: Ryan Tannehill

The honeymoon had to end some time. 

Since Ryan Tannehill arrived in Miami, he's been showered with praise for his mastery of the playbook and professional poise. But, things haven't gone so swimmingly on the field. 

Tannehill's decision making is lagging, and he acknowledged it: "This is definitely a different level. It's the NFL for a reason...it's faster. Guys are faster. It happens faster," he said. The rookie also tossed a pair of interceptions to Reshad Jones. 

Don't panic, though. This was only Tannehill's second NFL practice, and nobody was even wearing pads. It's also important to remember that Tannehill is very raw—we knew this when the Dolphins drafted him. 

Tannehill might be a franchise quarterback one day, but he has a lot of work to do before that time comes. He's not the next Ben Roethlisberger or Matt Ryan. Tannehill needs refinement, and we have every reason to trust this coaching staff.

Please, be patient with him.

Winner: Charles Clay

On a lighter note, Charles Clay is priming himself for a breakout season. 

Clay was quiet at the Dolphins' second OTA session, but he "made great catches" at the team's first practice. Any player can make great catches in a non-contact practice, so let's not get ahead of ourselves. But, Clay is definitely a candidate to breakout in 2012. 

The 2011 sixth round draft pick reeled in three touchdown receptions last season, which is impressive for a player who spent most of his time at fullback. 

Clay is one of the most dynamic and versatile players on this offense, and if he can establish himself as a solid tight end this season, he'll pose problems for opposing defenses. 

Loser: Jerome Messam / Jonas Gray

Jerome Messam and Jonas Gray are losers by default. 

Messam, a CFL star who the Dolphins signed in February, and Gray, an undrafted free agent, are both dealing with injuries that hinder their chances of making the roster. In all likelihood, one or both will start the season on the physically unable to perform list (PUP), however. 

We don't know if either Messam or Gray are any good, but losing them hurts. The Dolphins don't have a short yardage running back on the roster, and both Messam and Gray were candidates to fill that role. 

Winner: Chris Clemons

After a promising 2010 campaign, Chris Clemons was on track to become a solid and reliable safety. However, a groin injury derailed Clemons' 2011 season, and he lost his starting job to Reshad Jones. 

Thankfully, it sounds like Clemons is back on track.

Clemons has lined up alongside Jones with the first team defense, so it appears as though it's his job to lose. If Clemons regains form and Jones elevates his play, then the Dolphins might actually boast a formidable safety corps. 

Loser: Reggie Bush

Reggie Bush opted to go to Las Vegas rather than participate in the Dolphins' second OTA session. 

These OTA practices are voluntary, so we can't knock Bush for not attending. And, if there's one player whose dedication and work ethic should never be called into question, it's his. 

But, considering there's a new coaching staff and playbook in place, it would've been comforting to see Bush attend. 

Joe Philbin was passive about Bush's absence, but I can't image he was pleased: “I’ll talk about anyone who was here, and what they did, but I’m not gonna talk about guys who weren’t here,” he said.