Miami Dolphins OTAs: Latest Player Reports and Analysis

The Miami Dolphins do not kick off their organized team activities until May 26, but that doesn't mean the news cycle has stopped spinning in South Beach. Quite the contrary; there are plenty of updates surrounding the Dolphins as they prepare for the next stage of the offseason workout program. 

With several key players rehabbing from injuries, one key player absent due to suspension, another absent due to his own personal choice and another former Dolphin pleading with his old team to give him another shot, the Dolphins have managed to make news even when nothing of consequence is taking place on the field. 

Of course, we can't get a good read on how the position battles will pan out until they've actually begun, so for now, all we can work with is the news that's been reported. How will all that news affect the Dolphins as they gear up for the 2015 regular season?

Branden Albert Is 'On Track' for Season Opener

Jeff Haynes/Associated Press

When Dolphins left tackle Branden Albert tore his ACL on Nov. 9, a cloud of uncertainty was immediately cast over his availability for Week 1 of the 2015 season. Speaking at a charity golf event last week, however, general manager Dennis Hickey tossed those doubts to the side. 

"He's working extremely hard and doing a great job," Hickey said, according to The Associated Press (via Fox Sports). "We want to be measured and stick to our plan. It's an extensive rehab, but it's going well and he's on track for the opening game."

Albert started nine games for the Dolphins in 2014 before going down with the injury, and he was playing at a level that put him among the best offensive tackles in the league. He tied for second-best among offensive tackles in pass-blocking efficiency, according to Pro Football Focus, and his run-blocking grade was eighth-best in the league. 

Rookie Ja'Wuan James slid over to the left tackle spot, but did not fare as well as he had while manning the right side beforehand. Simply put, Albert's presence is great news for the Dolphins and a huge sigh of relief for James and quarterback Ryan Tannehill.

Louis Delmas Will Be on the Field in June

Lynne Sladky/Associated Press

Safety Louis Delmas will not be on the field when the Dolphins begin OTAs on May 26. He will, however, be ready to practice in time for the beginning of minicamp in June. That's according to Andrew Abramson of The Palm Beach Post, who shared the news delivered by Dennis Hickey. 

Delmas tore his ACL in Week 14, so to be ready so quickly is very impressive. It's also very important, since the Dolphins are absent any better alternatives at his position. He started 12 games for the Dolphins in 2014, playing mostly in the strong safety role. The Dolphins lost safety Jimmy Wilson to the San Diego Chargers via free agency this offseason, and added just one safety this offseason in fifth-rounder Cedric Thompson.

If Delmas is not up to his usual standard of play in time for the 2015 season, perhaps Thompson's freakish athleticism could pique the Dolphins' interest enough to give him a shot as a starter. That being said, he's still very raw and could need some time to develop. 

Delmas was brought back on a one-year deal, so the job is Thompson's for the taking in the long-term. Meanwhile, Delmas should slide right in as a starter when he is available.

Dion Jordan's Future with Dolphins in Doubt After Suspension

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The Dolphins are building in a new direction at linebacker after bidding farewell to both Dannell Ellerbe and Philip Wheeler this offseason. However, with the latest in a history of drug-related suspensions for former first-round pick Dion Jordan, it appears they may not be done making changes at linebacker. 

As pointed out by Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald, Dolphins head coach Joe Philbin struck a much different tone as it pertains to Jordan's latest suspension than he did the last time Jordan was suspended.

In October: "While we were disappointed to learn of this result, we support Dion for proactively taking steps to voluntarily seek treatment to better himself. We will continue to support and work with him as he takes advantage of all available resources during this time."

Now: "The policies are very clear in terms of what's allowed and not allowed. You have to abide by the rules and then you have to pay the consequences. It's pretty cut and dry."

The Dolphins will turn to Jelani Jenkins, Koa Misi, Chris McCain and Kelvin Sheppard to lead the Dolphins linebacker corps out of this period of swift changes and into what they hope will be a new, more stable era of youth and athleticism in their defense. 

Ndamukong Suh Missing from Dolphins Workouts

J Pat Carter/Associated Press

Wouldn't it be nice if we could all get paid $60 million and then not show up for work?

That's exactly what's happening with defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, who signed a megacontract this offseason and has been conspicuous by his absence for much of the time since then, according to Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald. 

He showed up after signing his contract, and participated in the early stages of the team's workout program, but has skipped much of the voluntary work since then. Yes, it's called "voluntary" for a reason, and a player of Suh's talent level doesn't need all the practice that other players need. That being said, his absence sets a dangerous precedent and a bad example—which is rather ironic considering some of the things he said at his introductory press conference.

"I've always been a person to lead by example," he said. "As I've grown and learned and taken many steps in my NFL playing career and as a person, personally, I understand that I have to speak up and I will do that. But at the same time, you do have to show people the right way to do things and that's what I'm most excited about."

Would this be considered showing people the right way to do things? Pardon the cliche, but actions speak louder than words. It looks like any leadership-by-example will have to wait until the team's monetary leader elects to be their physical, on-field leader as well.

Chad Johnson Still Wants to Play for Dolphins

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How good are Chad Johnson's chances of being brought back by the Dolphins? Probably longer than Luke Skywalker blowing up the Death Star ("one in a million," for those of you keeping score at home). 

That didn't stop the receiver formerly known as Ochocinco from putting out a blast on Twitter, informing his former team that he's still available, in case they didn't already know. 

"@MiamiDolphins I love you guys, I'm still open...," he said in the tweet. 

Well, the time to remind the Dolphins of his availability may have already come and gone. The Dolphins have aggressively overhauled the wide receiver depth chart this offseason, moving on from Mike Wallace, Brian Hartline and Brandon Gibson while bringing in DeVante Parker, Kenny Stills and Greg Jennings. 

The Dolphins are hoping to get all of those receivers on the same page in their offense and with Ryan Tannehill this offseason. They have built what could be considered the most talented receiving group they've had at their disposal in years. Why bring back Ochocinco now when it would be the worst case of one step forward and two steps backs?

Unless otherwise noted, all quotes obtained via team news release.