Camp Countdown: Special Teams

Training Camp 2009 is scheduled to begin with the first practice on Sunday afternoon, 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 final installment looks at the specialists.

SPECIALISTS

On the roster: K Dan Carpenter, P Brandon Fields, LS John Denney

Number likely to be kept: 3

On the 2008 opening-day roster: K Dan Carpenter, P Brandon Fields, LS John Denney

The big training camp question: Are the Dolphins going to feel the need to bring in another leg, whether a punter or placekicker, at some point during training camp?

Analysis: There's really no a whole lot to say here because it's the same cast of characters entering camp, with no one else on the roster to provide competition. The Dolphins did sign Australian native Jy Bond early in the offseason to perhaps provide some competition for Brandon Fields, but he proved way too inconsistent in offseason workouts and was released in May. The Dolphins should be in good shape here, and hopefully Carpenter can improve his range and his kickoffs and Fields can develop better consistency.

Who will make the team: Carpenter, Fields, Denney