DAVIE, Fla. -- Thursday marked the last day fans could watch the Miami Dolphins practice this year.
Well, actually, the fans didn't get to see practice Thursday since the rain sent the Dolphins into their bubble and spectators aren't allowed in there. The media did get to watch.
With training camp now over, the Dolphins will shift into more of a regular-season-type mode next week. So here is a look at five Miami players who made big impressions in camp:
We'll start with Sturgis simply because he won the job earlier than many expected.
While the rookie was expected to beat out incumbent Dan Carpenter after being taken in the fifth round last April out of Florida, many thought the battle might last through the preseason. But Carpenter had his contract terminated Wednesday, paving the way for Sturgis.
Sturgis looked great in his preseason debut last Friday at Jacksonville. He made both his field-goal attempts, one from 58 yards, and all three of his extra points. He boomed all six of his kickoffs into the end zone.
It was evident throughout training camp Sturgis has a stronger leg than Carpenter, who has struggled from long range. He also is making $441,000 this season compared to the $2.7 million Carpenter was scheduled to earn. That made the final decision even easier.
After sitting out the first preseason game, Vernon made his debut against the Jaguars and didn't have any tackles. Nevertheless, he's been impressive so far in practice.
Vernon in one workout beat Dolphins left tackle Jonathan Martin for a pair of sacks. That got a lot of folks wondering what might be going on with Martin. But Martin overall was decent in training camp. He just couldn't stop Vernon that day.
Vernon is a good bet to start the regular-season opener at Cleveland over rookie Dion Jordan. The Dolphins have been patient with Jordan, still not fully recovered from offseason shoulder surgery.
Vernon had some moments as a rookie last year, most notably getting two sacks against St. Louis. He should have a lot more moments this season.
Getting most of the publicity as targets for quarterback Ryan Tannehill following the free-agent signing period were wide receivers Mike Wallace and Brandon Gibson. But Keller might end up being Tannehill's favorite receiver.
Wallace talked earlier this week about wanting to lead the NFL in receiving. But he might not be able to beat Keller out on his own team.
Keller has three catches for 50 yards in two preseason games. He looked most impressive against the Jaguars, catching two passes for 46 yards, including a 24-yard touchdown reception from Tannehill.
Keller led the New York Jets with 65 catches in 2011 before falling to 28 during an injury-riddled 2012. But he looks ready to bounce back this season.
There was some question as to how Grimes might look after being lost for the season due to a torn Achilles tendon for Atlanta in the 2012 regular-season opener. That question so far has been answered.
Grimes, who signed a one-year, $5.5 million deal as a free agent last spring, has looked to be the real deal. He could be a key to Miami improving its secondary, clearly the weak spot on the team last season.
Despite being undersized at 5-foot-10, Grimes made the Pro Bowl in 2010. With his coverage skills and gritty demeanor, he's looking to get back there.
The Dolphins drafted three defensive backs last April in order to shore up their secondary. Davis has proved so far to be the best of the bunch.
Davis has been playing with the second team in preseason games and has looked good. He had an interception against the Jaguars.
Davis' skills have been quite evident in practice. When Tannehill threw four interceptions in a workout last week, Davis had two.
Davis has a knack for being around the ball. He had 22 passes defended last year at Utah State, tied for the most in the nation.
Chris Tomasson can be reached at christomasson@hotmail.com or on Twitter @christomasson
