There’s a lot of reasons to be excited about the 2026 Miami Dolphins. It really feels like with the 2 guys running the show here, namely GM Jon-Eric Sullivan and HC Jeff Hafley, that we made some excellent choices. Gone is the fuck-around-if-you-want-to behavior brought down by the buddy-buddy Head Coach Mike McDaniel. Yeah, some players respected him, but the majority of them didn’t see the boundaries. I’m not saying that either Sully or Hafley are Marine Corps Drill Sargents, they don’t have to be. Players need guidelines, rules, they need to understand what is OK and what isn’t, and that if you do what isn’t tolerated, there are consequences. If the Head Coach is too familiar with the players, and they feel a lack of discipline, they will find ways to exploit that and do less. It’s human nature. Not everyone is like that, but all you need is a few to just tune out and it can become contagious. It seems clear that at least early on, the players like what they see and that’s awesome.
There’s always going to be ups and downs in training camp, but a couple of players that desperately needed “ups” are DE/OLB Chop Robinson and OG Jonah Savaiinaea. Surprisingly, both of these guys are thriving early on, and that’s so good to see. Unfortunately, while Savaiinaea has done a 180, RT Austin Jackson is back in a familiar spot, OFF THE FIELD. We’re told it’s not a long term injury, but this just doesn’t inspire any confidence that Jackson can possibly play an entire 17 game season. In fact, the last 2 season Jackson hasn’t even played half. To add insult to injury, backup swing Tackle Jamaree Salyer is also banged up, and if he can’t go, then it falls to OT Charlie Heck, who is really the 3rd option. Is it possible that we may have to speed up the potential switch to OT much earlier than expected and rookie LG Kadyn Proctor moves to RT and then you move Jonah Savaiinaea back to LG, and then DJ Campbell to RG? None of that is ideal, because Savaiinaea had a nightmare season and although he seems to have gotten some confidence back, a move back to LG could shatter that. It’s early, and we’ll just have to wait and see, but we may belooking for OL sooner than we had hoped if Jackson can’t stay healthy.
So far QB Malik Willis has been up and down with no real super highs or lows. He’s been adequate, but until we actually see some game action, which will be happening soon enough, August 14th will be Preseason Game 1 away at Washington. One player who has been a surprise, more so because of how much he has participated is WR Chris Bell. Bell has seen quite a bit of action which leads us to believe that instead of beginning the season on the PUP or IRR (IR Return) that he may actually make the 53 man roster. In any case, fellow rookie WR Caleb Douglas has been very good so far in training camp, another good sign. WR Malik Washington has been excellent, but we kind of expected him to be ahead of the curve. If you’ve been paying attention around the NFL, a few RB’s were signed to some big contracts. Detroit Lions RB Jamhyr Gibbs signed a 3YR/$75.5M (67.5M Guaranteed) contract, Atlanta Falcons RB Bijan Robinson signed a 3YR/$75M ($51M Guaranteed) and Indianapolis Colts RB signed a 2YR/$44M ($39M Guaranteed) contract, all of these making our own contract done earlier this year with RB De’Von Achane, who signed a 4YR/$64M ($27.4M Guaranteed) contract, look pretty darn fair at this time.
TE Greg Dulcich has a finger injury and has been kept out of drills where he has to catch the football for obvious reasons. In the meantime, that gives rookie TE Will Kacmarek more time on the field. On defense, it’s looking like the starting 3 CB’s will be CB Juju Brents, CB Chris Johnson and CB Jason Marshall. It seems like the former 2 will be on the outside, but it seems like they like Chris Johnson in the slot as well, which would then move Jason Marshall to the outside. I believe this will be fluid most of the season and situational. As for safety, it looks like Dante Trader is the one guy penciled in as a starter while the guy opposite him will be rotational, that means S Lonnie Johnson, S Michael Taafe and S/LB Louis Moore will all get some reps depending on down and distance and the type of offense we face. Hafley seems like a guy that won’t be counting on any one player, but rather use many different players in different ways.
The veteran WR’s Tutu Atwell and Jalen Tolbert have looked good in camp, so in reality, there truly is no reason to rush WR Chris Bell to the 53, but on the other hand, if he’s ready to go and there’s no good reason to hold him back, he could be a game changer for this offense. I also like WR Theo Wease who seemed to have a connection last season with QB Quinn Ewers, but he has also done well with QB Malik Willis. Another guy who has flourished on the defensive side is pass rusher Joshua Uche. We’re going to need something from other side of Chop Robinson to give Chop a better chance of success, we have to keep them honest and not allow them to double Chop all the time if he’s succeeding. The 3 DT’s we drafted last season are all getting good work in, but supposedly Phillips and Grant are doing better than 1st RD pick DT Kenneth Grant. Sieler as always is doing well, the veteran never stops and he’s still teaching our young OL what to watch out for. Some observers have Quinn Ewers struggling but I think he’s clearly the #2 QB and backup, and I also think for one reason or another, he will probably see some playing time.
Rookie LB Jacob Rodriguez has been active, but he’s behind 2 excellent inside backers in Brooks and Dodson, so like the guys opposite of SS Dante Trader, I think he’s going to have to work very hard to get major playing time and not just be a situational player this season. DT Rene Konga who was signed as an UDFA will go on IR and will miss the 2026 season. It seems pretty clear that our offense will be a run heavy offense, which means that besides RB De’Von Achane who will no doubt see plenty of touches, we’re going to need more from our other 2 RB’s, RB Jalen Wright and RB Ollie Gordon. At one point in camp it looked like Ollie Gordon had a leg up but I believe Wright is right back in it. Wright is quicker and more explosive, while Ollie is the short yardage guy, but I’m sure RB ollie Gordon would like more carries other than the short yardage type. It also seems that although we currently have a FB on the roster, when all is said and done, we’ll probably have a TE line up like an H-Back and we won’t carry a FB so another guy can make the roster.
I think the most important aspect as far as expectations for our team are not Wins and Losses. I say that not because we’re in “tank mode” because that’s horseshit. I think the current roster is just as capable if winning 7 games like last season, but to me, to see that we’re headed in the right direction, that the guys we drafted are legit NFL talents, that this team can play against any team in any climate and that we’ve lost the “soft” moniker. These are the important things to me. You all know my feelings on Tua, I have to restrain myself from foaming from the mouth at his mention, but I do believe his absence, along with the departure of HC Mike McDaniel will make this team a tougher team. I just feel it’s impossible to win in big moments if your team leader isn’t ready to put everything on the line for his team, and Tua checked out in that department after the concussions. I don’t blame him for feeling that way, but then retire, and do the right thing. Anyway, it will be refreshing to see a QB out there who has the ability to run past the first down marker and actually secure a first down when things break down. Hey, maybe even dive behind an OG or C and pick up a short yardage 4th down play, something we simply could not ask Tua to do.
Plenty of reasons to be excited! I really am genuinely pumped up about our team! I think we’re going to be fun to watch. It will be wonderful to have a TE who can actually block. The better he blocks, the more he’ll see the field, and those of you who think Dulcich will be an 800-1000 yard receiver, you can forget about that. Not that we can’t have 2 TE’s, but we do have a lot of talent at WR that we’re going to want to get the ball to, especially if Chris Bell starts the season on the 53 man roster. Jeff Hafley to my knowledge does not own a pair of Capri pants. I’ve listened to pressers and he doesn’t mumble, and he doesn’t seem like he’s stoned out of his face and take ridiculous “um” pauses after nearly every few words. Hafley seems like a no nonsense guy, just telling it like it is, very direct. Players like that, you know where you stand, and you’re gonna know when he’s happy or unhappy with what you’re doing. There will be a different level of “accountability”. That’s a big thing boys and girls, because sadly, I can safely say that was sorely missing for far too long!
GO DOLPHINS!!!
Finsmob Unleashed 
FOIST!!
Nice article. (last sentence of 2nd paragraph “belooking”)
“Bell has seen quite a bit of action which leads us to believe that instead of beginning the season on the PUP or IRR (IR Return) that he may actually make the 53 man roster.”
Mike, Bell has not practiced. He hasn’t seen ANY action yet. What he HAS done however is run and do footwork drills on the side of the field which he is looking very good doing.
Also, I’m saying do not sleep on DJ Herman. I think he is going to make the 53.
I agree with all of that, based on the last 2 days
watching only 1 practice maybe they’re just taking a look at Herman today. We should know more watching PS games
Maybe it was just the flavor of the day, but we used a FB what seemed like every play
He has been VERY active according to Omar & Poupart.
FB or TE playing FB?
WHEN did we have a full scrimmage?
we didn’t, the title is full scrimmage highlights, as in highlights (from today’s entire scrimmage)
its just highlights from today’s 11v11 scrimmage
They were talking about it on the Joe Rose Show this morning. They did call it a scrimmage, for whatever reason
Good write up as always Mike. Pretty optimistic about the pending season. Saw a presser with McMumble in his gay caprice and colorful sneakers. I am so glad he is gone.
I think the front 7 on defense will be pretty darn good. The secondary might be problematic. If we miraculously found the future QB, will be smooth sailing with the wind at our backs.
Mike, Bell has not practiced. He hasn’t seen ANY action yet. What he HAS done however is run and do footwork drills on the side of the field which he is looking very good doing.
——-
Rock did you read my post of Hafley’s comments on Bell? He is hoping to get him off the NFI list and get him in a preseason game. Though he is still not sure if it will happen.
yes, I did. Does not change the facts He has not practiced yet. He has not been cleared for practice yet. He has been doing rehab And only rehab But he has been looking good doing his rehab
Watching that video, it looked like they only used a FB 2 maybe 3 times. The rest of the time it looked like an offset TE.
#34 Herman was in the backfield a lot today
Thanks Mike, I actually had to click on another link. Is that fair for everyone? 😉
whatchutalkinaboutwillis?
😂
As far as the WR’s, I hear AJ Henning’s name mentioned almost every practice. He did have a drop today but from everything I am reading he is having a good camp more so than Tutu Atwell. I guess he is not running with the 1’s though. I don’t know.
he wasn’t so good today, still better than Atwell
Thanks for the info today!
You guys ROCK!!!
Just got back from vacation, visiting my extended family (aunts, uncles, cousins, close friends down south), and I cut myself off from EVERYTHING internet… except for the weather and the Season 4 premier of Ted Lasso, which we all watched. It was truly nice to be out of touch (including politics!) for a week, with true focus on the ones ya care about.
GRAND time, from the Outer Banks of NC, to VA Beach, and everywhere in between.
Just got caught up with everything y’all have typed… THANK YOU! I KNOW I’m truly up to date on our Phins because of y’all.
Steve, THANKS for your boots on the ground at camp!
Herd, CONGRATS on your retirement!
Rockphin, HAPPY B-DAY tomorrow, my guy!
Mike E, as always, THANKS for keeping this place running and classy!
Dude came into the office wearing a non-team affiliated jersey. The jersey number was 12 and the name plate read “INCHES”.
One of the female bondsmen in the office with me just called him out. She playfully said, “Bitch, you’re only 5’10, get the fuck out of my office with that fake ass jersey.”
I was like damn, I’m only 5’10. lol
I’m still laughing at her!
And, yes, that is how we talk to our customers in a bail bonds office, some of them anyway. lol
😂
I keep seeing that Caleb Douglas had a great day today
yeah, several catches well downfield, he looked the part
TD and his boys liked what they saw of him too (sitting next to me)
He had a nice scramble for a 1st down, but was awful today. Had an open receiver down the left sideline (5 yards of separation), then threw it short for a pick
https://dolphinswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/dolphins/2026/08/07/dolphins-waive-mark-gronowski-sign-tanner-wall-claim-ahmari-harvey/91221963007/
as of today I’d say Douglas and Washington on the outside in 2 receiver sets, then move Malik to the slot with 3 WRs, while putting Tolbert on the outside
this will leave Tolbert as WR3, which is where he excelled in Dallas at times, then of course, that all goes out the window, when Bell comes back in 2 weeks😜
Malik looked good today on the outside, as did Douglas and Tolbert
Bell with those 3 gives us a decent WR corps, also aided by running game, Malik’s legs, and Dulcich
I keep hearing Zayne Anderson will be our starting S, alongside Trader, that leaves us with Brents at CB, then Austin and Marshall. Bonner looked to be the next best
practice has a lot of guys in and out, which causes issues, like a few blown coverages today
squinting on one foot I see a pretty good roster, even with the lack of experience. LB is loaded, Rodriguez and Brooks running sideline to sideline is going to be fun to watch
Bell was out there with a coach before practice yesterday and today doing drills. Today he ran routes with someone going thru the motions kind of covering him, he looked great, if I didn’t know anything about him and you told me he’s coming off of a knee injury 7 or 8 months ago, I’d tell you to go pound sand
happy BDay Rock
Herd Congrats on pulling the plug …
another good write for Mike E as well.
Steve thanks for the eyes on reporting
football is back BAYBEEE
thank you
Happy Birthday Rock!
appreciate it
I gave comments from yesterday’s and a player eval, and I like what I’ve seen individually and with some starting groups, OL and DL
Overall there’s something missing. On D the front 7 looked better than solid, playing against an OL that looked good. Everything near the LOS seemed very competitive, but the transition to coverage seemed to be lacking
I don’t know what to attribute that too, missed assignments or lack of coverage talent. On the Kacmarek TD the guy covering him, just stopped, no one within 20 yards on the catch. Other plays out in the right flat seemed to be left wide open. Another TD caught by a running back was a pass 10 yards downfield, he had a blocker escort him 25 yards to the EZ with little resistance
in the beginning of 11v11 I felt the play seemed much better, than anything under MM. Under MM we had Tua floating all of his passes, made Skylar look all world, when he zipped his passes. IDK, maybe the intensity was higher yesterday
I can only be cautiously optimistic at this point, need to see PS
Happy Birthday Rock!
I think they bring Omar Brown back on IR. Hafley likes him as he was starting to develop him in GB.
Happy Birthday Rock
thank you 😀
Joe Rose asked Omar, who he thought she replace Jackson, if he gets hurt. Tge Omar special says, try Savaiinaea
Rose then rips him
That would be scary
When the edges are beating the OT’s, I wish they would let us know all the time who they beat. They only seem to report when Paul, Jackson or Heck get beat. I would like to know how the #3 OT’s are doing in RT Kevin Cline and LT Marques Cox.
Jackson looked great, every other RT yesterday looked like someone trying to fix a dam wall leak with their hand. Every rep was open season on our backup QBs, and why they struggled
Did anyone know there is a TE in the NFL named Yankoff?
LMAO!
He’s the #4 TE for the Commanders. I guess we will see him play next Friday. Hopefully, not with himself. lol
TD reporting live from inside Hardrock for today’s practice. He sat next to me yesterday doing the same thing, from the training facility
better to watch after the fact, instead of live, need to fast forward to the scrimmage
scrimmage starting soon
Tahj from Malik deep TD
from yesterday’s practice, just before the 6 minute mark I’m on hus left
Happy Birthday Rock!
thank you, Tim!
Happy B-Day, Rockphin! Make it a good one!
Thank you Rigel
@Marcel_LJ
Dolphins WR Donaven McCulley brought in a 45-yard pass from Cam Miller at the end of 2-minute drills today — fought through a facemask penalty and still came down with the ball He was Michigan’s second-leading receiver last season after transferring from Indiana. 6-4, 209 lbs
From Alain Poupart:
The Miami Dolphins worked at Hard Rock Stadium on Saturday as they wrapped up their third block of training camp practices.
The practice featured period of live tackling for the first time in camp, and as usual included some red zone work.
Cornerback JuJu Brents and edge defender Clelin Ferrell were among those players missing from practice, as they joined on the sidelines The list of missing players on this day included safety Lonnie Johnson Jr., guard Jamaree Salyer, Dante Trader Jr. and wide receiver Kevin Coleman Jr.
Kicker Zane Gonzalez also left the field during practice accompanied by a trainer.
Tight end Greg Dulcich again wore a red jersey and did not take part in the team periods.
Another player who was absent was cornerback Ahmari Harvey, who the Dolphins claimed him off waivers from the Pittsburgh Steelers, but his absence might have been travel-related.
The practice featured its share of long completions and one takeaway by the defense, which is unusual for a turnover-laden camp.
Wide receiver Tahj Washington might have been the best player on this day, a needed effort after a very quiet camp so far for the 2024 seventh-round pick. Cornerback Ethan Robinson was the one who came up with the interception.
The Willis Watch
For the second time this week, Malik Willis and the first-team offense got off to a strong start passing the ball before having issues down the stretch.
For the day, we had Willis going 7-for-13 with no touchdowns and no interceptions. He did have a touchdown run after he scrambled out of the pocket. Chop Robinson said after practice he gave himself a sack on the play, though while he did touch Willis in the pocket, we’d call it as Willis escaping the pocket.
His best pass of the day came when he was rolling to his right and lofted a pretty pass over the defender to tight end Seydou Traore near the sideline.
We would call it a solid, if unspectacular, practice for Willis.
PRACTICE HIGHLIGHTS AND OBSERVATIONS
— With pads on, the team periods were preceded by one-on-ones, and as always we focused on the matchups between offensive and defensive lines because the receivers vs. DBs favors the offenisve players too much.
— What stood out here to us was good work by the offensive line, but some really uninspiring work by Dolphins pass rushers other than Chop Robinson and Josh Uche. There was just an awful lot of bull rushing and no adjustment when stopped.
— We have to mention here some really good work in those one-on-ones by Jonah Savaiinaea.
— Rookie linebacker Jacob Rodriguez is coming on, and he continued his good work right away with a pass breakup and a run tackle on the first set of reps for Willis.
— Zeek Biggers was very active in the early part of practice and he teamed with Robert Beal Jr. for a sack of Quinn Ewers.
— Willis then threw a long pass to Caleb Douglas down the right sideline after he beat Jason Marshall Jr.
— Theo Wease Jr., who’s had a solid camp, neutralized rookie LB Trey Moore with a block on a run by Carlos Washington Jr.
— The first of Tahj Washington’s big plays was a long reception good for about 50 yards from Cam Miller, who had his best day of camp so far. Maybe it’s coincidence, but it came the day after his competition for the third quarterback job (Mark Gronowski) was waived.
— Rookie tight end Will Kacmarek, who was brought in for his blocking ability, had a couple of good moments in that department, including one play where he totally eliminated rookie free agent edge Mason Rieger. Kacmarek later did the same against Uche.
— While we’re on the topic of nice blocking by non-linemen, wide receiver Jalen Reagor got a congratulatory hand slap from head coach Jeff Hafley after he sprung Carlos Washington Jr. with a nice block against rookie safety Louis Moore.
— WR Terrace Marshall Jr., who’s had his issues with ball security, came up with a 45-yard catch from Ewers after getting behind Alex Austin. Ewers had a better outing than in recent practices.
— Kenneth Grant, who’s had an awfully quiet camp, did have a pressure that forced Willis to scramble and throw a pass away.
— Ewers had the one touchdown pass of practice when he hit A.J. Henning after scrambling to his right.
— Newcomer Tanner Wall got into team work right away, and was involved in two notable plays, the first a positive one as he broke up a pass. The second one wasn’t so good for the defense as it came on a deep completion from Miller to rookie Donaven McCulley after he got behind Ethan Bonner. McCulley was able to make the long catch (maybe 45-50 yards) with Wall providing double coverage while getting his helmet ripped away.
— Cornerback Ethan Robinson came up with the interception, which was against Miller on a play where the officials threw a flag at the snap and signaled an illegal formation penalty.
— Chop Robinson jumped offside on a red zone, but he again was a factor as a pass rusher. In addition to the Willis scramble where he got pressure, he got a legitimate sack after getting past Austin Jackson.
— While Gonzalez not working, Riley Patterson took all the field goal attempts and was perfect on this day, including a long of 51 yards
— Rookie Caleb Douglas again was a popular target for Willis and made a couple of catches, though he ran a really poor route on his last target in red zone work. The arrow still is pointing up for him.
— Washington had another good reception, this one from Ewers over the middle against Marco Wilson.
— Beal, who quietly has had a good camp, tipped a pass at the line of scrimmage.
— The long completion to McCulley came one play after Bonner dove to break up another attempt from Miller to McCulley.
Happy Birthday Rock! 🎉🎂 🎁
Congrats Herd, relax and enjoy.
thank you, Lisa! Congratulations on your retirement!
Happy Birthday Rock, luv you pal
thanks Son
and anybody else I may have missed!
it’s a good thing. These things only happen once a year because this hangover is fucking horrible.
Lol…HB, Rock.
Awesome, Herd! Congratulations….
Happy Hangover Day Rocko! lol
Not sure if anyone already mentioned this, I can’t get on as much as I used to. Somehow got logged out at work and can’t seem to fix it, and I don’t really have much time to go on anyway at work, it’s just too busy.
Dolphins released QB Mark Gronowski
yes, and he was awful the practice I saw
Do any of you here know how to set up an alternate “X” account? I need to have one account where I can fight all these cocksucking Jew haters, and my regular account where I just talk sports. I’m suspended again replying to another bullshit post. I’m fucking tired of this shit.
Hey, Mike E!
https://help.x.com/en/managing-your-account/managing-multiple-x-accounts
I’m willing to bet that if you use the same email address and phone number, you’ll still be suspended. So if you have an alternate email address and phone number, I’d go with that.
Thanks M! I have another email, but I may have to figure out what to do about the phone number
Anytime. I’ve got ya, man.
Use your wife’s phone number. lol
I thought of that. Sometimes when you want to sign on you need two step verification and I don’t want to bother her with that nonsense, but I may do it anyway just to fuck with them
@GridHoopReels
Sources says the #lions have some interest in Anthony Richardson after Terry Bridgewater stepping away from football
————
Best of luck to Teddy Bridgewater in his retirement. Anthony Richardson to the Lions would be intriguing.
Steve,
THANKS for being our eyes and ears on the ground at Phins TC, Brother! I value your input. And yes, I saw you next to TD on a video you provided up the page.
Interesting that the Panthers just signed QB Kyle Trask after Haynes King had a good preseason game 1. They already have Kenny Pickett as their #2.
Never mind. I see Hayes King pulled his hamstring on his game winning TD run. He’s out a week or 2.
Saints lose a starter OL. G Dillon Radunz tore his ACL during Saturday’s practice, head coach Kellen Moore told reporters.
The Washington Commanders suffered a big blow on Saturday when star left tackle Laremy Tunsil tore his triceps in practice, which will cause him to miss a significant portion of the regular season.
Cut down day to the 53 man roster is 3 weeks from today.
Alain Poupart’s current 53 man roster prior to preseason games:
https://www.si.com/nfl/dolphins/onsi/dolphins-2026-53-man-roster-projection-3-0-how-things-stand-halfway-through-camp-01kzkcajy1wb
I wonder with having a joint practice with the Commanders on Wednesday will mean we won’t see many starters on Friday nights game.
Good stuff. Nice to have an HC out their who is all about coaching.
saw that video this morning, he acts natural, unlike the fake wannabe MM came across as. He pumped up the guys, like a coach, not like a fan trying to be besties
BBMike – So Poupart thinks the FB is going by-bye. I do too. We’ll see in 3 weeks
I think so also. I think he ends up on the PS. He does have good ST’s value though being a former LB. I have heard where Sims and Traore have lined up there also during TC. Sims is nursing a minor injury so I think that is why the FB is getting most of the snaps there right now. Have heard good things about the FB in TC though. We will have to see. I would rather keep 9 OL and 4 TE’s than carry a FB.
I also agree with Wease over Atwell. I will take his size over Atwell’s speed. We have experienced to much of a small QB trying to throw to small WR’s.
If Bell stays on NFI, I would hope they would keep AJ Henning until Bell is truly ready.
Bell looked fantastic, can’t really believe they’ll keep him on NFI list, even if they inactivate him the 1st 2 weeks
I don’t know how you can do what I saw him do 2 days in a row and think he’s not ready. He was running chop steps in the little squares, then finishing with a sprint, then running routes with cuts and excellerating out
he clearly looked like the best WR. He wasn’t in 11v11, but he looked like he was in mid-season form
My buddy, that was at camp Friday, went to both UM games the last 2 yrs against Bell and said, he destroyed the U. As we’ve all seen on tape, different in person
Herman looked the part, but I doubt anyone would poach him, might as well put him on the PS, and if they do oh well
he’s wide, a pretty good blocked, catches pass, but quite slow running
he didn’t look out of place, just moves a little slow, not sure how that would work leading Achane
I think Herman will make the 53. But we will see.
Rodriguez is thick and solid, and the nicest guy. Signing autographs until they made him leave. His confidence shines in everything he does. The LBs were hitting a bag, then tackling a dummy, the way he attacked it, he’s just different, a cut above
during 11v11 a WR caught a pass and continued to run towards the EZ after the whistle, Rodriguez didn’t stop either, came from behind and punched tge ball out, then recovered it
D rookie of the year
I want most of the players to get through preseason without injury
Fingers crossed
bailbondmike
says:
August 9, 2026 at 5:58 pm
I wonder with having a joint practice with the Commanders on Wednesday will mean we won’t see many starters on Friday nights game.
Reply
Hafley said he thinks everyone will get SOME playing time unless there are injuries, but he will play it by ear depending on how many snaps the guys get in the joint practices. The more they practice, the less they will play is basically what he said.
Thanks Rock!
Poupart’s observations from practice today –
The Miami Dolphins returned to practice at the Baptist Health Training Complex on Monday, and we saw some chippiness for the first time in training camp, perhaps a signal it’s a good thing the preseason is around the corner.
More importantly, though, is the Dolphins continuing to deal with injuries, with two more players leaving practice early.
This time it was linebacker Willie Gay Jr. and edge defender Josh Uche who didn’t finish practice, with Gay walking off the field accompanied by a trainer.
This was after defensive tackle Zach Sieler joined the list of sidelined players, a list that already included edge Clelin Ferrell, guard Jamaree Salyer, wide receiver Kevin Coleman Jr., safety Dante Trader Jr., safety Lonnie Johnson Jr., kicker Zane Gonzalez and tight end Ben Sims. Sieler did attend the latter part of practice but he was in sweat pants with no pads and didn’t practice.
The chippiness showed up during the one-on-ones that preceded team periods, and it began when rookie seventh-round pick Max Llewellyn threw his hand on rookie sixth-round pick D.J. Campbell’s face twice after being stonewalled.
There was a minor flare-up later involving Chop Robinson and Patrick Paul at the end of a second one-on-one rep. On the first rep, Robinson bull-rushed Paul and got him off balance to the point that he put him on the group. He then visibly let Paul know about it with what we’d imagine was some trash talking. Paul won the second rep and then kept after Robinson, to the point where other defensive players walked over to make sure things didn’t escalate.
Cornerback Ahmari Harvey, who the Dolphins claimed him off waivers from the Pittsburgh Steelers on Friday, practiced with the team for the first time. Safety Tanner Wall, who was signed on the same day, recorded one of the defense’s two interceptions on the day, with safety Major Burns getting the other one.
The Dolphins will conduct a closed walk-through Tuesday before flying to Washington for their joint practice against the Washington Commanders on Wednesday ahead of their preseason opener Friday.
THE WILLIS WATCH
While there were no big plays by the offense, Malik Willis again was solid.
By our count, he was 7-for-12, not including a clear defensive pass interference on a day when there were no officials on hand but including an incompletion after Robert Beal Jr. got inside Jonah Savaiinaea for what probably would have been a sack in a game situation.
Maybe his best throw came off a naked bootleg when Jacob Rodriguez got immediate pressure on him, but he outran him to the outside and threw a strike on the run.PRACTICE HIGHLIGHTS AND OBSERVATIONS
— While Willis was solid, Quinn Ewers again didn’t have a very good practice, though in fairness he wasn’t helped by a couple of drops. But he wasn’t good down the stretch, including the interception by Burns right into his hands and a bad underthrow when his intended receiver was wide open in the short flat.
— Since we have criticized his work in camp, it’s only fair to point out that backup tackle Charlie Heck looked much better, particularly in one-on-ones.
— Rodriguez continues to impress at linebacker, particularly with his ability to get into the backfield on running plays.
— On that incompletion where Willis would have been sacked, Caleb Douglas dropped a pass over the middle. He later came back to make a good contested catch despite good coverage by Ethan Bonner, showcasing the inconsistency we’ve seen with his hands all camp.
— Safety Michael Taaffe had very good coverage against Greg Dulcich on a crossing route, but Willis was able to thread the pass in there for the completion. Dulcich caught passes for the first time since early last week.
— Jordyn Brooks got to Willis quickly on a blitz for what might have been a sack.
— A.J. Henning made a really nice catch on a pass thrown behind him by Ewers. Henning later got behind Miles Battle deep down the right sideline, but Cam Miller overthrew him.
— Chris Johnson has had a fairly quiet camp, but he had a great pass breakup against Douglas on a third-and-goal from the 6 with Willis at quarterback. The coverage was great all along and Willis tried to thread the needle, but Johnson jumped up to knock the ball away.
— Miller later attempted another long pass down the sideline, that one to Tahj Washington, but he was blanketed all the way down the field by Marco Wilson and it was Wilson who ended up closest to being able to catch the ball.
— Cornerback Ethan Robinson, who has made a play seemingly every practice latey, knocked down a Ewers attempt to rookie tight end Will Kacmarek across the middle, though the ball was thrown behind him.
— Miller, who didn’t have a great day, missed a completion to Theo Wease Jr. down the left sideline when he threw the ball too much inside to allow Battle to knock it down.
One thing I learned in recent years when it comes to injuries, once something is healed, extra time doesn’t make it heal more. It really comes down to the mental aspect of being confident that you’re okay. So Bell might be ready week 1.
Could be.
I think Poupart was close with his 53 man roster projection. It’s really going to be interesting to see who they keep on the the back end of WR, CB and Safety groups.
AJ Henning is flashing every practice. If Bell is not ready, I think Henning gets in. Either way, I think Tutu will not make it and they just eat his 100% guaranteed contract. I think the same with NB Ethan Robinson. If Duck and/or Baker start on PUP or IR, Robinson could make it. Baker wasn’t doing all that well before getting injured. These 2 new safeties in Tanner Wall and Major Burns have plenty of time to shake up the back end of that safety room.
Head coach Dan Campbell said Monday that center Cade Mays suffered a wrist injury and will be sidelined for a significant period of time. NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported that Mays fractured a small bone in his wrist, an injury that will keep him out roughly 8-10 weeks, according to a source.
INJURIES
JuJu just can’t stay healthy. Sucks as I was hoping he could stay away from that bug.
Darrell Baker, Storm Duck and now JuJu Brents will be out vs Washington. We will get a good look at rookie Johnson and the guys on the back end.
It would be fantastic if the guy actually did something this year.
https://phinphanatic.com/aaron-brewer-gives-a-ringing-endorsement-to-miami-dolphins-breakout-candidate-01kzmgqnk4n2
It would and I think he can. Our OG positions were a mess last year. Now, with Proctor at LG and Jonah at RG, I think that changes everything. Jonah, while still being a whipping boy in pass pro, I have heard some good rumblings about his run blocking this TC.
I went back and watched Wright’s 10 best runs of his final season at Tennessee. Eight of the ten runs were basically up the middle and the other 2 were bounced outside. He had TD’s runs of 82, 75, 52 and 41 yards that year all up the middle.
He’s built solid at 5’10, 210 pounds and fast. I hope he does breakout and maybe MM’s offense was too gimmicky to employ a good run game coupled with weak OG’s.
I hope Hafley wins a LOT because I think I like him. Here is an example of him as a coach.
Jeff Hafley: Yeah, I mean, that’s everything that I believe in. I mean, that’s like when I talk about process over result, and that’s all part of the process of practice. When we go out and practice, to me, that’s the time. Like I made the example for the corner, like some guys get so comfortable, right? And they’re just, they’re so scared to make a mistake that they play things safe. How do you grow if you’re going to play things safe? That doesn’t make any sense to me because you’re comfortable or you don’t want to look bad? It’s not about looking bad. It’s about like, I really want you to try this technique because of who you are, because for that example, because you have length. Like try the technique, sit in there and if it doesn’t work, that’s okay. Try it again, all right? And then let’s see if you can get better at it. Let’s see what you can get away with in practice and don’t worry about the result. Like worry about the process of getting better to be the best player you can be and not just being stuck like this, because if you just go through anything in life, just nice and comfortable and I know it’s okay, maybe not great, maybe not bad; you’re not going to get any better. Like step out of your comfort zone. Don’t worry about the results. That’s what practice is for. That’s why I get mad in practice. Like I think bad coaching is when a guy gets beat and you just go up and you yell at him. Like, no, like ask him, what did you do? What did you see? What did you try? Did it work? Let’s go back and watch it on film. Like if a guy’s not running to the ball or he’s lack of effort or physicality then yeah, yell at him. But like, this is where these guys get paralyzed in their minds and I just don’t want that to happen. So when I see a long corner and I get a flashback, you’re not using your length, like step and punch and try something different. I think that’s huge for everybody on our team, and it’s just how we need to coach these guys.
Refreshing
He is a funny guy too
Will you guys bring in a fourth quarterback?
Jeff Hafley: Better question for Sully. Do you want a fourth quarterback?
I don’t think you need one.
Jeff Hafley: Okay, well, you and Sully can have that conversation. Happy birthday Sully. (laughter)
Happy Birthday to Jon Eric Sullivan. It actually IS his birthday today.
15:36 mark starts the highlights
at the end of the highlights Willis makes a great throw off of his back foot. Not sure why Douglie made a big deal about it, Tua does that in his sleep (only in his sleep😜)
Willis is starting to look like a very good starting QB
I do find it refreshing that both GM and HC don’t need special attention to what they’re saying. Grier was not a good orator and MM you needed to take notes to understand.
https://youtu.be/vIrJOoFGxDM?si=rVQAYpioj8tu5Cbt
RIP Cooter
@spotrac
#NFL TRADE
#Dolphins Acquire 2029 7th-Rd Pick OT Caedan Wallace 2026: $1.3M (non-gtd) 2027: $1.6M (non-gtd)
#Patriots Acquire 2028 6th-Rd Pick
@Schultz_Report
Trade: The #Patriots are trading OT Caedan Wallace to the #Dolphins, per sources. New England planned to release Wallace, but Miami called and were able to get him before the move was processed.
Wallace was their 3rd-round pick in 2024 out of Penn State.
what the “HECK”
in-division trades always bother me. If Wallace was so bad the Pats were going to CUT HIM, then…..
I hear ya.
It’s a trade nobody will talk about unless he pans out in a big way. And that will be good for us. These late round picks down the road, do you have them circled? No me neither? Young big OL they apparently want to add to the team now. This is the time to do these types of things. Sully said the churning will continue until we think we have what we need to compete for a championship.
would be like us trading Willie Gaye, he can play, don’t have an opportunity for him
the only comparison for Wallace should be Heck, who was as turnstile as I’ve ever seen last Friday. Play after play the RDE was harassing our backup QBs. Alain said, Heck was better today, but…
Wallace is currently 6’5″, 341 pounds. He played as a LG in limited snaps for the Patsies* last season.
At PSU, Wallace was listed at 6’5″, 318 pounds. Perhaps he eats too much? Don’t know what his story is.
At PSU, Wallace played all but 2 snaps at the RT position over the course of his collegiate career.
I’m thinking Charlie Heck is about to get cut in light of Wallace getting signed.
bingo
Zane Gonzalez to IR
I guess we know who the kicker is going to be
I like the reliability of Riley Patterson. He was a very pleasant surprise for us last season.
NOTE:
PFF has Wallace’s playing weight at 341 pounds.
Other sites have him playing between 314-320 pounds.
I wonder if PFF made a typo between 341 and 314?
Also of note: Wallace missed an entire season in college due to injury, and he’s been injured in the NFL as well. Perhaps it’s his inability to stay healthy that the Patsies* were going to cut him.
cheats wanted him to play LT, maybe like Jonah he couldn’t adjust to the left side
if we’re giving up draft capital and cash, we must have a plan for him
Absolutely agreed.
The newest addition to the team is Nick McCloud. The 28-year-old cornerback out of Notre Dame was an undrafted addition to the Bengals roster in 2021. He found himself in the starting lineup with the New York Giants a few times between the 2022 and 2023 seasons, where he recorded 1 interception, 9 pass breakups, and 3 forced fumbles across those seasons.
He struggled to find his footing as a starter in 2024 but was added to the 2025 Chicago Bears roster during the free-agent period. McCloud once again found himself playing meaningful snaps with the Bears, replacing the injured Jaylon Johnson or Kyler Gordonat times.
@MiamiDolphins
Roster Moves | We have signed cornerback Nick McCloud, placed kicker Zane Gonzalez on the injured reserve list and waived running back Anthony Hankerson.
Beer to Rockphin on Nick McCloud.
Had to add another CB with JuJu out for a while.
McCloud is 6 feet 1, a similar height to the tall JuJu Brents. It will be interesting to see whether McCloud can beat any of the players on Miami’s roster, such as Marco Wilson or Ethan Robinson. They will be competing throughout the preseason.
28 years old, 5 year NFL vet.
5th NFL team in 6 seasons.
Finally, we address the RT position looking for better depth behind Jackson.
I don’t see Pats looking to cut Wallace as a negative. They have Will Campbell and Marcus Bryant at LT then have Morgan Moses, Rookie Caleb Lamu and rookie Demetrious Crownover at RT. They also signed OG Vera-Tucker in free agency. The pats are kind of deep across the OL and crowded at OT, especially at RT.
Giving up a 6th round pick, even though 2 drafts down the road kind of sucks.
Wallace still has to pass a physical though for the trade to happen.
what sucks is having Heck currently as our 2nd team RT
they could’ve waiting for Wallace to get thru 12 teams on waivers, but didn’t want to risk it
churn baby churn, will be the Sully theme song all season
Wallace’s vertices was in the 80th percentile, and broad jump 90th percentile, he’s athletic. Cheats never really gave him a chance for whatever reason at RT. Maybe he didn’t fit their current scheme. He fits ours
YUP! Here is his RAS…
@MathBomb
Caedan Wallace is a OT prospect in the 2024 draft class. He scored an unofficial 8.14 #RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 244 out of 1306 OT from 1987 to 2024. Splits projected http://ras.football/ras-information/?PlayerID=24957&ovl=Combine
UK,
Where are ya, mate?! Hope all is well with ya on the other side of the pond. Wondering what ya thought of the new season premier of Ted Lasso!
Star Wars fans,
Star Wars Theory released part II of his Vader series a couple of weeks ago. Takes place about 8 months after Anakin’s surgery to wear the SUIT of Vader. It’s CGI this time instead of live action, but I think it delivers…
Pretty cool M!
in his presser yesterday Hafley made a comment about telling Achane he’s going to have to carry him off the field, after the workload he’s going to get this year
sure he was joking, but still it came across the wrong way. Why would you do anything close to this in a throwaway season?
It’s not a throw away season. It’s a get better everyday season.
throwaway, as in not trying to be a contender, a developmental season
You can do both. This team is not being taught or coached like that. You don’t sign Willis, Achane, Brewer and Brooks with that type of mentality. The results may not be a contender but it’s not like we’re going to go with our best every week.
This team is not void of talent.
mf13ss
says:
August 10, 2026 at 5:41 pm
Beer to Rockphin on Nick McCloud.
Reply
I’m going to hold you to that one of these days!
Wallace is a project, already a better RT, than Heck
he’s basically Salyer insurance at RT
Cheats played him everywhere except RT, then wondered why he didn’t fit. Sounds like MM lunacy
PSU guys, I watch Joel Klatt some on college football stuff. He did his preseason top 25. He put PSU at #17 and 100% disagree. I think PSU hovers close to the top 10 all season and wins a minimum of 10 games. The new HC brought some of his best players with him adding to the best players PSU already has. The HC also brought their OC with him so nothing new for Rocco Becht and the skill players who came with him.
Lastly, they don’t play Indiana, Ohio State, Oregon or Iowa. Their toughest game will be at Michigan. Then Minnesota and USC, but both of those are home games.
This season stacks up well for them. They may start off ranked low but think they will climb to the range of the playoffs. They could get into the Big Ten championship game with that schedule.
Who’s to say that if M. Washington, Douglas continues to show what he’s been doing, and at some point Chris Bell makes an impact along with Achane and decent TE play, that we can’t be a good offense?
We’ve improved at LG. Jonah has improved in run blocking (from reports), still issues in pass pro but RG looks to be same as last year and has the potential to be better than what we had there. Then, IF Jackson can stay healthy. Who knows?
that’s what I expect to happen
Malik was fantastic last yr in his start vs Ravens
C/ATT YDS AVG TD INT SACKS QBR RTG
18/21 288 13.7 1 0 1-9 94.2 134.6
and yet they still lost 41-24, that’s what I expect for most of the first half of the season, except for games against teams like Raiders and jets
Have it your way Tim. Superbowl bound! Because Tim can’t see the lack of talent.
Sometimes you are not as good as what’s on paper. Sometimes you are better than what’s on paper.
Ahhh, who am I trying to kid. lol
no, you hit the nail on the head. After practice on Friday my first comment was simply…HOUSTON as in we have a problem, then I wrote about position groups and things seemed to be much better
as a team though we have a problem on D. Something is missing in coverage, against the run we looked good mostly
Not worried at all on O, unless the bug rears its head
we don’t have a lack of talent, we have a lack of experience, and that lack is going to cost us a winning record this season
Why do you react like that? I made a case and you couldn’t roll with that optimism? So let’s forget those players and we have no chance to be competitive. I would not be surprised if we’re 4-4 or 5-4 midway.
My biggest concern is the secondary because of health, youth and no dominant DB on the team. I like our front 7 potential.
The QB is going to be the key though.
Miami Dolphins depth chart revealed: Our instant observations
Joe Schad
Running back: Jaylen Wright RB2
Jaylen Wright is second-string ahead of Ollie Gordon II. This is not a shock. Wright has been good this offseason and Gordon has had some ball-security issues. Wright has flashed speed and power and seems refocused.
Wide receiver: Caleb Douglas WR1
Malik Washington, Caleb Douglas and Jalen Tolbert are first-string. The first two are the top two right now, until Chris Bell returns. Tutu Atwell is ahead of Terrace Marshall but that’s a coin flip. Jalen Reagor is ahead of Tahj Washington, but also a coin flip. Kevin Coleman, who is injured now, is punt returner two behind Washington. This gives him a strong position for the 53-man roster. Not that he wasn’t going to make it.
Offensive line: Caedan Wallace role
Top reserve linemen are Andrew Meyer, Jamaree Salyer, Charlie Heck and Caedan Wallace. Wallace is a top backup at right tackle and right guard, an indicator of why Miami traded for him.
Linebacker: Jacob Rodriguez vs. Tyrel Dodson
Tyrel Dodson OR Jacob Rodriguez is a first-team listing with J-Rod poised to take over, in our opinion, sooner than later. Rookie Trey Moore is already a starter. Moore has the ability to play the run and pass rush. Rodriguez is everywhere. The ultimate playmaker.
Cornerback: Chris Johnson NB1
Rookie Chris Johnson is listed as first team nickel, with JuJu Brents and Jason Marshall outside. Ethan Bonner, Alex Austin and AJ Green III are second-string. The Dolphins can use Brents and Johnson on first and second down and slide Johnson inside on third downs.Safety: Zayne Anderson starting
Zayne Anderson and Dante Trader are the current starters. Michael Taafe and Lonnie Johnson are the backups. Trader has emerged as a leader in Year 2. Opponents will test this unit.
I see they have TE Ben Sims listed as FB1. I heard he had been in that spot before getting dinged up. That’s why Herman is getting a lot of reps there now.
I am surprised Wease is behind Terrence Marshall basically 4th string.
Very surprised Reagor is a #2 behind Tolbert.
I think we look too far beyond these guys getting into football shape after like 10 days.
BBM still in college football mode. My Indiana Hoosiers watch list for the draft next year: WR Charlie Becker, LT Carter Smith, LG Drew Evans, DT Tyrique Tucker, DT Mario Landino, LB Rolijah Hardy, LB Isaiah Jones, CB Jamari Sharpe and FS Amare Farrell.
After Becker and Smith, I would consider the rest 3rd round and later prospects.
DE Emmanuel Ogbah is signing a one-year deal to reunite with Kansas City, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported.
Any intel on Trey Moore? I haven’t heard much about him. He’s kind of a tweener edge/off ball LB.
Caleb Douglas is showing lots of skills to both Sully and Hafley in camp and why they drafted him. They love his height, length, speed and bend for a big wide.
What did the expert evaluators miss?
I can’t speak for the expert evaluators, but I didn’t like Caleb Douglas’ tape. Compare Chris Bell’s tape to Douglas’, and you see why Bell was likely going in the 1st round before injury, and why Douglas was projected to go on day 3.
I think Douglas’ mere 31.5″ VJ scared the crap out of many teams as well. Remember, Kadyn Proctor’s VJ was 32.5″ at 352 pounds… that’s rather telling.
Rootin’ for Caleb Douglas!!!
tall receivers don’t really need a great vertical, not like smaller receivers, it helps, but I wouldn’t worry about it
what they missed is Douglas’ moves right before he breaks on the route. Saw that in a video the other day, the presenter called it exceptional route running
his drops probably caused his downgrade, and it keeps showing up in camp. He needs better concentration
Oh yeah, I think the expert evaluators may have missed on the fight in that dawg. To be sure, Caleb Douglas is suddenly turning heads in camp. Perhaps he now has a chip on his shoulder. Ya love to see it!
Our secondary is too much of a wait and see. That said, I can’t fairly judge Douglas as he doesn’t have a top CB to go against on this team.
I wonder who our top rated CB is. I am sure we don’t have one in the top 70, probably much farther down. Might be Darrell Baker Jr who out with an injury.
Rockphin
says:
August 11, 2026 at 11:14 am
I’m going to hold you to that one of these days!
———–
HELL YEAH, man!
I didn’t realize that Haf coached all of Richard Sherman, Revis Island, and Ronde Barber in the past. That’s a pretty good resume!
why do you think those 3 will all be in Canton😜
Hafley is so naturally himself, when he talks, its refreshing
Beer me! lol
Steve, you know who had trouble with the drops early on but had skills? Not saying the same guy but just saying. 😉
TO
Bam! Rice too.
Next stop some PS action. He’s definitely making the team so the regular season is the final test. Is he an NFL receiver?
It won’t be because of physical ability. To me with WRs it comes down to toughness because of tough corners and vice versa really.
Any intel on Trey Moore?
——-
Haven’t heard much on him from camp notes, but on the depth chart released today they have him listed as a starting LB next to Brooks and Dodson/Rodriguez
yeah, he’s low risk, but necessary as Heck is WTHeck
bailbondmike
says:
August 11, 2026 at 6:46 pm
Beer me! lol
———-
Oi! My bad, Brother. Beer for YA!!! 🍻
Crabbs talking up Gottlieb Ayedze, he’s listed as Paul’s backup at LT
When I watched Chris Bell highlights he reminded me of Anquan Boldin. Others have said A.J. Brown. I’ll take either.
Yeah, I think more Boldin
Maybe we’re the sleeping magical giant 🤪