The Dolphins are heading into the regular season with a rookie class that still feels unusually large, even after the roster trimmed down to 53 and then shifted again. Miami now has 13 rookies on the active roster eight days before its opener against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium, and that group includes 11 draft picks, one undrafted free agent and one waiver wire addition.
That kind of rookie footprint is going to matter. With the Dolphins where they are as a team, several of these first-year players are positioned for real snaps, and more than a few could end up starting at some point, either full-time or in specific packages.
Here’s a fresh ranking of Miami’s rookies based on upside, what they showed in camp and preseason, and how they could factor into 2026.
- CB Chris Johnson - The race for the top spot was close, but Johnson gets the nod as the rookie most likely to make the biggest splash. He kept building momentum as camp rolled on and looks like the most important rookie in the secondary.
- G Kadyn Proctor - Interior offensive linemen don’t always grab attention the way playmakers do, but Proctor has looked like exactly what Miami hoped it was getting. There’s no real reason to doubt he can step in and be a dependable starter immediately.
- LB Jacob Rodriguez - Beating out veteran Tyrel Dodson says plenty, especially with Dodson’s production from last season. Rodriguez separated himself with his coverage work and his proven feel for forcing turnovers.
- WR Chris Bell - Bell’s return to action earlier than expected was one of camp’s biggest developments, and his preseason finale line of two catches on five targets only added to the buzz. The only real question now is how much production to expect while he works back from the ACL injury.
- TE Will Kacmarek - Kacmarek has been sidelined lately with an undisclosed injury, but the blocking value is already clear. That’s where he’s set to help right away.
- S Michael Taaffe - Taaffe’s intangibles have drawn strong praise from head coach Jeff Hafley, and that kind of trust can carry a rookie a long way. Don’t be surprised if it lands him in the starting lineup.
- WR Caleb Douglas - Douglas cooled off a bit once Bell became the bigger camp storyline, but the upside is still obvious. His mix of size and speed keeps him very much in the picture after flashes like that acrobatic preseason opener catch.
- FB DJ Herman - One of camp’s best stories, Herman made the leap from college linebacker to fullback and from rookie minicamp tryout player to the 53-man roster. He’ll be part of the lead-blocking work for De’Von Achane and could even draw starts depending on how Miami lines up at the beginning of games.
- EDGE/LB Trey Moore - Moore was already starting when an ankle injury hit him in the preseason game against the New York Giants. Now the questions are about his return and how much he can give once he’s back.
- LB Kyle Louis - Miami wants to use Louis in a big nickel role because of his coverage ability, but Jeff Hafley made it clear that part of the plan is still coming together. Early on, special teams may be where he logs most of his work.
- WR Kevin Coleman Jr. - Coleman has a role here, even if he got buried a bit by the attention around Bell and Douglas. He’s still part of the mix.
- TE Justin Joly - The former Denver Broncos waiver claim has real receiving talent, but he’s also behind the curve and has Greg Dulcich - another former Denver draft pick - ahead of him. Snaps may take some time to come.
- TE Seydou Traore - Traore has been catching up as minor injury issues have slowed him down, and he’ll need to find a way to stand out if he wants playing time.
- G DJ Campbell - The Texas sixth-round pick was too intriguing for Miami to let go, but this has the feel of a redshirt season. Unless emergency duty is needed, or the calendar gets late enough that the playoffs are no longer in reach, his role looks limited.
In Other News...
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For a franchise with several worthy players still searching for Canton recognition, the timing stings. Bob Kuechenberg and Mark Clayton have both been part of that conversation for years, and the new setup appears to make the path even narrower for seniors and other deserving candidates who already needed momentum from a crowded field to break through. [Read more 🡒]
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Jordyn Brooks Is Pushing A Dolphins Identity Fans Have Wanted
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Physicality, in his view, is not some abstract trait that shows up only when the matchup demands it. It is a choice, and Brooks wants that choice to become a habit for the Dolphins rather than a one-off spark. For a roster that has long searched for a more consistent edge, his message lands as both a challenge and a reminder that identity usually starts with the details players are willing to repeat. [Read more 🡒]