A lot of the answers to this week’s Dolphins sleeper question pointed in the same direction: this roster is thin enough that a few under-the-radar names may have a real chance to matter.
One of the most common themes was running back. PA phinphan said he’s hoping one of the veteran backs steps up, or maybe even the former Michigan 2025 undrafted free agent.
The idea, as Dolfanjoe put it, is simple: if Wright and Gordon don’t elevate their play, Donovan Edwards could end up taking their spots. Dolfanjoe also noted that if this new staff really wants to lean into a run-first offense, Miami is going to need another starting-level or near-starting-level back behind Achane.
He added that the team was high on undrafted back Levon Moss and viewed him as Ollie Gordon’s replacement if Gordon didn’t get the job done this offseason. Moss, in that view, was the kind of runner who always seemed to push forward for a few extra yards.
The larger point was clear: if Miami is going to be a running team, it needs multiple good backs, and the front office may still be scanning other rosters when cutdown day arrives.
At quarterback, Dolfanjoe went with Malik Willis, calling him a sleeper in the sense that he may be so underrated right now that nobody really knows what he can become. He pointed to Willis’ legs as a potential difference-maker, saying they could help extend drives, create more first downs, and keep the defense fresher.
He contrasted that with Tua, describing him as a timing passer who may still be that, but who didn’t have a run game to go with it. Dolfanjoe also said Willis can get those two yards, extend the play, and help with time of possession.
In his view, that kind of offense - with a big offensive line, Ollie Gordon punishing defenders, and Achane moving all over the field - could surprise people. “He is the sleeper !”
There were several defensive names in the mix as well. StanleyDoyle1 said he’s excited to see what the 4th-round linebacker brings to the table.
Another response singled out Kyle Louis, with the thought that his high IQ could put him in position to start at safety by late October. TheRoo1 went with Storm Duck, which was described as a strong answer because the position is clearly a need.
Oldarmyguy picked Major Burns, pointing to his UFL production and his LSU career, where he played for a program known for stout defense.
A couple of offensive skill players also got mentions. UpInPensacola is eager to see what the third-round tight end can do, naming Will Kacmarek. tvegas897 hoped for a breakout from second-year UDFA receiver Theo Wease, a choice that fits the reality of a thin wideout room.
Phoenix6 offered a broader list of possible surprises, starting with Max Llewellyn, an EDGE taken in the seventh round. He cited Llewellyn’s 45 QB pressures last year, his spin move, and his high motor, while also suggesting he may end up on the practice squad.
Phoenix6 also named Mark Gronowski, a QB from Iowa and UDFA, as someone who could beat out Cam Miller and become the third quarterback. His third pick was Mason Reiger, an EDGE UDFA from Wisconsin, who was the 2026 East-West Shrine Bowl Defensive MVP and was projected by some as a fifth- or sixth-round pick.
Special teams even got a vote. MIAMI235 said the sleeper could come down to one of the two kickers, Patterson or Gonzalez.
SuperG! agreed the competition looks even right now, noting that Gonzalez had the better career, while Patterson hit 93% of his field goals for the Dolphins and was better than expected.
The overall takeaway from the responses was pretty straightforward: there may be more than one hidden contributor on this roster. And with the Dolphins in rebuild mode, that kind of surprise production could end up mattering a lot.
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