The Miami Dolphins took the field Monday morning for the first official OTA session of the Jeff Hafley era, marking the beginning of a new chapter in South Florida. The voluntary workouts, held at the Dolphins' training facility in Davie, represented the first on-field opportunity for the team's new coaching staff to install systems and evaluate personnel -- and there were plenty of storylines worth tracking.
From a new starting quarterback to a revamped offensive line and the return of premier pass rushers, these OTAs carried unusual weight for a voluntary spring practice window. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of what unfolded on Day 1 and what it means for Miami moving forward.
A New Sheriff in Town: Hafley Takes the Helm
Jeff Hafley, hired as the Dolphins' head coach earlier this offseason, oversaw his first practice in a setting that felt both familiar and entirely different. Familiar because the weather was classic South Florida -- humid, bright, with a breeze off the Atlantic. Different because the voice echoing across the fields belonged to a defensive-minded leader inheriting a roster in transition.
Hafley kept things crisp and uptempo. Observers noted the practice operated on a tight schedule, with minimal standing around between periods -- a marked shift from previous regimes. The new head coach emphasized competition and accountability from the opening whistle.
The entire coaching staff -- including offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik and defensive coordinator Sean Duggan -- was active during drills, frequently pulling players aside for instruction. Slowik spent extended time with the quarterbacks during individual work, signaling a hands-on approach to installing his offense.
General manager Jon-Eric Sullivan was also present, watching from near the sideline alongside personnel staff. This full organizational show of force underscored the importance of these early reps for a team trying to find its identity.
The Malik Willis Era Officially Begins
The biggest storyline entering OTAs was who would take the first-team reps at quarterback. The answer: Malik Willis.
With Tua Tagovailoa released earlier this offseason, the Dolphins turned to Willis -- a veteran with prior NFL experience who now has a legitimate chance to lead the offense. Willis looked sharp during seven-on-seven work, demonstrating improved footwork and a quicker release compared to previous stops.
He connected on several intermediate throws over the middle, including a well-placed ball to tight end Jalin Conyers during a red-zone period. Willis also showcased the mobility that made him a tantalizing prospect coming out of Liberty University, escaping what would have been pressure from the edge to find receiver Jalen Tolbert on a scramble drill.
It is important to keep perspective -- this was a voluntary OTA practice in May, not a Week 1 game. But Willis appeared comfortable in the pocket and confident in his reads. The offense under Slowik emphasizes timing and spacing, concepts that should play to Willis's strengths if he continues to develop as a processor.
Behind Willis, the Dolphins deployed Quinn Ewers and Cam Miller for reps, along with Mark Gronowski. Ewers got second-team work and showcased a live arm, though he was inconsistent on deeper throws. Miller, who played collegiately at North Dakota State, represents an intriguing developmental piece.
Kadyn Proctor: The Blindside Anchor in Progress
All eyes were on rookie left tackle Kadyn Proctor, the Dolphins' first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Proctor worked exclusively with the first-team offensive line during team drills, lining up opposite veteran defensive ends in what amounted to an immediate trial by fire.
His results were mixed -- which fits expectations for a rookie in his first NFL practice.
Proctor showed impressive power in run-blocking reps, driving defensive linemen off the ball on several inside zone plays. His punch is heavy, and when he locked hands, it was difficult for pass rushers to disengage. However, he struggled at times with speed-to-power moves, getting caught flat-footed on a rep where defensive end Chop Robinson edged him during a simulated pass rush.
The offensive line coach quickly corrected Proctor after that rep, walking him through proper footwork adjustments. That Proctor received first-team reps from Day 1 signals the organization's commitment to him as their long-term answer at left tackle.
The starting unit up front also featured Braeden Daniels, Aaron Brewer, Josh Priebe, and Patrick Paul lined up at various spots. The front five are expected to rotate frequently this spring as the coaching staff searches for the best combination.
Pass Rushers Return: Chubb and Phillips Back on the Field
Perhaps the most encouraging sight of the day came from the defensive side, where edge rushers Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips participated in individual drills for the first time since suffering season-ending injuries.
Both players looked healthy and explosive during position work. Chubb, working with the defensive line coach, displayed the bend and burst that made him a Pro Bowl talent earlier in his career. Phillips moved fluidly in change-of-direction drills, showing no signs of hesitation.
Neither player was cleared for full team drills yet -- which was expected -- but their presence alone was a significant step forward. The Dolphins' pass rush has been a shell of itself without these two, and getting them back alongside Chop Robinson and 2025 first-round pick David Ojabo provides defensive coordinator Sean Duggan a wealth of options.
"It's great to see those guys competing again," Hafley said after practice. "They've worked extremely hard to get back to this point. We'll be smart with their ramp-up, but having them on the field changes the energy of the entire defense."
Additional Observations from Day 1
Running back De'Von Achane looked explosive catching passes out of the backfield. Slowik's offense appears designed to feature running backs heavily in the passing game, which should maximize Achane's unique skill set.
second-year defensive tackle Kenneth Grant -- Miami's second-round pick this year -- was noticeable during inside run drills. His size and power were evident, and he collapsed the pocket on a few reps against the backup offensive line.
Cornerback Jason Marshall Jr. intercepted a pass during seven-on-sevens, breaking on a throw from Quinn Ewers aimed at Malik Washington. Marshall has excellent length and is expected to compete for a starting boundary cornerback spot.
Kickers Zane Gonzalez and Riley Patterson both ran through kicking drills, as the Dolphins continue to sort out their placekicking situation. Patterson showed more consistency from 45-plus yards on Monday.
What These OTAs Mean for the Dolphins
For a team in transition, these voluntary practices carry more weight than usual. Hafley is installing a culture, Slowik is installing an offense, and the roster still is being shaped by General Manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and his staff. There are no pads yet, no live tackling, and no finalized game planning. But the foundation laid this week will matter come training camp.
The biggest questions remain: Can Malik Willis be the franchise quarterback Miami needs? Can Kadyn Proctor protect his blindside against elite pass rushers? Will Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips return to their Pro Bowl form?
Answers to those questions won't come until the regular season begins. However, the early returns from Day 1 of OTAs give reason for cautious optimism.
The Dolphins are back on the field Tuesday for Day 2 of OTAs, with additional sessions scheduled through late May and into early June. We will continue tracking developments as Miami's new era gets its first real on-field reps.