The 2026 NFL Draft has come and gone, and for the Miami Dolphins, the roster looks markedly different than it did just a few months ago. Under the direction of first-year head coach Jeff Hafley and general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan, the Dolphins have undergone a significant transformation. With rookie minicamp on the horizon and Organized Team Activities set to begin later this month, now is the perfect time to take stock of the full 90-man roster and identify the key storylines that will define Miami's spring and summer.
Let's break down every position group, highlight the newcomers, and assess where the Dolphins stand as they enter a new era.
Quarterback: A Wide-Open Competition
The most notable change under center is the absence of any entrenched starter. The Dolphins' quarterback room is headlined by Quinn Ewers (#14), the team's first-round pick in the 2026 draft. Ewers arrives in Miami with a big arm, proven toughness from his time at Texas, and the kind of processing ability that offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik should be able to develop.
Joining Ewers are Cam Miller (#15), Malik Willis (#2), and Mark Gronowski. Miller is an intriguing developmental prospect with dual-threat capability, while Willis provides the most NFL experience of the group, having started games for the Titans and Packers in previous seasons. Gronowski, a rookie free agent from South Dakota State, is a long shot but has the frame and mobility that fit modern quarterback trends.
This is a true open competition. Ewers is the favorite as the first-round investment, but Willis's experience in a Hafley-Slowik system could give him an edge early in camp. Don't expect a starter to be named until late August.
Running Back: Depth and Versatility
The Dolphins' backfield remains a strength. De'Von Achane (#28) returns as the incumbent starter and one of the most explosive playmakers in the league. His ability to create big plays both on the ground and through the air makes him the offensive centerpiece.
Behind Achane, Miami has added Ollie Gordon II (#0) via the draft, a powerful, downhill runner from Oklahoma State who brings a physical presence the Dolphins have lacked in recent years. Donovan Edwards (#36) and Jaylen Wright (#5) are both proven contributors, and Anthony Hankerson and Le'Veon Moss round out a deep group.
The question here is touches. Hafley has historically favored a committee approach, so don't expect Achane to approach 300 carries. Gordon's size and style make him a strong candidate for short-yardage and goal-line work, while Edwards could carve out a role as a pass-catching specialist.
Wide Receiver: Youth and Uncertainty
The receiver room is undergoing a major refresh. Tutu Atwell (#4) and Jalen Tolbert (#1) are the most experienced names, but neither has proven to be a true No. 1 option. Atwell is a speed threat who excels in the slot, while Tolbert has flashed but struggled with consistency.
Terrace Marshall Jr. (#86) was a high-level prospect who never quite put it together with the Panthers, but a change of scenery could unlock his potential. Malik Washington (#6) and Tahj Washington (#84) are smaller, shifty receivers who fit the modern NFL, while AJ Henning (#88) adds a versatile return specialist behind them.
The wild cards are the undrafted rookies: Chris Bell, Kevin Coleman Jr., Caleb Douglas, Romello Brinson, and Donaven McCulley. Any one of them could emerge as a surprise contributor. Expect Slowik to scheme around his weapons, but the Dolphins will likely need one of these receivers to take a major step forward.
Tight End: Bridge and Development
This position group is built around Greg Dulcich (#85), a talented but injury-prone tight end who has never played a full season. If healthy, Dulcich is a seam-stretching weapon who could be a favorite target for Ewers.
Jalin Conyers (#80) is a massive physical presence at 6'4", 270 pounds, and could develop into a reliable inline blocker and red-zone threat. Ben Sims (#89) and Cole Turner (#87) provide experience and special teams value, while Will Kacmarek and Seydou Traore are developmental prospects.
This is a group that screams "add a veteran if Dulcich goes down." But for now, the Dolphins will hope for health and growth.
Offensive Line: Building the Wall
The offensive line has been retooled, with Austin Jackson (#73) returning at left tackle and Patrick Paul (#52) pushing for playing time after a year of development. Aaron Brewer (#55) remains at center, providing a steady anchor.
At guard, the Dolphins have invested in Josh Priebe (#68), Jamaree Salyer (#69), and Jonah Savaiinaea (#72), a rookie from Arizona with the versatility to play tackle or guard. Kion Smith (#71) and DJ Campbell provide depth at the interior, while Braeden Daniels (#66) and Charlie Heck (#67) are veteran swing tackles.
The key here is consistency. The Dolphins need to keep Ewers upright, and that starts with the interior. If Priebe and Salyer can solidify the guard spots, this line could be average or better--a vast improvement over the inconsistent units of the past.
Defensive Line: Kenneth Grant Leads the Charge
The most exciting addition on defense is rookie defensive tackle Kenneth Grant (#90), a massive 340-pound disruptor from Michigan. Grant is a true nose tackle who can eat double teams and push the pocket. He pairs beautifully with Zach Sieler (#92), one of the most underrated interior rushers in the league.
Jordan Phillips (#94) returns for another season of veteran savvy, while Matthew Butler (#91), Zeek Biggers (#93), and Alex Huntley (#96) provide rotational depth. Keith Cooper Jr. (#97) and Rene Konga round out the group.
At defensive end, Robert Beal Jr. (#51) and Seth Coleman (#58) are the primary edge setters, with Max Llewellyn and Mason Reiger as developmental pieces.
Linebacker: A Loaded Unit
The Dolphins have invested heavily in the linebacker corps. Jordyn Brooks (#20) is the unquestioned leader and one of the league's best sideline-to-sideline playmakers. Tyrel Dodson (#25) and Willie Gay Jr. (#40) give Miami an impressive trio of coverage and run-stopping ability.
Chop Robinson (#44) and Joshua Uche (#9) are edge rushers who will be deployed as hybrid linebacker/defensive ends. David Ojabo (#50) is a high-upside pass rusher coming off injury, while Cameron Goode (#53) and Ronnie Harrison Jr. (#56) add depth and special teams value.
The rookies Jackson Woodard (#42), Kyle Louis, Trey Moore, and Jacob Rodriguez will compete for rotational roles. Hafley's defense historically asks linebackers to cover a lot of ground, and this group has the athleticism to deliver.
Secondary: Young and Hungry
The cornerback room is deep and competitive. Jason Marshall Jr. (#33) has the size and press-man skills to be a No. 1 boundary corner. Alex Austin (#26) and Storm Duck (#29) provide sticky coverage on the outside, while Ethan Bonner (#27) and Marco Wilson (#21) bring experience.
JuJu Brents (#8) is a physical corner who fits Hafley's press-man scheme perfectly. Darrell Baker Jr. (#22), Miles Battle (#35), and A.J. Green III (#24) will battle for roster spots, and rookies Ethan Robinson (#38) and Chris Johnson add intrigue.
At safety, Zayne Anderson (#23) and Dante Trader Jr. (#11) are the projected starters. Anderson is a rangy centerfielder, while Trader is a hitter who can play in the box. Lonnie Johnson Jr. (#32) and Omar Brown (#34) provide veteran depth, and Jordan Colbert (#43) and Michael Taaffe are young developmental pieces.
Special Teams: New Faces in the Kicking Game
Bradley Pinion (#48) returns as the punter, one of the more reliable legs in the league. Tucker Addington (#46) takes over at long snapper, and the kicking battle is between Zane Gonzalez (#45) and Riley Patterson (#47). Both have had success in the NFL, but neither has been consistently elite. This will be one of the most closely watched competitions in camp.
Final Outlook
The Dolphins enter the 2026 season with a new head coach, a rookie quarterback, and a roster that has been aggressively reshaped. There are questions at receiver, offensive line depth, and the kicking game, but the foundation--especially on defense--is strong.
If Ewers can win the quarterback job and play like a first-rounder, and if Hafley's defensive scheme can generate pressure with the athletic linebackers, Miami could be a surprise contender. If not, this will be a year of development and evaluation.
Either way, the Dolphins are a team to watch. Rookie minicamp opens next week, and the answers will start coming fast.