The Miami Dolphins enter the 2026 season with a roster that blends fresh faces and returning talent, all under the direction of first-year head coach Jeff Hafley. Following an offseason marked by significant coaching changes and roster turnover, Miami aims to establish a distinct identity and competitive edge on both sides of the ball.
General manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik have assembled a roster built around competition, versatility, and potential. As the Dolphins prepare for training camp, several position groups present compelling battles and storylines that could define the team's success.
Quarterback: A Wide-Open Competition
Miami's quarterback room is among the most captivating in the NFL, featuring four talented passers--Quinn Ewers, Cam Miller, Malik Willis, and Mark Gronowski--each eager for the starting nod. No player arrived with a guaranteed job.
Ewers (#14), a former Texas Longhorn, possesses a strong arm and impressive college starting experience. His ability to dissect defenses and deliver accurate, timely throws fits well with Bobby Slowik's offense, which emphasizes precision and timing.
Challenging Ewers is Cam Miller (#15), a North Dakota State product known for his dual-threat ability and leadership. His mobility and toughness present a different dynamic in Miami's system, adding a versatile threat that defenses must respect.
Malik Willis (#2) brings NFL experience to the group, having started games with the Tennessee Titans and Green Bay Packers. Willis's arm talent and previous starting reps give him an edge in terms of pro-level experience.
Mark Gronowski, a South Dakota State alum with 49 college starts and a national championship, rounds out the group as a mature and smart competitor who could emerge as a surprise factor.
This quarterback competition is likely to extend into training camp, giving the coaching staff the flexibility to evaluate each player's fit and readiness before making a final decision.
Running Back: Explosive Depth
Led by De'Von Achane (#28), one of the fastest and most electric players in the league, Miami's backfield is loaded with talent. Achane's blazing speed and playmaking ability make him the focal point of Miami's rushing attack.
Joining Achane is Donovan Edwards (#36), a physical runner from Michigan with a reputation for delivering in clutch moments. Edwards complements Achane well, offering power running and receiving capabilities.
The trio is rounded out by Ollie Gordon II (#0), a former Oklahoma State standout who led the nation in rushing two seasons ago. Gordon's size, vision, and patience provide a versatile running option capable of controlling the line of scrimmage.
Additional depth from Jaylen Wright (#5), Anthony Hankerson, and Le'Veon Moss provides Miami with one of the deepest running back rooms in the AFC. Offensive coordinator Slowik is expected to creatively utilize this depth to keep defenses on their heels.
Wide Receiver: Opportunities Abound
The Dolphins' wide receiver group has seen major changes, with Jalen Tolbert (#1) emerging as a reliable target known for his polished route running and hands. Tutu Atwell (#4) brings game-breaking speed on the outside, while Terrace Marshall Jr. (#86) offers size and contested-catch ability.
Behind the veterans, young receivers like Malik Washington (#6), Tahj Washington (#84), and Theo Wease Jr. (#81) provide intriguing upside. The group also includes Chris Bell, Kevin Coleman Jr., and Donaven McCulley, all competing for playing time.
Miami currently lacks a proven No. 1 receiver, so this group's effectiveness will hinge on chemistry development, especially with the volatile quarterback competition. The new coaching staff is likely to spread the ball around and rely on schematic advantages to create separation.
Tight Ends: Versatility and Potential
Miami's tight end corps features Jalin Conyers (#80), an athletic pass-catching threat with mismatch potential, and Greg Dulcich (#85), a proven contributor when healthy. Depth players include Ben Sims (#89), Cole Turner (#87), and developmental prospects Will Kacmarek and Seydou Traore.
Slowik's passing scheme heavily incorporates tight ends, meaning players like Conyers will be deployed in multiple roles--whether split wide, in the slot, or inline--to exploit mismatches against slower linebackers or safeties.
Offensive Line: Building for Consistency
The offensive line is anchored by veteran Austin Jackson (#73) at tackle and center Aaron Brewer (#55). Young talents Braeden Daniels (#66), Carter Warren (#77), and Patrick Paul (#52) will compete for starting roles at tackle and guard spots.
Guards Josh Priebe (#68), Jamaree Salyer (#69), and Jonah Savaiinaea (#72) battle for starting snaps, as Miami aims to improve a unit that struggled with consistency last season. Alabama transfer Kadyn Proctor (#0) brings developmental upside and depth at tackle.
The coaching staff's focus is on establishing stability and versatility in this group to better protect Miami's young quarterbacks and open running lanes for a talented backfield.
Defensive Line: Physical and Multifaceted
Defensive coordinator Sean Duggan will emphasize an aggressive, multiple-front defensive line. Zach Sieler (#92) remains the cornerstone, as a versatile lineman capable of playing multiple techniques and generating pressure.
Michigan nose tackle Kenneth Grant (#90) provides size and power, pairing well with veteran Jordan Phillips (#94) and rotational players Zeek Biggers (#93) and Matthew Butler (#91).
Edge rushers Chop Robinson (#44) and Joshua Uche (#9) offer veteran pass-rushing prowess, complemented by David Ojabo (#50), acquired via trade, whose burst and bend make him a potential double-digit sack candidate if healthy. Robert Beal Jr. (#51) and Seth Coleman (#58) add athleticism and depth to the front.
Linebackers: Speed, Coverage, and Versatility
Jordyn Brooks (#20) anchors the linebacking corps, recognized for his speed and athleticism. Tyrel Dodson (#25) and Willie Gay Jr. (#40) function as versatile, three-down players capable of playing the run and pass effectively.
Depth options include Jackson Woodard (#42), Kyle Louis, and Jacob Rodriguez, all bringing special teams value as they develop in the rotation. This group's athleticism aligns with Hafley's philosophy of fast, aggressive defense.
Secondary: Youth and Length
Miami's defensive backs feature new additions that reflect Hafley's preference for length and press cover skills. Cornerback Jason Marshall Jr. (#33), acquired from the Jacksonville Jaguars, projects as a shutdown corner with size and physical play.
JuJu Brents (#8) adds more length and press-man ability on the outside. Alex Austin (#26) and Ethan Bonner (#27) provide competition for starting roles.
The safety group, led by Zayne Anderson (#23) and Jordan Colbert (#43), blends youth and athleticism, supported by depth players Dante Trader Jr. (#11) and Michael Taaffe. This secondary is a work in progress but holds promise due to its raw talent.
Special Teams: Stability and Competition
Punter Bradley Pinion (#48) remains one of the league's most consistent, while two kickers--Zane Gonzalez (#45) and Riley Patterson (#47)--compete for kickoff and field goal duties. Long snapper Tucker Addington (#46) anchors the snapping unit.
Outlook
The Miami Dolphins enter a transition phase, but one ripe with promise. Jeff Hafley's defense builds on athletic versatility and aggressive scheming, while Bobby Slowik's offense offers multiple weapons and a quarterback competition that will command headlines.
The roster's mix of explosive skill players and young, athletic defenders suggests Miami could be competitive in the AFC East if it's able to find cohesion and consistency.
As training camp approaches, fans will witness the unfolding of key battles--from the quarterback position to the trenches--that will ultimately shape the Dolphins' 2026 trajectory.
The countdown to Week 1 is officially on.
