The final spring practice session under head coach Jeff Hafley for the Miami Dolphins concluded with more clarity about the team's roster and a cornerback competition that is beginning to take shape. On June 9, Hafley addressed the media after a month of voluntary OTAs and mandatory minicamp, providing insight into the progress of his players and the team's development as they prepare to enter training camp.
The Dolphins will now break for the summer, reuniting in late July for preseason camp. Before that hiatus, Hafley shared his current evaluation of the roster, highlighting key players whose performances have caught the staff's eye and positioning others for upcoming battles.
Cornerback Competition Intensifies
Two cornerbacks have emerged as particularly noteworthy in Hafley's assessment: Darrell Baker Jr. and Storm Duck. Baker Jr., who joined the Dolphins last year primarily as a special teams contributor, is pushing for an expanded role in the defense. Duck, an undrafted free agent from the 2024 class who gradually earned snaps late in the previous season, continues to impress the coaching staff during spring practices.
The Dolphins invested significantly in the cornerback position this offseason. Their 2026 first-round selection, Chris Johnson, out of San Diego State, carries high expectations. Meanwhile, Jason Marshall Jr., a 2025 second-round pick, is set to enter his sophomore season with starting experience. Veteran JuJu Brents, acquired earlier this year, adds depth and experience to what is still a young and competitive room.
Though Hafley refrained from naming a clear frontrunner in this cornerback battle, his praise for Baker Jr. and Duck's grasp of the defensive scheme and their attitude during OTAs underscores their strong standing going forward. The coach's measured commendation suggests both are firmly in the mix as the team anticipates the upcoming padded practices in late July.
Hafley and defensive coordinator Sean Duggan both emphasized the importance of evaluating players once the full gear is on, noting the difference between unpadded drills and live, contact-oriented reps. Duggan remarked, "Rushes are way different with pads on than without," highlighting that the true test for these defensive backs will arrive in training camp.
The Roster Context and Cap Reality
Hafley's overview went beyond the cornerbacks, capturing the broader challenge facing the Dolphins this offseason. The team's salary cap situation remains a significant factor. According to Over the Cap data, Miami carries an estimated $179.21 million in dead money against a projected $300 million salary cap, ranking second highest in the NFL. This dead money burden restricts general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan's flexibility to address roster holes via free agency.
While Miami boasts top-end talent at key skill positions--such as running back De'Von Achane, who rushed for 1,350 yards last season, and wide receiver Malik Washington, who hauled in 46 catches--the roster has undergone extensive turnover, especially along the offensive and defensive lines and in the secondary.
Given these constraints, the development of young players like Johnson, Marshall Jr., Baker Jr., and Duck is crucial. The Dolphins need at least two of them to step into dependable starting roles without relying heavily on veteran free-agent signings. The spring practices set the groundwork, but the true evaluations will come when pads go on and game-like contact intensifies.
Offense Shows Quiet Progress
Alongside the defensive updates, the Dolphins' offense has quietly advanced this spring, a theme reinforced in Hafley's remarks and echoed by offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik. Slowik recently praised second-year quarterback Quinn Ewers for his maturation and poise, noting, "I really think you've seen Quinn take the next step of, 'All right, I'm owning what this is right now.'"
Ewers, drafted last year, showed flashes in his rookie season, completing 55 of 83 passes for 622 yards and three touchdowns across four starts. Though the raw statistics were modest, the circumstances--taking over midseason and adapting to an evolving roster--reflect a steep learning curve. Now, with a full offseason in the same system alongside a stable group of receivers, Ewers is positioned for growth.
The receiving corps offers a blend of youth and experience. Malik Washington returns after his solid sophomore campaign. Newcomer Tutu Atwell, signed this spring after a 2025 season with the Rams, brings speed and deep-threat ability with 192 receiving yards last season. Theo Wease Jr., with limited action last year, posted 139 receiving yards on six catches, indicating potential. Tight end Greg Dulcich, Miami's chief tight end last year with 335 yards, provides stability in the middle of the field.
The backfield remains anchored by Achane, with support from Ollie Gordon II and Jaylen Wright, combining to give Miami a balanced rushing attack. Slowik summarized succinctly, "We want to do it all... we're going to mix it up pretty good."
Looking Ahead to Training Camp
As Miami's offseason progresses toward training camp, Hafley's message remains steady: focus on fundamentals, accountability, and player development. He conspicuously avoided setting early win-loss expectations, emphasizing the standard-setting nature of the work ahead and the necessity of continued growth.
The team's next six weeks will be filled with conditioning, weight training, and individual preparation away from the field, setting the stage for training camp's rigors. Hafley's belief in the offseason work is clear: the effort invested in July will dictate camp performance and ultimately the quality of the team's execution.
When the Dolphins reconvene in late July, the cornerback competition between Baker Jr., Duck, Johnson, and Marshall Jr. will heat up under the bright Florida sun. The offensive line will transition from installations without contact to full padded drills, providing a true test of their cohesion and effectiveness. Ewers will face live pressure for the first time since the previous season's conclusion, a pivotal step for his ongoing development.
With the roster shaped by past moves and cap realities, Hafley's challenge is to maximize the talent he inherited and guide the younger players to fill critical roles. The spring's positive momentum is a promising sign, but the going will get tougher with pads and preseason games looming. Miami's 2026 campaign hinges on whether this emerging foundation is strong enough to build a contender.
In sum, the Dolphins close spring practice with a clearer picture of their roster's makeup, energized cornerback battles, steady offensive growth, and a pragmatic outlook toward the coming months. Jeff Hafley's deliberate leadership sets a tone of patience and preparation as Miami embarks on the next phase of its rebuild.