Linebacker Jacob Rodriguez: is the fan favorite: The second-round pick out of Texas Tech won the Chuck Bednarik, Butkus, Lombardi, and Bronko Nagurski awards in 2025 and finished fifth in Heisman Trophy voting. He received nearly 50% of the fan vote when asked which rookie Dolphins fans are most excited to see in camp.
First-round picks Kadyn Proctor (OG) and Chris Johnson (CB): are expected to start immediately. Proctor moves from Alabama tackle to left guard, while Johnson steps into a secondary that allowed a league-worst 72% completion rate in 2025.
The Dolphins are in full rebuild mode: FanDuel Sportsbook lists Miami as the AFC team least likely to make the playoffs (+1500 odds), double the odds of the next closest team, the New York Jets.
Third-round pick Will Kacmarek (TE, Ohio State): is already being hailed as an elite run blocker — GM Sullivan described him as "a grimy, dirty, bite-your-face-off type of dude" and believes he's among the NFL's best day-one blockers.
Wide receiver Chris Bell (3rd round): was a potential late first-round pick before tearing his ACL in December. Miami views him as a long-term investment and will not rush his return.
Why this matters: This rookie class represents the foundation of Miami's post-McDaniel rebuild. The team is transitioning from veteran stars to a younger, cheaper core — and how these rookies perform in camp will define the Dolphins' trajectory for years.
The Miami Dolphins made a conscious decision this offseason to get "younger and cheaper." Under the new leadership of GM Jon-Eric Sullivan, the team parted ways with numerous high-salary veterans, creating an NFL-record $179 million in dead cap space. This aggressive reset means 12 departed starters must be replaced — and the plan relies heavily on the incoming rookie class.
Jeff Hafley, the new head coach, brings a defensive background and has emphasized competition above all else. Sullivan made this clear during the draft: *"We're going to play the best players. It doesn't matter if you're a second-round pick or an undrafted free agent, if you're an eight-year vet or a second-year player, if you give us the best chance to win on Sunday, you're going to be on the field."*
Rodriguez enters camp with the highest expectations of any Dolphins rookie. His college résumé is staggering: He swept the top defensive awards in college football (Bednarik, Butkus, Lombardi, Nagurski) and even earned Heisman consideration. What makes this storyline even richer is the Texas Tech-to-Miami Dolphins lineage at linebacker — Rodriguez follows in the footsteps of Hall of Famer Zach Thomas and current All-Pro Jordyn Brooks (who just signed a $51.3 million extension).
Sullivan has already pegged Rodriguez as the team's "future green dot guy" — meaning he'll eventually call the defensive signals. For now, he'll learn behind Brooks while making an immediate impact as a playmaker.
The 6-foot-7, 358-pound Proctor played tackle for Alabama but will shift to left guard as a rookie. This move ensures he gets on the field right away as part of Miami's best five offensive linemen. Veteran center Aaron Brewer has praised Proctor's veteran-like mindset, saying, *"He's trying to do everything he can to get ahead of the eight ball, to not act as a rookie."*
Johnson joins a secondary that was historically bad in 2025, allowing 72% of opponent passes to be completed — worst in the NFL. He'll train at both inside and outside cornerback positions, and he's embracing the pressure: *"Coming in, you think guys are going to dislike you... but everybody here is welcoming me with open arms."*
Third-round tight end Will Kacmarek may not be a household name, but his skill set fits perfectly into Miami's renewed focus on the run game. Sullivan called him "elite" as a blocker and believes he's already among the NFL's best at in-line blocking. He's also "subtly good" as a receiver, making him a potential three-down contributor.
The competition at wide receiver: With Chris Bell recovering from ACL surgery, Caleb Douglas and Kevin Coleman Jr. have early opportunities to earn snaps.
The linebacker room: Rodriguez and fourth-round pick Kyle Louis (who can also play safety in passing situations) give Hafley versatile defensive options.
The secondary battle: Fifth-round pick Michael Taaffe will challenge for a starting safety job alongside Dante Trader Jr.
Who this affects most: Dolphins fans, fantasy football managers (keep an eye on Kacmarek as a sleeper), and AFC East rivals facing a younger, hungrier Miami team.
Why did the Dolphins draft 13 players in 2026?
After a massive roster overhaul that left the team with $179 million in dead cap space and 12 departed starters, the Dolphins needed to restock their roster with young, affordable talent. GM Jon-Eric Sullivan prioritized depth and competition across nearly every position group.
Is Jacob Rodriguez expected to start right away?
While Rodriguez will likely see significant playing time, he'll learn behind All-Pro Jordyn Brooks, who just signed a $51.3 million extension. Sullivan has called Rodriguez a "future green dot guy," meaning he'll eventually call the defensive plays.
What happened to the Dolphins' 2025 secondary?
Miami's secondary allowed a league-worst 72% completion rate on opponent passes in 2025. The team has completely overhauled the unit, with first-round pick Chris Johnson expected to start immediately at cornerback.
When will Chris Bell return from his ACL injury?
Bell will start training camp on the active/non-football injury list. The Dolphins view him as a long-term investment and will not rush his return, though they expect him to contribute this season.
Are the Dolphins expected to be competitive in 2026?
FanDuel Sportsbook has Miami as the AFC team least likely to make the playoffs (+1500 odds). However, the focus is on developing young talent and building a foundation for future contention under new head coach Jeff Hafley.
For Dolphins fans: This is a true rebuild year. Manage expectations for the win-loss record, but get excited about watching the next generation of stars develop in real time.
For fantasy football managers: Monitor the Dolphins' running game — Will Kacmarek is an elite blocker who could boost the value of Miami's running backs. And if Jacob Rodriguez hits his ceiling, he could be a IDP (Individual Defensive Player) league star.
For bettors: The Dolphins' +1500 odds to make the playoffs reflect the roster's youth. Consider focusing on player props (rookie of the year, sack totals) rather than team win totals this season.
Key takeaway: The Dolphins are playing the long game. This rookie class — headlined by Rodriguez, Proctor, and Johnson — will be the foundation for Miami's next competitive window.
The Miami Dolphins' 2026 rookie class is shaping up to be one of the most fascinating storylines of the NFL season. Will Jacob Rodriguez become the next great Dolphins linebacker in the tradition of Zach Thomas? Can Kadyn Proctor dominate at guard like he did at Alabama? And will Jeff Hafley's youth movement pay off sooner than expected?
Do you think the Dolphins' rebuild is on the right track? Who are you most excited to watch this training camp? Let us know in the comments!
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*The Phinsider* — "Miami Dolphins rookies 2026: Linebacker Jacob Rodriguez one to watch in training camp" by Kevin Nogle (July 27, 2026) — Read more
*ESPN* — "Why Dolphins rookie class could be among NFL's most impactful" by Marcel Louis-Jacques (July 26, 2026) — Read more
*SB Nation Reacts* — Fan polling data on Miami Dolphins rookie excitement (July 2026)
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