Dolphins Cornerback Race Heats Up; Offensive Line Investment Paid Off?
The Miami Dolphins are looking for new starting cornerbacks, with Jason Marshall Jr. a strong candidate to fill one open spot. Significant investment in the offensive line suggests improved performance, while the wide receiver corps faces a major overhaul. De'Von Achane remains the featured running back, with Ollie Gordon II expected to continue his complementary role.
The Miami Dolphins’ secondary is undergoing a significant reshuffling at cornerback. With both Jack Jones and Rasul Douglas no longer with the team, a starting position is wide open. First-round pick Chris Johnson is the presumed frontrunner for one spot, leaving the other up for grabs. Second-year player Jason Marshall Jr. is emerging as a strong contender, having shown flashes of talent as a rookie. Head coach Jeff Hafley envisions Marshall operating on the outside, and preseason action will be crucial for him to prove his readiness.
Meanwhile, the Dolphins’ offensive line is drawing attention, with renewed investments suggesting a potential turnaround. Despite the usual summer break for players, this unit is reportedly dedicating extra time to collective reps, signaling a commitment to improvement. The team’s training camp schedule has been released, offering fans their first look at the new-look Dolphins on Sunday, August 2nd.
Quarterback depth is also being addressed. Undrafted free agent Mark Gronowski is being evaluated for the QB3 developmental role. On the offensive side, Patrick Paul, the team’s starting left tackle, carries significant expectations as a likely breakout candidate for the 2026 season.
In the defensive backfield, Major Burns is transitioning from the UFL to compete for a key role with the Dolphins.
The wide receiver room presents a complex picture following the departures of Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill. The current roster features free agent additions Jalen Tolbert and Tutu Atwell, draft picks Caleb Douglas and Chris Bell (though Bell is expected to miss significant time), and Kevin Coleman Jr. Holdovers include Malik Washington and Tahj Washington, alongside reserve/future signings Terrace Marshall Jr. and Jalen Reagor. With the team likely to carry between five and seven receivers, the competition for spots is fierce. Fans are debating who will emerge as Malik Willis’s primary target this season.
At running back, De’Von Achane remains the cornerstone after signing an extension. Behind him, second-year player Ollie Gordon II is expected to continue his role as the power complement to Achane’s speed. Gordon made his mark last season in short-yardage situations, providing physicality to the run game. Despite a lower yards-per-carry average, he demonstrated effectiveness in gaining first downs. While Achane is the clear starter, Gordon is positioned as the primary backup, with Jaylen Wright also in contention to fill in should Achane miss time.
Editorial Desk
STANDINGS
Where they stand.
#
Team
W
L
T
PCT
PF
PA
DIFF
—
New EnglandNew England Patriots
0
0
0
.625
0
0
0
—
MiamiMiami Dolphins
0
0
0
.625
0
0
0
—
New YorkNew York Jets
0
0
0
.625
0
0
0
—
BuffaloBuffalo Bills
0
0
0
.625
0
0
0
#
Team
W
L
T
PCT
PF
PA
DIFF
—
New EnglandNew England Patriots
0
0
0
.625
0
0
0
—
MiamiMiami Dolphins
0
0
0
.625
0
0
0
—
New YorkNew York Jets
0
0
0
.625
0
0
0
—
BuffaloBuffalo Bills
0
0
0
.625
0
0
0
—
PittsburghPittsburgh Steelers
0
0
0
.625
0
0
0
—
BaltimoreBaltimore Ravens
0
0
0
.625
0
0
0
—
ClevelandCleveland Browns
0
0
0
.625
0
0
0
—
CincinnatiCincinnati Bengals
0
0
0
.625
0
0
0
—
IndianapolisIndianapolis Colts
0
0
0
.625
0
0
0
—
TennesseeTennessee Titans
0
0
0
.625
0
0
0
—
HoustonHouston Texans
0
0
0
.625
0
0
0
—
JacksonvilleJacksonville Jaguars
0
0
0
.625
0
0
0
—
Kansas CityKansas City Chiefs
0
0
0
.625
0
0
0
—
Los AngelesLos Angeles Chargers
0
0
0
.625
0
0
0
—
DenverDenver Broncos
0
0
0
.625
0
0
0
—
Las VegasLas Vegas Raiders
0
0
0
.625
0
0
0
DAILY DIGEST · RECENT EDITIONS
Catch up.
Thu, Jul 9Phins Forge New Identity: Willis Era Begins Amidst Fan Debate, Gronowski & Burns Eyeing Roles+
The Miami Dolphins are focusing on building their offense around the dual-threat abilities of new quarterback Malik Willis, with fans urging a run-heavy, option-based scheme. Meanwhile, offensive tackle Patrick Paul is highlighted as a breakout candidate, and undrafted quarterback Mark Gronowski and UFL standout safety Major Burns are vying for roster spots, signaling a team in rebuilding mode.
Tue, Jul 7Dolphins Notables: Robinson Highlighted, World Cup Interruption+
Chop Robinson received recognition as a key building block for the Dolphins, with coach Jeff Hafley emphasizing expectations for his performance. Meanwhile, team content was temporarily overshadowed by a live thread for the United States' World Cup match against Belgium.
Mon, Jul 6Phillips Poised for Leap; Willis's Ground Game Eyed; Dulcich Drawing Early Buzz+
Jordan Phillips is slated for a key role on the defensive line, while tight end Greg Dulcich is drawing significant praise and fan expectations as a potential top target for quarterback Malik Willis. Willis's running ability is also a major focus for the Dolphins' offensive strategy in 2026.