The Dolphins will enter training camp (rookies will report on July 21, with veterans coming in July 28) with significant questions on both sides of the ball after first-year general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and coach Jeff Hafley overhauled the roster.
After trading receiver Jaylen Waddle and releasing core veterans like Tua Tagovailoa and Tyreek Hill, the Dolphins acquired several inexperienced players in key positions.
Before the pads come on, here are the biggest Dolphins roster concerns.
Wide receiver after Waddle trade
Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images
After years of Waddle and Hill, the Dolphins receiver group is arguably the No. 1 worry coming into training camp. They do not have a bona fide No. 1 receiver on the roster and will rely on youth to help new quarterback Malik Willis push the ball downfield.
Malik Washington, who has been used as a returner during his first two seasons in the league, could have a bigger role in 2026. In a secondary role last season, he registered 46 catches for 317 yards and three touchdowns.
Tutu Atwell and Jalen Tolbert will also need to be key contributors for a Dolphins offense that finished 26th in the league with Waddle and Hill last year.
The X-Factor could be rookie Chris Bell. Miami selected him 94th overall out of Louisville and he has the potential to be a top wideout. But he’s still recovering from a torn ACL he suffered last November and could miss the start of training camp.
If none of the receivers stand out during training camp, Sullivan may have to look for veteran help after final cuts are made in August, before the start of the regular season.
Cornerback
Just like Miami’s receiver room, its cornerback room faces similar questions and concerns. The team selected Chris Johnson 27th overall in April’s draft to address the need.
Johnson is an excellent run defender who also excels in zone and man coverage. He also has decent size (6-0) and athleticism, making him a potential NFL star.
But following Johnson, the Dolphins have third-year players Storm Duck and Jason Marshall Jr., whom they hope to continue developing. But in a division with Garrett Wilson with the Jets, now A.J. Brown with the Patriots, and D.J. Moore with the Bills, it is vital the Dolphins find answers in their secondary with all their inexperience.
Offensive line
The Dolphins selected Alabama’s Kadyn Proctor at 12th overall in this year’s draft and they are planning to start him at left guard. But the biggest questions come on the right side of the line with right tackle Austin Jackson and Jonah Savaiinaea, who is expected to start at right guard.
Jackson has durability concerns after playing in just 14 games during the past two seasons. Savaiinaea was rated the worst guard in the league last year by Pro Football Focus after playing at left guard.
Right guard is the position Savaiinaea played in college at Arizona, so that could help him. But he needs to improve his play after allowing eight sacks and committing five penalties over 982 snaps in 2025.
