The Miami Dolphins are relying heavily on rookies in 2026, and six of them need to make an immediate impact. Caleb Douglas, Chris Bell, Kadyn Proctor, Will Kacmarek, Jacob Rodriguez and Chris Johnson could all play important roles beginning with Week 1 against the Las Vegas Raiders. Wes Goldberg breaks down why Miami needs Douglas or Bell to emerge as a weapon for Malik Willis, how Proctor and Kacmarek could help establish the Dolphins’ run-first identity, and why Rodriguez and Johnson have enormous responsibilities on Jeff Hafley’s defense. Miami wants to draft and develop—but these rookies won’t have much time to develop before they’re needed.
The Miami Dolphins are relying heavily on rookies in 2026, and six of them need to make an immediate impact. Caleb Douglas, Chris Bell, Kadyn Proctor, Will Kacmarek, Jacob Rodriguez and Chris Johnson could all play important roles beginning with Week 1 against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Wes Goldberg breaks down why Miami needs Douglas or Bell to emerge as a weapon for Malik Willis, how Proctor and Kacmarek could help establish the Dolphins’ run-first identity, and why Rodriguez and Johnson have enormous responsibilities on Jeff Hafley’s defense. Miami wants to draft and develop—but these rookies won’t have much time to develop before they’re needed.