News, notes, observations from Dolphins practice. Who stood out, who did not
News, notes and observations from the Dolphins’ Tuesday practice session in rainy conditions:
▪ After throwing a couple of ducks in the previous practice session open to reporters, Zach Wilson threw an interception in Tuesday’s session but also had some very good moments.
Iffy Melifonwu, a front-runner to start at safety, made the pick on a Wilson pass intended for Tarik Black. In a real game, the play likely would have ended with a sack.
Second-year edge player Grayson Murphy had another would-be sack of Wilson. Later, Murphy had a free rush on Tua Tagovailoa, resulting in another sack.
On the bright side, Wilson showed good zip on a pass to rookie tight end Jalin Conyers and connected with Black on a sideline throw, which required a nice toe-tap from Black. He also hit Tanner Conner for a third down conversion. And later, he connected with Dee Eskridge for a 40-yard completion over cornerback Isaiah Johnson.
▪ Rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers, who we hear has had some good moments in the past two weeks, had a pass deflected that was intercepted by North Carolina State rookie linebacker Eugene Asante. Ewers developed good chemistry with rookie receiver A.J. Henning in 7-on-7 work.
▪ Former seventh-round pick Tahj Washington, who missed his rookie season with an injury, dropped a pass from Tagovailoa, a play that should have been a 20-yard reception.
▪ An end-around to Jaylen Waddle was eaten up by Tyrel Dodson, limiting the play to a short gain.
▪ Rookie running back Ollie Gordon III had an impressive cut back for a first-down run.
▪ The Dolphins have been rotating cornerbacks, trying to give a fair look to everyone. Kendall Sheffield, signed after a tryout in May, has looked promising.
▪ Some attendance notes, while reminding that participation this week is voluntary:
Tight end Jonnu Smith and defensive lineman Zach Sieler remained away from the team, which is often the norm for players seeking more money.
Neither Sieler nor his camp has confirmed that his absence is related to a desire for a better contract. He signed a three-year extension in August 2023, one that could pay him as much as $38.3 million and runs through 2026.
Smith wants a new deal, and the sides have had discussions. Both players are represented by Drew Rosenhaus.
Receiver Tyreek Hill continues to work his way back from wrist surgery. On Tuesday, he put on his wrist brace and started sprinting, with trainers overseeing it.
Bradley Chubb, who hasn’t played in a game in 17 months, worked with the starters and had a sack. Jaelan Phillips, working his way back from last September’s knee injury, didn’t do 11-on-11 work.
Cornerback Cam Smith was in attendance. Last Wednesday, Smith left practice holding his leg after being beaten badly by Waddle on a long pass from Tagovailoa. But Smith returned later in that practice session and seemed fine Tuesday.
▪ Tight end Conner had a nice catch on a slant route from Tagovailoa.
▪ Running back Jaylen Wright became immersed in a mild shoving match with safety Ashtyn Davis at the end of one play.
▪ Wright was helpless trying to pick up a blitzing Willie Gay Jr., who would have sacked Wilson in a real game.
But Wright rallied with a 10-yard run on a good block by No. 3 tackle Larry Borom and also had a 20-yard carry.
▪ Outside linebacker Chop Robinson wore the orange jersey given to the best player in the previous day’s practice session. Tagovailoa wore that orange jersey the previous day.
Robinson made another good play Tuesday, beating Western Michigan rookie Addison West and forcing a throw away.
▪ Running back Alexander Mattison dropped a five-yard out pattern.
▪ Rookie seventh round pick Zeek Biggers stuffed Gordon in the backfield for a loss. Biggers, fittingly, is the team’s biggest nose tackle; the Dolphins list him at 6-5 and 321 pounds. Benito Jones is the shortest at 6-1 and conservatively listed at 335 pounds.
Omar Kelly and Isaiah Smalls reported from Dolphins camp in Miami Gardens.
This story was originally published June 3, 2025 at 1:34 PM.
