Kelly: Breakdown of the Miami Dolphins offense post draft depth chart
The Miami Dolphins have reshuffled the deck on offense.
Tua Tagovailoa and Tyreek Hill were released in the offseason. Jaylen Waddle was traded away for draft picks. Tight end Darren Waller wasn’t re-signed, and head coach and offensive playcaller Mike McDaniel got fired.
Miami’s starting over with Jeff Hafley as the Dolphins’ new head coach, Bobby Slowik as his offensive playcaller, and Malik Willis expected to become the franchise’s next starting quarterback.
How far can an offense led by De’Von Achane, and a weaponry arsenal filled with newcomers, unproven veterans and rookies take this franchise?
Here is a look at Miami’s offensive roster after the NFL draft, discussing the potential roles of the newcomers added recently.
QUARTERBACKS (4)
▪ On the roster: Malik Willis, Quinn Ewers, Cam Miller, Mark Gronowski (R)
▪ Analysis: Willis has two seasons to prove he’s worth $45 million, which is the guaranteed money the Dolphins invested in him this offseason, signing the career backup to become Miami’s next starting quarterback. In Willis limited playing experience the past two seasons the 26-year-old showcased himself as a dual threat starter capable of leading his team to NFL wins. But that was with a talent laden squad, which he doesn’t have in Miami. Ewers, who produced an 85.5 passer rating in his limited playing time as a rookie last year, will be given a chance to compete, but the deck is clearly stacked against him. Miller, a 2025 sixth-round pick, and Gronowski, an undrafted rookie, have history with each other because they battled for FCS national championships from 2021-2024, winning a pair each.
RUNNING BACKS (6)
▪ On the roster: De’Von Achane, Jaylen Wright, Ollie Gordon II, Donovan Edwards, Le’Veon Moss (R), Anthony Hankerson (R)
▪ Analysis: Achane earned his first Pro Bowl berth this season by producing 1,756 total yards and scoring 12 touchdowns on 220 carries, and 64 receptions. He’s seeking the payday that comes with the level of production he’s had the past three seasons, and likely won’t settle for a dollar less than $32 million in guaranteed money. However, the Dolphins could have him locked up contractually for the next two seasons at $20 million total if they use the franchise tag on the tailback next offseason. The negotiations taking place this summer will be the most watched story of the Dolphins offseason, and might lead to Achane’s hold-out or hold-in. If that’s the case Wright, Gordon will get a chance to showcase themselves to Miami’s new coaches. Everyone else is realistically battling for a practice squad role.
RECEIVERS (11)
▪ On the roster: Malik Washington, Tutu Atwell, Jalen Tolbert, Caleb Douglas (R), Kevin Coleman Jr. (R), Chris Bell (R - injured), Terrance Marshall Jr., Tahj Washington, Theo Wease Jr., A.J. Henning, Donaven McCulley
▪ Analysis: The Dolphins traded Waddle to Denver before the draft, leaving Atwell, who has caught 105 passes for 1,535 yards and scored five touchdowns in his five previous seasons, as the most experienced and seasoned receiver on the roster. Tolbert, who is entering his fifth season, isn’t far behind Atwell considering he has 91 career receptions, which he’s turned into 1,093 yards and 10 touchdowns. All three of Miami’s draftees - Douglas, Bell and Coleman - should be viewed as locks to make the 53-man roster. But Bell will likely begin the season on the PUP because of the left knee injury he’s four and a half months into rehabbing. That leaves Malik Washington, Tahj Washington and Theo Wease Jr. on the outside looking in unless injuries play a factor in the 53-man roster’s composition, or they outshine Atwell, Tolbert or the rookies. At this point it’s anybody’s guess which of these young, unproven receivers steps forward and earns playing time, and a prominent role.
TIGHT ENDS/FULLBACKS (6)
▪ On the roster: Greg Dulcich, Will Kacmarek (R), Seydou Traore (R), Ben Sims, Jaylen Conyers, Cole Turner, Zack Kuntz.
▪ Analysis: The Dolphins tight ends were one of the strongest units on the team in 2025. When healthy Waller was a difference maker, and Dulcich blossomed late last season, contributing 26 receptions for 335 yards and one touchdown in the 10 games he played for the Dolphins. Miami’s hoping Dulcich stays healthy and takes the next step forward. Waller, who remains a free agent, likely won’t return because of his advanced age, and struggles with injuries last season. Dulcich will likely be placed in the seam threat role while Kacmarek, the Dolphins’ third-round pick, replaces Julian Hill, who signed with the New England Patriots as a free agent, as Miami’s in-line blocking tight end. Traore’s limited football experience as an International player makes him a massive project, but if the fifth-round pick can contribute on special teams he’ll likely supersede Sims, Conyers, Turner and Kuntz for the final tight end roster spot.
OFFENSIVE LINEMEN (15)
▪ On the roster: LT Patrick Paul, LG Kadyn Proctor (R), C Aaron Brewer, RG Jonah Savaiinaea, RT Austin Jackson. OT/OG Jamaree Salyer, OG D.J. Campbell (R), OT/OG Kion Smith, C Andrew Meyer, OT Charlie Heck, OG Josh Priebe, OG Braeden Daniels, OT Carter Warren, Kevin Cline (R), Jim Bonifas (R)
▪ Analysis: The Dolphins offensive line struggled early last season, especially after losing Jackson and James Daniels to serious injuries in the season opener. However, the unit pulled it together in the second-half of the season and then became the strength of Miami’s offense, paving the way for Achane to become one of the NFL’s top rushers. Paul is blossoming into one of the NFL’s elite left tackles, and if he repeats his 2025 season he’ll be able to command a $100-plus million contract moving forward. Brewer had his best season at center in 2025, and is seeking a raise from his $7 million salary in 2026. And Miami seemingly took Proctor in the first round to play him at left guard for his rookie season. That means Savaiinaea, who struggled massively as a rookie starter, will compete for a starting role at right guard with Salyer, who started 40 games for the Chargers the past four seasons, and Campbell, the Dolphins’ 2026 sixth-round pick, who played that spot at Texas. Jackson took a massive pay cut to stay with the Dolphins, and will be given every opportunity to prove he’s part of this franchise’s future if he isn’t traded before the season begins.
