Dolphins defense pulls down three interceptions during OTA work
The Miami Dolphins are clearly in the early stages of installing the passing game, and it showed during the second OTA practice, which was highlighted by the secondary pulling down three interceptions.
And some of the individuals who pulled down the turnovers might provide a few clues about the makeup of the new-look secondary, which is being restocked because Miami traded Minkah Fitzpatrick and opted to not re-sign any of last year’s starting cornerbacks and safeties.
There seems to be a leader in the clubhouse when it comes to the two vacant safety roles created by the banishment.
Dante Trader Jr. handled a significant amount of the safety snaps, and in the process he pulled down an interception on a pass thrown to Jalen Tolbert by Malik Willis, the free agent addition expected to serve as Miami’s starting quarterback this season.
Kyle Louis, a former University of Pittsburgh standout the Dolphins selected in the fourth round, stepped in front of a pass thrown by rookie quarterback Mark Gronowski and returned it for a pick-six.
A handful of Miami’s defenders ran up to Louis to celebrate the impactful interception.
On the very next throw veteran cornerback A.J .Green, who joined the Dolphins late last season, batted a ball intended for Tahj Washington in the air and pulled down the interception.
Washington seemingly injured himself on the play and walked inside the facility before practice concluded.
The Dolphins mainly worked 7-on-7 snaps when the offense went against the defense during Tuesday’s OTA session, which was the second of the week, and the first practice made available to the media.
Tuesday’s practice didn’t feature tailback De’Von Achane, who was in attendance, but the team’s leading rusher and receiver was working with team trainers.
How much Achane had participated in Miami’s offseason program is unclear, but coach Jeff Hafley said he’s been around the facility before signing his four-year, $64 million contract extension last week.
Last week Miami’s offensive coaches had vaguely said Achane, who missed the season finale because of a shoulder injury, was nursing an injury. However, it’s unclear the nature or seriousness of the injury.
Jaylen Wright and Ollie Gordon II handled most of Miami’s tailback workload while Achane was held out. But keep in mind, rushing attempts rarely happen during OTA sessions because players aren’t wearing pads during this portion of the offseason program.
Also having his participation limited was Austin Jackson, the Dolphins’ starting right tackle, whose injury hasn’t been clarified. Jackson spent most of last season nursing a toe injury, but finished the year on the field.
Also held out of Tuesday’s session was rookie receiver Chris Bell, the Dolphins’ 2026 third-round pick, who is nursing a left knee injury that ended his collegiate season in late November of 2025. Bell was working on the side with team trainers, as was defensive end Robert Beal Jr. a fourth-year veteran added this offseason.
Here are a few of Tuesday’s practice highlights, and a few lowlights.....
Cornerback Marco Wilson forced tight end Jaylin Conyers to fumble at the end of a catch during 7-on-7, pulling the ball out.....
Theo Wease Jr. made a nice downfield catch from quarterback Quinn Ewers, who was hot and cold all day.....
Cornerback Alex Austin, a fourth-year veteran signed this offseason, had an impressive pass breakup on a throw to rookie receiver Donaven McCulley. JuJu Brents also had a decent pass breakup during Tuesday’s session.
Conyers, former Texas Tech standout who signed as an undrafted rookie last season, but suffered a foot injury in training camp last year, made a number of impressive catches during Tuesday’s session.
Most of Willis’ chunk plays came from passes thrown over the middle, which hints that he favors the tight end, which is usually the position an inexperienced quarterback favors.
It was very clear that the offense is in the infant stages of the installation.
Before suffering an unknown injury, Tahj Washington got open downfield, beating rookie cornerback Chris Johnson, the team’s 2026 first-round pick, on a 9-route from Cam Miller. But the third year receiver dropped the wide open pass, which would have resulted in a touchdown......
The Dolphins will hold two joint practice sessions during the summer. The first will be against the Washington Commanders days before the Aug. 14 road exhibition game, and then Miami will hold joint practices against the New York Giants in Miami Gardens the week before the Aug. 22 preseason game.
This story was originally published May 19, 2026 at 1:43 PM with the headline "Dolphins defense pulls down three interceptions during OTA work."
