Kelly: Take a look at Dolphins’ best training camp battles of 2026 | Opinion
Jeff Hafley talks a good game about creating a competitive environment, but we will discover if the Miami Dolphins’ new coaches words match his actions in the coming weeks.
The Dolphins are in the midst of a complete franchise reset, a rebuild that featured a number of veteran starters being released, traded or not retained in free agency, and that means more than a dozen of the team’s 22 starting spots on offense and defense are up for grabs when training camp opens at the end of this month.
While some positions — quarterback, tight end, linebacker and tailback — have clear-cut front-runners, there are other units — receiver, edge rusher, cornerback and safety — that are wide open, and it’s anyone’s guess who will begin the regular season as Miami’s starter at that position.
Here’s a look at the 10 best training camp battles expected to take place if health isn’t a factor.
Quarterback: Malik Willis vs. Quinn Ewers
The Dolphins clearly favor Willis, whom the franchise guaranteed $45 million to during the next two seasons, hoping that the Packers’ former backup is ready to become an NFL starter in 2026. However, Willis has only made three more NFL starters than Ewers, who has made significant strides since his rookie season based on the offseason practices. Willis has an experience and athleticism edge, and will likely open up an element of the offense Miami has rarely had because of his scrambling skills. But Ewers’ quick processing and knack for making bold throws could create an opening for the second-year quarterback if Willis struggles in the exhibition season.
Right guard: Jonah Savaiinaea vs. DJ Campbell
Savaiinaea was a disaster last season, which led to the 2025 second-round pick being rated as one of the NFL’s worst starting guards as a rookie. The Dolphins hope his move from left guard to right guard will help the former Arizona standout settle in better. But his fundamentals and technique need to improve to achieve that. Campbell was a four-year starter at Texas before the Dolphins drafted him in the sixth round this spring. He will likely spend training camp and the preseason cross-training, learning to play both guard spots. But if Savaiinaea struggles don’t be surprised if Campbell replaces him at right guard, the position he played throughout his college career.
Middle linebacker: Tyrel Dodson vs. Jacob Rodriguez
Dodson’s experience and expertise as Miami’s green-dot player gives him the inside track to retain the starting spot next to Jordyn Brooks, whom he’s played next to for a season and a half. But the 28-year-old is entering the final year of his deal, and Rodriguez, the Dolphins’ 2026 second-round pick, represents where the franchise is heading. The rookie is an instinctive playmaker who has a knack for creating turnovers. An injury to Dodson could create an opening that encourages the coaches to gift the position to the rookie.
Flanker: Malik Washington vs. Tutu Atwell
Washington has spent the past two seasons serving as Miami’s slot receiver, but his productivity as a return specialist outshines his play as a receiver. He has caught 72 passes the previous two seasons and averages 7.5 yards per reception. However, Washington’s the most knowledgeable receiver in the unit, which gives him a leg up on the competition when it comes to learning the offense. Atwell has speed and experience, but the South Florida native has only started 27 games in his five seasons, and he’s not a polished slot receiver. That limits his position flexibility, which might make his roster spot difficult to hold onto if four other receivers outshine him.
Strong-side linebacker: Willie Gay Jr. vs. Trey Moore
Gay has started 57 games through his seven NFL seasons, but didn’t start, or contribute much on defense last season, despite impressing during training camp. There’s clearly something about Gay that doesn’t evoke confidence from his coaches. Moore, the Dolphins’ 2026 fourth-round pick, served as Texas’ strong-side linebacker last season and seemingly possesses the versatile skill set and size (6-foot-2, 243 pounds) needed to excel at the outside linebacker position, which often gets subbed out when teams go to their nickel and dime package.
Defensive tackle: Kenneth Grant vs. Jordan Phillips
Grant and Phillips shared playing time and starts on Miami’s defensive front last season, playing alongside Zach Sieler. Grant, the Dolphins’ 2025 first-round pick, played 554 snaps in 17 games, and Phillips, Miami’s 2025 fourth-round pick, handled 465 snaps in 17 games, of which he started 16. Both experienced growing pains playing as rookies, and the Dolphins are hopeful that the investment made last season will speed up their development in 2026. That will be judged based on the defense’s yards per carry average.
Safety: Zayne Anderson vs. Lonnie Johnson
Both Anderson and Johnson have carved out respectable careers for themselves as special teams contributors throughout their NFL tenures. But one of them will likely get a chance to begin the 2026 season as the starter paired with Dante Trader Jr. unless they get beaten out by a rookie safety, which is possible. Anderson likely has the edge on Johnson because he has familiarity with Hafley’s defense from their time together in Green Bay. But Johnson is the superior athlete. He will need to showcase his ability early in training camp to lock down the starting spot.
Boundary cornerback: Jason Marshall Jr. vs. Ethan Bonner
If Bonner hadn’t sustained an ankle injury in the exhibition season last year he would have opened the season as Miami’s starting cornerback on the boundary. Hard to tell if he would have held onto the job, but the Dolphins former practice squad member had a solid camp before the injury. Marshall began 2025 as Miami’s starting nickel cornerback, but struggled before suffering an injury that cost him half the season. Both cornerbacks have decent size and good speed, which will make them ideal for the starting spot opposite Juju Brents, who is talented, but injury prone. Chris Johnson, the Dolphins’ 2026 first round pick, will also work on the boundary, but is expected to handle the nickel cornerback role.
In-line tight end: Ben Sims vs. Will Kacmarek
Sims has started eight of the 48 games he’s played the past three seasons, playing 497 offensive snaps. The Dolphins are searching for a tight end who complements Greg Dulcich, which means they will need to handle most of the in-line, blocking work. Miami specifically targeted Kacmarek, selecting the Ohio State product in the third round of the 2026 Draft for that very reason. But the rookie will need to prove he’s ready and capable of contributing right away as a run blocker and pass protector.
Backup tailback: Jaylen Wright vs Ollie Gordon II
Wright, a 2024 fourth-round pick, has an experience and speed edge over Gordon. He averaged 4.1 yards per carry on his 70 attempts in 2025 and scored two touchdowns. But Gordon’s size and blocking skills compliments De’Von Achane well. Gordon, who was taken in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, served as Miami’s short yardage back last season, which explains why is 2.8 yards per carry average from last season is rather disappointing. This battle will likely come down to who is more productive during the exhibition season.
