By
INSIDE MIAMI DOLPHINS TRAINING CAMP
The Miami Dolphins' latest training camp session offered a revealing
glimpse into both the team's promising young talent and the glaring
weaknesses that could define their season. With less than two weeks
until preseason kickoff, several positional groups are showing clear
trajectories, both good and concerning.
Wide Receiver Room Brings Speed and Separation, Lacks Size
The Dolphins' wide receiver unit continues to showcase a deep pool of
athleticism and route-running prowess. Jaylen Waddle stood out once
again, carving up the defense in best-on-best 11-on-11 drills and
finding consistent open space. His chemistry with quarterback Tua
Tagovailoa is evident, with Tua displaying supreme confidence targeting
Waddle in tight windows.
However, despite the strong separation ability, the lack of size in the
receiver corps remains a limitation. Miami still lacks a true “go up and
get it” option, something that could hinder red zone efficiency and
contested catch scenarios. The speed is there, but the physical mismatch
element is missing.
Offensive Line Continues to Falter
If there’s one headline from today’s practice, it’s that the Dolphins’
offensive line is still the team’s biggest liability. The struggles that
plagued them last season remain unresolved, especially on the interior,
where the line was consistently dominated in run-blocking drills on
outside runs. In pass protection, only left tackle Patrick Paul (#52)
stood out, showing the strength and technique to anchor his side against
Miami's pass rush. The rest of the unit, however, was repeatedly
exposed, both in individual drills and full-team sessions.
My only thought whilst watching was, "The Dolphins will only go as far
as this O-line improves." That sentiment feels less like an opinion and
more like a fact after today's showing.
Quinn Ewers Impresses Again
While the offensive line drew criticism, rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers
continued to turn heads. The 7th-round pick, once a highly touted high
school recruit, displayed maturity and poise well beyond his draft
position.
Ewers made arguably the throw of the day, rolling out off play-action
and hitting tight end Tanner Conner (#80) on a backside post, threading
the ball perfectly over coverage. His confidence, progression reading,
and accuracy are quickly making him a fan favorite and a name to watch
in Miami’s QB room.
Defensive Highlights and Personnel Notes
In team drills, corners Storm Duck and Kendall Sheffield earned
first-team reps, giving coaches a closer look at their ability to handle
top competition. Linebacker Willie Gay Jr. made one of the top
defensive plays of the day, intercepting a well-placed Zach Wilson pass
that bounced off the receiver’s hands.
Speaking of Wilson, his day was a mixed bag. While he made some sharp
throws and moved the offense efficiently at times, the costly
interception and inconsistency remain concerns.
On a more concerning note, edge rusher Jaelan Phillips took extensive
reps at the Will linebacker position, where he was frequently exposed in
pass coverage. More troubling was his early exit from practice.
Phillips went down clutching his knee and was immediately attended to by
team physicians. He left the field 30 minutes before practice ended.
Given his already lengthy injury history, this is a development worth
monitoring closely.
Running Game Shows Promise On the Outside
The Dolphins' ground game saw mixed results. The interior run game was
completely bottled up, once again due to the line's struggles. However,
outside runs provided a bright spot. Backs were consistently able to get
5+ yards before first contact, hinting at the effectiveness of Miami’s
stretch zone concepts and the athleticism of their backs in space.
Two-Minute Drill Ends on a High Note
One of the most encouraging moments of the day came in a simulated
two-minute drill. With 1:15 on the clock and 75 yards to go, the
Dolphins’ first-team offense executed a near-perfect drive, capping it
off with a touchdown. Tua was sharp, decisive, and calm under pressure,
and the receivers stepped up to make key plays when it mattered most.
Final Takeaway: A Team with Potential, But a Clear Limitation
If today’s practice is any indication, the Miami Dolphins are a team
with exciting upside, highlighted by explosive playmakers, a veteran
quarterback who knows how to run the offense in Tua Tagoviloa, and
flashes of defensive intensity. But the offensive line remains the
elephant in the room.
Unless major strides are made in the trenches, this team’s ceiling will
be capped. With Jaelan Phillips’ health now also a concern, the pressure
on Miami's coaching staff and front office to shore up both protection
and defensive depth is mounting.
The countdown to preseason has begun and so has the urgency.
Insightful!
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