Dolphins 53-man roster prediction for 2026 features Malik Willis, De'Von Achane and crucial final decisions across offense and defense.
- Coach Jeff Hafley in the middle - Malik Willis, De'Von Achane, Malik Washington, Jordyn Brooks all around him - Explosions in the background
- Coach Jeff Hafley in the middle - Malik Willis, De'Von Achane, Malik Washington, Jordyn Brooks all around him - Explosions in the background
The Miami Dolphins are entering the final stretch of the 2026 preseason with more questions than answers. That may be exactly what new head coach Jeff Hafley needs. After two ugly exhibition losses, Miami's new regime has been forced to evaluate every corner of its roster. What matters now is which players have demonstrated enough physicality, consistency and schematic discipline to survive the final cutdown. With one exhibition remaining against Atlanta, the Dolphins face a fascinating roster puzzle in which several positions appear settled while others could come down to the final handful of reps.
Miami's growing pains
Miami Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis (2) throws the football during practice at Hard Rock Stadium.
Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
The Dolphins' 2026 preseason has prioritized scheme installation, physical trench identity, and deep roster evaluation. Miami opened with a 20-7 road loss against Washington before suffering a 26-3 defeat at Hard Rock Stadium against the New York Giants. Those results have highlighted the growing pains of a systemic rebuild. Individual performances, though, have offered encouraging glimpses. Malik Willis has received limited opportunities with the starting unit. Miami has given extended looks at Quinn Ewers and Cam Miller, which have exposed the need for greater consistency. Defensively, aggressive play along the front seven and timely situational stops have shown promise. Still, turnovers and breakdowns from depth units have repeatedly stalled momentum. One final tune-up against Atlanta now stands between Miami and the 53-man roster deadline.
Offensive Playmakers
Quarterbacks (2): Malik Willis, Quinn Ewers
Willis enters the season as the starter offering the mobility necessary to operate Slowik's play-action-oriented system. His ability to threaten defenses with his legs can create opportunities for Miami's rushing attack and simplify certain throwing windows. Ewers provides a different profile as the primary backup. He gives the Dolphins another option if the offense needs a more traditional pocket distributor.
Running Back (3): De'Von Achane, Jaylen Wright, Ollie Gordon II
Achane is the obvious main back here because few others can match his combination of acceleration and explosiveness. Slowik's offense should create opportunities for him in space. Wright provides complementary speed, while Gordon offers a more physical presence between the tackles.
Wide Receiver (6): Malik Washington, Jalen Tolbert, Caleb Douglas, Chris Bell, Kevin Coleman Jr, Jalen Reagor
Washington projects as a primary target. Tolbert offers experience and outside versatility. Douglas gives the group another receiving option capable of handling meaningful snaps. Bell and Coleman add competition and developmental upside. Reagor's experience and return ability strengthen his case for the final spot.
Tight End (4): Greg Dulcich, Will Kacmarek, Ben Sims, DJ Herman
Dulcich offers the most obvious receiving upside. Kacmarek and Sims provide additional versatility. Herman's H-back/fullback capabilities are particularly useful in an offense that wants to manipulate defensive personnel. The decision to keep four players at the position reflects the importance of flexible formations.
Offensive Line
Offensive Line (9); Patrick Paul, Austin Jackson, Charlie Heck, Caedan Wallace, Kadyn Proctor, Jonah Savaiinaea, Josh Priebe, Aaron Brewer, Andrew Meyer
Brewer provides the central piece at center. Paul and Jackson give the Dolphins established tackle options. Heck and Wallace add depth at tackle. Proctor, Savaiinaea, and Priebe will compete for interior responsibilities. Meyer provides additional center depth. That's an important consideration given how quickly offensive-line injuries can derail a season.
Defense
Interior Defensive Line (5): Zach Sieler, Kenneth Grant, Jordan Phillips, Zeek Biggers, Matthew Butler
Sieler provides veteran stability. Grant gives Miami an imposing presence in the middle. Phillips brings experience and rotational strength. Biggers and Butler will supply additional depth.
EDGE (5): Chop Robinson, Josh Uche, Clelin Ferrell, Robert Beal Jr, Max Llewellyn
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Robinson provides the explosive pass-rushing element Miami needs. Uche offers another speed threat. Ferrell's experience and Beal's rotational ability help round out the group. Several injured players, including Trey Moore, David Ojabo and Cameron Goode, could complicate the final decisions depending on their roster designations.
Linebacker (6): Jordyn Brooks, Tyrel Dodson, Jacob Rodriguez, Ronnie Harrison Jr, Kyle Louis, Jackson Woodard
Brooks and Dodson are projected to handle the starting workload. Rodriguez and Harrison offer valuable depth. Louis and Woodard could earn their places through special-teams contributions as much as defensive snaps.
Cornerback (6): JuJu Brents, Chris Johnson, Jason Marshall Jr, Ethan Bonner, Alex Austin, AJ Green III
The group lacks the established star power of some AFC competitors. That places enormous importance on communication and consistency. Brents and Johnson could see significant responsibility. Marshall provides additional boundary depth. Austin, Bonner and Green must prove they can contribute on special teams and survive matchup-specific defensive assignments.
Safety (4): Dante Trader Jr, Michael Taaffe, Zayne Anderson, Lonnie Johnson Jr
Trader and Taaffe project as the core options, with Anderson and Johnson supplying experience and versatility. The limited number of safeties means Miami will need contributions from its corners and linebackers in hybrid packages. That could become a defining characteristic of Hafley's defense.
Special Teams
Kicker: Riley Patterson
PunterL: Bradley Pinion
Long Snapper: Tucker Addington
Patterson handles kicking duties, while Pinion provides veteran punting experience. Addington anchors the long-snapping operation. With so much uncertainty elsewhere, dependable special teams could become particularly valuable for a team attempting to establish a new identity.
Miami's rebuild
This projected roster is all about building a sustainable foundation. The Dolphins have emphasized versatility, athleticism, and schematic adaptability. However, the preseason has also exposed just how much work remains.
The final preseason game against Atlanta could therefore carry significant consequences for the players on the bubble. One strong performance can change the roster math; one poor showing can end a player's chances.
Enzo Flojo is an Editorial Specialist at ClutchPoints and a Media, Comms, & Editlorial Lead for 3x3 basketball at FIBA. He brings a dynamic spirit and background, having expertise that spans writing, analytics, coaching, and broadcasting. He also served as a gold-medal-winning Assistant Coach on Scouting & Analytics for the Philippine national youth basketball team.