The Miami Dolphins made a league-high 13 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft and are hoping those rookies will jump-start a roster rebuild that can turn a floundering franchise back into a consistent winner. The draft picks, along with undrafted free-agent signings and a heavy reliance on younger veterans, have positioned Miami as the league’s youngest team. It should not come as a surprise that the young roster will include several rookie starters this year.
The Dolphins’ opening depth chart for the regular season included two rookies among the three starting wide receivers listed. Rookie receivers Caleb Douglas and Chris Bell, both third-round picks, are expected to be on the field for Miami’s opening snap, along with Dolphins 2024 sixth-round pick Malik Washington. Miami Herald reporter Barry Jackson pointed out that head coach Jeff Hafley was asked about Douglas and Bell being listed as starters.
“We believe those guys deserve to start and we are going to start them,” Hafley said, according to Jackson. Jackson added that “Hafley said ‘we are going to play a lot of rookies on Sunday’ and he wants them to play fast and free.”
You can check out the rest of that story here, and the rest of the day’s round-up below.
Dolphins’ Hafley clarifies personnel decisions at wide receiver and safety, more - Barry Jackson, Miami Herald
Rookie third-round picks Caleb Douglas and Chris Bell will open the season as Dolphins starting receivers (at least in three-receiver sets), coach Jeff Hafley said Wednesday.
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Dolphins vs. Raiders preview
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Dolphins’ Patrick Paul has a game plan for Raiders’ ‘hothead’ Maxx Crosby - Chris Perkins, South Florida Sun Sentinel
Maxx Crosby, the Las Vegas Raiders five-time All Pro and six-time Pro Bowl edge rusher, could single-handedly wreck the Miami Dolphins’ offense in Sunday’s season opener. He’s that good. Last season he had 10.0 sacks, and Pro Football Focus ranked him No. 11 among 115 edge rushers against the run.
Dolphins’ Chris Bell to play opener with no limitations; Raiders to be without TE Bowers - David Furones, South Florida Sun Sentinel
Miami Dolphins rookie wide receiver Chris Bell won’t be limited in the team’s season opener at the Las Vegas Raiders, according to coach Jeff Hafley ahead of the team’s Wednesday practice.
Five things to watch for in Dolphins at Raiders on Sunday - Chris Perkins, South Florida Sun Sentinel
Everything is new for the Miami Dolphins in Sunday’s season opener at the Las Vegas Raiders. It’s a new era, a new coach, a new quarterback and new hope for the future.
Three Key Areas Where the Dolphins Have an Advantage Over the Raiders in Week 1 - Tyler Carmona, Miami Dolphins on SI
The Miami Dolphins open their 2026 season against Las Vegas
Dolphins rookies
Why Dolphins Rookie Chris Bell Is Expected to Hit the Ground Running - Jake Gibson, Miami Dolphins on SI
There’s going to be no leash on one of Miami’s rookie wide receivers against Las Vegas
Why Jeff Hafley should keep it simple with these young Dolphins - Joe Schad, The Palm Beach Post
During the preseason, including joint practices, Miami Dolphins coach Jeff Hafley was open about keeping schemes simple.
Why Dolphins safety Kyle Louis is ‘happy’ about his official position switch - C. Isaiah Smalls II, Miami Herald
It’s official. The Miami Dolphins’ Kyle Louis has officially made the switch to safety. After weeks of practicing with the defensive backs, Louis now officially has a safety designation next to his name on the roster.
Malik Willis
Dolphins’ Malik Willis calm, cool before big opportunity of first start with Miami - David Furones, South Florida Sun Sentinel
Miami Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis is getting set to make his first start for his new team as the man the franchise has entrusted with the responsibilities behind center.
Dolphins QB Malik Willis keeps focus simple: ‘Go have some fun’ - Joe Schad, The Palm Beach Post
Miami Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis isn’t one to get overly stressed and it sure seems he’s not overly stressed headed into the season opener at the Las Vegas Raiders.
Chop Robinson
Robinson explains why he’s a ‘whole different player.’ And more Dolphins updates - Barry Jackson, Miami Herald
Among young veterans (second- and third- and fourth-year players), seven potential Dolphins starters will have the opportunity to answer questions (and there are legitimate ones) about whether they’re long-term NFL starters: guard Jonah Savaiinea, receiver Malik Washington, defensive tackle Jordan Phillips, edge player Chop Robinson, potentially safety Dante Trader Jr. (if he starts, as expected) and cornerbacks Jason Marshall Jr. and JuJu Brents (if they start, as expected, in three-cornerback sets).
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Raiders news - Week 1
Brock Bowers (knee) to miss at least Raiders’ opener - Ryan McFadden, ESPN
Las Vegas Raiders All-Pro tight end Brock Bowers underwent a meniscus trim Tuesday in Dallas and is expected to miss “a game or two,” league sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport on Wednesday.
Raiders-Dolphins: 5 things to watch - Bill Williamson, Silver and Black Pride
Keys to victory for Las Vegas in Week 1
Raiders injury news: Ashton Jeanty practices fully Wednesday - Bill Williamson, Silver and Black Pride
Starting running back is returning from ankle injury
Las Vegas Raiders Week 1: Scouting the Miami Dolphins offense - Philip Robinson, Silver and Black Pride
De’Von Achane is coming off a Pro Bowl season and is looking to start 2026 with a bang against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Kirk Cousins buys Las Vegas Raiders some, but not much, goodwill in NFL Power rankings heading into 2026 season - Matt Holder, Silver and Black Pride
Taking a look at where the Silver and Black stand against the rest of the league heading into Week 1
ICYMI - The Phinsider News and Update
Get the best of The Phinsider on the new SB Nation app - Kevin Nogle, The Phinsider
Keep up with the latest Dolphins news and coverage from The Phinsider: Download the SB Nation app today!
10 bold predictions for Dolphins 2026 season - Chris Early, The Phinsider
Don’t sleep on some optimism coming from the 2026 Miami Dolphins.
NFL picks and predictions 2026: Patriots vs. Seahawks Week 1 odds, winners - Kevin Nogle, The Phinsider
Our first picks for the 2026 NFL season are here as the Patriots face the Seahawks in a Super Bowl rematch.
Miami Dolphins 2026 fan confidence poll - Week 1 - Kevin Nogle, The Phinsider
How are you feeling about the Miami Dolphins as Week 1 of the 2026 season begins?
Brock Bowers to miss Week One against Miami Dolphins - Marek Brave, The Phinsider
Meniscus surgery takes Bowers out of action against Dolphins.
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