Archive · 10 Sep 2026
Young Dolphins Begin New Era With Rookie-Filled Roster
The Miami Dolphins are starting a new football season with many young players.
Several rookies will play their first regular-season NFL game on Sunday.
Chris Johnson, Kadyn Proctor and Jacob Rodriguez are expected to start.
Two rookie wide receivers, Chris Bell and Caleb Douglas, may also start.
Jeff Hafley will coach his first game as Miami’s head coach.
Malik Willis will be Miami’s first-time starting quarterback.
The team drafted 13 players, and all of them made the 53-man roster.
General manager Jon-Eric Sullivan says the Dolphins want to build their team around young players and develop them.
The Miami Dolphins will open their season Sunday against Las Vegas with numerous players making their NFL regular-season debuts.
Rookies Chris Johnson, Kadyn Proctor and Jacob Rodriguez are expected to start, along with receivers Chris Bell and Caleb Douglas.
First-year coach Jeff Hafley will make his head-coaching debut while guiding one of the NFL’s youngest teams.
Miami drafted 13 players in April, and all are on the team’s 53-man roster.
Malik Willis will make his first start for Miami after replacing Tua Tagovailoa as the team’s quarterback.
- Who
- The Miami Dolphins, first-year coach Jeff Hafley, general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan, and several rookie players.
- What
- Miami will begin its season with a rookie-heavy roster and Malik Willis as its first-time starting quarterback.
- When
- Sunday, during Miami’s season opener.
- Where
- The game is against Las Vegas; the Dolphins are based in Miami Gardens, Florida.
- Why
- The organization is rebuilding around young players, aiming to develop draft picks and maintain long-term salary-cap sustainability.
- Season opener
- Miami will play Las Vegas on Sunday.
- Head coach
- Jeff Hafley is entering his first game as Miami’s head coach.
- Draft class
- Miami drafted 13 players in April, and all are on the 53-man roster.
- Team age
- The Dolphins are described as the NFL’s youngest team.
- Expected rookie starters
- Chris Johnson, Kadyn Proctor, Jacob Rodriguez, Chris Bell and Caleb Douglas are expected to start.
- Quarterback
- Malik Willis will make his first start for Miami after the team parted ways with Tua Tagovailoa.