Top 10 Miami Dolphins Players Going Into the 2026-27 Season
The Miami Dolphins have finally accepted reality and have gone through a massive fire sale this off-season. They have gotten rid of Mike McDaniel, Tua Tagovailoa, Jaylen Waddle, Tyreek Hill, etc. It became obvious they weren't going to win anything with that core, so they have to rebuild it from the ground up with a younger core under new head coach Jeff Hafley.
They brought in Malik Willis to lead the rebuilding process. While I'm glad he's getting another shot as a starter, I really don't like the supporting cast around him. Overall, it's going to be a rough year for Dolphins fans.
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De'Von Achane
De'Von Achane is one of the most electrifying and explosive players in the league right now. He's an effective and efficient playmaker, a true dual-threat player excellent in pass catching and rushing ability. He finished with 1,350 rushing yards (ranking 5th in the league) and 8 rushing touchdowns. He also led the league last season averaging 5.7 yards per carry.
Achane was named to the Pro Bowl last year. He was also the highest graded running back according to PFF with an 89.2 overall rating.
Simply put, he is the focal point of the Dolphins offense. They recently paid him handsomely with a 4-year contract extension this offseason, and for very good reason.
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Malik Willis
Malik Willis was once a Tennessee Titan, but he never really panned out as a starter. Luckily, he would redeem himself serving as the primary backup quarterback for the Packers, and he did pretty well in the limited game time he got. Now he gets another chance to be a starter.
While I'm happy for him getting this opportunity and I do think he's talented, I don't exactly love the fact he doesn't have a ton of talent around him. It feels like he's in a bad situation, even with Jeff Hafley who was also in Green Bay.
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Jordyn Brooks
Jordyn Brooks is one of the best defensive players the Dolphins have. He had an outstanding season in 2025 with 3.5 sacks and 99 tackles (183 total tackles), arguably his best season yet in the league. He was named First-Team All-Pro in 2025 as well. PFF had him as one of the higher ranked LBs in the league last season.
He's an elite run defender. He's a tackling machine and a true dynamic threat that I'm sure Jeff Hafley will be excited to work with on his roster.
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Tyrel Dodson
Dodson has had an interesting career. He started in Buffalo, then went to Seattle for a year, then was claimed off waivers by Miami in 2024, and he's been playing for the Dolphins ever since then.
He finally had a breakout season in 2025 as one of the best players on their defense with 129 tackles (72 solo tackles), 5 sacks, and 1 interception. He's not in the elite category, but he has the hustle and high football IQ to be a critical piece for the Dolphins defense.
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Kadyn Proctor
The Dolphins first-round draft pick from 2026, they selected him 12th overall. This guy has potential to be good, and the Dolphins need someone to protect Malik Willis.
However, he'll have to watch his weight because he's had issues with being overweight in the past. If he can stay lean and fit, there's a decent chance he will pan out.
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Chris Johnson
Chris Johnson is the Dolphins other first-round draft pick from the 2026 NFL draft, taken 27th overall out of San Diego State. He might've been a reach, but the Dolphins desperately need whoever they can get at this point. He finished his senior season with 36 solo tackles, 49 total tackles, and 4 interceptions and was named 2025 Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year.
Johnson is talented and will be thrown into the fire right away. We'll see what happens his rookie season.
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Tutu Atwell
The Dolphins wide receiver room is pretty much nonexistent right now, which essentially makes Tutu Atwell their current WR1 by default. He's got veteran experience and is talented, but he's more of a niche player who thrives in situational plays. He's a speedy route runner but doesn't have much to show on the stat sheet.
He's been with the Rams for the past few seasons, but he saw his role diminished in 2025. He will undoubtedly have plenty of opportunities in Miami.
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Willie Gay Jr.
Willie Gay was a part of the Chiefs Super Bowl winning defenses for what it's worth. He's an athletic linebacker, but in recent seasons since leaving Kansas City, his playing time has been much more inconsistent. He only started 2 games in Miami last season and finished with 20 tackles, 2 sacks, and 2 passes deflected.
His 2025 season was very disappointing. He was largely used in a rotational role for some reason as opposed to being a full-time starter.
He still has experience and a veteran presence that could be beneficial for the Dolphins in 2026. I expect to see him play a lot more this year.
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Riley Patterson
For what it's worth, Riley Patterson has been one of the better kickers in the league in recent years. He's been on various teams across the league in short stints but seems he has found a home in Miami at least for the time being.
Patterson played the full 2025 season for the Dolphins, and he did well, making 27 of 29 field goals (93%) and 34 of 35 on extra points (97%).
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Malik Washington
Malik Washington has been a unique gadget guy for the Dolphins the past two seasons. He has 72 receptions for 540 yards in two seasons on offense, but he's been a decent punt return specialist for Miami so far.
I wouldn't be surprised if he ends up getting a bigger role on the offense now with a lot of untapped potential.