The door has seemingly been opened for Jacob Rodriguez to compete for a starting role in the Miami Dolphins defense.
Rookie inside linebacker Jacob Rodriguez is seemingly closing the gap on Tyrel Dodson when it comes to determining who starts next to Jordyn Brooks this season.
Rodriguez was on the field with Brooks, the NFL’s leading tackler from last season, for numerous reps of Miami’s 11-on-11 work during Saturday’s Hard Rock Stadium practice, which featured live tackling.
The former Texas Tech standout, who won just about every major college award given to a defender because of his dominant 2025 season, was splitting playing time with Dodson during Saturday’s work.
Dodson served as Miami’s green dot player last season, making all the defensive calls, and contributed 125 tackles, five sacks, one interception and forced one fumble last season.
The Dolphins are experimenting with a lot of different versions of defense, and it appears Rodriguez, the Dolphins’ 2026 second-round pick, is being tested on what, and how much he can handle.
Top Plays/Performers
The Dolphins offense had a quiet red zone period, which lacked touchdowns scored. Quarterback Malik Willis scrambled for a 2-yard touchdown, but edge rusher Chop Robinson could’ve had a sack on the play considering he touched Willis on his waist after shedding a block from Austin Jackson….. WR Terrace Marshall Jr. beat CB Alex Austin on a go-route for 45-yard from Quinn Ewers, who has a respectable day of practice, rebounding from a week of struggles. Ewers also connected on a touchdown catch to A.J. Henning…..Edge Rodney McGraw had a pressure that led to CB Ethan Robinson’s interception…. Rookie receiver Donovan McCulley had a dynamic deep reception on a Miller pass that would have produced a 45-yard gain….Defensive lineman Zeek Biggers had a productive day of stops during Miami’s live tackling period.
Stock Up
Tahj Washington, a former USC standout the Dolphins selected in the seventh round of the 2024 draft, has had a quiet training camp until Saturday, when he caught a 50-yard bomb from Miller, and had a few other respectable catches. Washington, who suffered a soft tissue injury during Miami’s OTA period, is seemingly competing with Kevin Coleman Jr., A.J. Henning and Jalen Reagor for a backup role as a slot receiver. He’ll need to impress during the exhibition season to extend his stay in South Florida.
Stock Down
Ollie Gordon, who had a disappointing 2.8 yards per carry average as a rookie, produced a couple lackluster runs during Saturday’s live periods, which featured some tackling. The second-year tailback, who typically runs with power, seemed extremely hesitant when his carries arrived. At this point it’s a struggle to justify why Gordon should be playing ahead of Carlos Washington Jr., who seemingly had his role elevated during Saturday’s practice.
Injury Report
Cornerback JuJu Brents missed his first practice for unspecified reasons, as did edge rusher Clelin Ferrell, the former first-round pick the Dolphins signed the week training camp opened.
Austin Jackson, the Dolphins’ starting right tackle, participated in his second straight practice.
Tight end Greg Dulcich participated in his third practice wearing a red [non-contact] jersey, and with his fingers on his right hand bandaged up. Dulcich has run routes the past two days, but the balls aren’t thrown to him, even during individual drills.
Safeties Dante Trader Jr. and Lonnie Johnson, receiver Kevin Coleman Jr., offensive lineman Jamaree Salyer, and tight end Ben Sims each sat out Saturday’s practice because of undisclosed injuries.
What They Said
“If you throw a punch, you get kicked out of practice, and nobody wants to get kicked out of practice,” Dolphins center Aaron Brewer said when asked why there hasn’t been a training camp fight after nine practices.
