Kacmarek is the Key to the Dolphins’ Running Game in 2026

Kacmarek is the Key to the Dolphins’ Running Game in 2026

From the day that Jeff Hafley and Jon-Eric Sullivan took over in Miami, they made it clear that they wanted this team to be tougher.

You could see that they wanted to emulate what was so successful in Green Bay.

And that is a tough, physical-minded football team that can win in any kind of weather.

From Ahman Green to Ryan Grant and, more recently, Josh Jacobs, Green Bay has had a power-running game, which is key when the weather gets cold.

And in Green Bay, it gets extremely cold, as anyone knows.

Hafley and Sullivan are looking to bring that style of play south with them, as evidenced by their investment in Dolphins running back De’Von Achane.

They wanted to make sure the investment would pay off by adding some toughness in last month’s draft.

Sure, they added Kadyn Proctor and D.J. Campbell to fortify the offensive line.

But they also made another move that might not have drawn a lot of headlines, but could be just as important as the offensive line additions for the running game.

That would be adding Will Kacmarek, a tight end, in the third round.

Kacmarek, the Ohio State product, was widely known as the best blocking tight end available in the draft.

At 6’5 1/2, and 261 pounds with 32 1’4″ arms, Kacmarek should be able to easily fill the role of the departed Julian Hill.

Hill played a huge role in Mike McDaniel’s offense, regularly serving as the lead blocker on outside zone plays, which enabled Achane to have huge runs.

The former Campbell standout, Hill, was very good in that role.

Kacmarek, meanwhile, is a much better prospect and should have a higher upside in new offensive coordinator’s, Bobby Slowik, offensive.

While he is known mostly a blocker, Kacmarek also offers upside in the passing game and should be able to gel with new quarterback, Malik Willis.

Miami will want to run the football and condense games to protect a young, unproven defense in 2026.

If they are going to do that, they are going to need their rookie tight end, Will Kacmarek, to play a huge role in the running game.

He should be up to that challenge.