Caleb Douglas Quickly Becoming Training Camp Standout

Originally posted on Dolphins Talk | By Jackson Buhler | Last updated Aug 3, 2026 10:15 PM ET

Caleb Douglas Quickly Becoming Training Camp Standout

At the time of his selection last April in the NFL Draft, the third-round pick of Caleb Douglas was not well received.

However, after the first week of training camp, Douglas seems to be turning heads around the Dolphins’ training facility.

Looking back on his time at Texas Tech, it is easy to see why he would make a strong first impression in Miami.

In his senior season in 2025, Douglas recorded 54 catches for 846 yards and seven touchdowns for the Red Raiders.

Add that to his elite size of 6’4, 206 pounds, and the ceiling for Douglas is endless.

Even with these strong traits, there were still doubts about Douglas’ ability to make contested catches, along with his ability to separate from quick-twitched corners.

Still, with a long track record of developing day 2 and day 3 receivers, the Dolphins took a chance on Douglas.

And so far, that gamble by Miami’s front office seems to be paying off.

Douglas is routinely mentioned by reporters covering the team as one of the biggest standouts in the first week of practice.

Even his head coach, Jeff Hafley, mentioned how impressed he was by Douglas in this first week of action.

Hafley also specifically pointed out his ability to make contested catches as something that stood out to him, which, if you remember, was one of the main concerns that scouts had about Douglas heading into the draft.

We must still be reminded that it is only the first week of training camp.

Full pads for the players have not even come on yet, and we are still a full month away from Douglas playing in his first professional game that will count for real.

Still, this is a positive sign that warrants monitoring going forward.

If Miami can hit on Douglas, they can show they can be trusted to make strong decisions when given the opportunity.

It is even more important for the Dolphins to be right about Douglas, as a third-round pick, he will be on a cheap, rookie contract for at least three years.

Lastly, with no clear top receiver on this year’s team, Miami is looking for someone to step up and take the lead role.

Maybe that player will end up being Douglas.

Through one week of camp, it is clear that Douglas is heading in the right direction.

Let’s see if he can continue that trajectory.

This article first appeared on Dolphins Talk and was syndicated with permission.

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