Dolphins’ Young WRs Are Stepping Up Amid Rebuild

The Miami Dolphins are leaning heavily on their rookie wide receivers in Jeff Hafley’s first season as coach. And despite their inexperience, the young playmakers are already making their presence felt.

That’s especially true of Caleb Douglas, Chris Bell, and Kevin Coleman Jr., who have earned significant playing time.

But the rookies aren’t just getting reps — they’re producing.

“They played well and competed against a really good defense and one of the best corners in the NFL,” Hafley said of the receivers following the Dolphins’ loss to the Patriots. “The physicality was there again in the run game like it has been, and that’s important, but you’re right, they got open and we had opportunities. In those two-minute situations, we had a lot of pass plays go up and down the field, just like we did on the one touchdown drive.

“But Malik Washington did a nice job as well. So I’d certainly throw him in the mix there, give him a lot of credit for taking that shot and coming back and scoring on that drive. But I’m proud of those rookies. It’s not easy to play in this league, especially when you’re looking to the left and it’s a rookie and you’re looking to the right, it’s a rookie and it’s like, where’s the older guy to tell me what to do? I give them a lot of credit, they’re getting better.”

Douglas had two touchdowns in a Week 7 victory over the New York Jets.

Against New England, Douglas, Bell and Coleman combined for 11 catches, 120 receiving yards and a touchdown. Coleman led the Dolphins in receiving yards with 46 and hauled in a touchdown.

Douglas has recorded 226 receiving yards through his first four career games, breaking a franchise record. He missed three games after suffering an ankle injury in Week 2.

Bell is also beginning to find his footing after tearing his ACL during his final season at Louisville. Over the past two games, he has caught seven passes for 56 yards.

“Of course I feel different,” Bell said. “As I play in more games and practice more, I get more and more confident and stuff like that. So I definitely would say I do feel that difference that I was talking about.”

The Dolphins’ season may be a work in progress, but their rookie receivers are giving Hafley reason to be optimistic. As the young trio gains confidence and experience, Miami could be building a promising foundation for its future passing game.