ESPN Ranks Dolphins Last in Starting Roster Article

ESPN Ranks Dolphins Last in Starting Roster Article

ESPN, one of the biggest sports outlets in 2026, has ranked the Miami Dolphins dead last in a post on roster strength. The article talking about every starting lineup also lists strengths, weaknesses, and a hopeful building block.

There are 32 teams in the NFL. Miami has been at the bottom of lists like this many times. ESPN has Miami’s biggest weakness as their defensive back group, which incorporates both the cornerback and safety positions. The article mentions how, on paper, this corps is worse than what Miami trotted out in 2025.

Last year’s defensive backs weren’t great, and Miami’s 2 best performing players are officially on new teams (Rasul Douglas, Minkah Fitzpatrick). This is definitely accurate, as the Dolphins do have a rather inexperienced and average-looking group heading into the 2026 season. That alone doesn’t seem to be enough to put the Dolphins dead last in a starting-roster ranking, but they are there nevertheless.

Not mentioned, but clearly incorporated, is the lack of experience and top-end talent in the receiver room. I do not believe Miami’s receivers will be as bad as the general public expects. Jalen Tolbert has made plays as a starter for the Dallas Cowboys in years past, and the team selected 3 very promising receivers in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Miami’s running back room is listed as the team’s biggest strength in the article. Obviously, De’Von Achane is a top-tier running back and the best player on the team, both in production and talent. But the Dolphins currently lack an identity behind Achane. Jaylen Wright and Ollie Gordon are decent depth, but have yet to prove that they could tote the rock consistently in a starting role. Not mentioned by ESPN is how solid Miami’s offensive line looks heading into the season.

Patrick Paul and Austin Jackson anchor down the edges, both being very good players when healthy. Paul, who is still on his rookie deal, has only improved his ability in the run game as the months have gone on. Austin Jackson needs to stay healthy in order to be impactful, but is one of the best athletes in the league on the offensive line.

Rookie Kadyn Proctor is playing left guard in his first season and has a lot of potential to be a star early on. Aaron Brewer, who was recently extended by the team, is a top player in the league regardless of position. He is an anchor in the middle of the offense. The only question mark is the right guard position, a battle between 2nd-year player Jonah Savaiineia and veteran Jamaree Salyer.

The article mentions Chop Robinson and Jordan Phillips as an X-Factor and building block, respectively. Both are promising players banging on the door of a breakout season. The defensive line as a whole is not great, but it has the most draft capital and money invested in it. Those players are expected to take jumps in 2026, including last year’s first-rounder, Kenneth Grant.

Projected edge rusher across from Chop Robinson is Josh Uche, who is hoping to regain his New England Patriots’ form when he was atop the league in pressures per pass rush.

It is getting tiring mentioning how Miami is not expected to be good in 2026. This franchise has done way more with way less. There are plenty of rosters that look just as bad on paper. Pieces of writing that convey to the public how bad the roster looks should just be fuel to the fire lit under these players as they fight for their careers in the NFL. I can say with certainty (99.99%) that the Miami Dolphins will not be the worst team in the league this season.