Miami Dolphins 2026 Rookie Class: Early Report Card

Miami Dolphins 2026 Rookie Class: Early Report Card

After only five games into the 2026 season, it may be premature to make a definitive judgment regarding the 2026 rookie class drafted by general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and Coach Jeff Hafley.

Yet, the early returns are very promising.

I want to highlight six players who, in my opinion, have strong potential to become long-term NFL stars.

Let’s begin with left guard Kadyn Proctor.

Many NFL pundits and draft experts questioned Miami’s No. 1 pick in the 2026 draft, with most saying the Dolphins should have used it to select safety Caleb Downs.

According to PFF stats, Proctor ranks 23rd among qualifying guards in run blocking and 40th in pass blocking.

These are excellent results for a rookie offensive lineman and bode well for the team’s future.

Chris Johnson, cornerback, has also performed well and, after five games, ranks 21st out of 102 qualifying cornerbacks by PFF.

Johnson seems to improve every game, and if he continues his excellent play, he will solidify a starting cornerback spot for years to come.

Jacob Rodriguez, linebacker, is easily the steal of the 2026 draft class.

Rodriguez seems to be everywhere on the field and has handled the “green dot” of defensive playcalling in spectacular fashion.

PFF ranks his overall defensive grade 47th among 75 qualified linebackers.

Wide receiver Caleb Douglas has shown the ability to make contested acrobatic catches, and although he has been injured the past few games, his future is bright as a core piece of the Dolphins rebuild.

Douglas does not have sufficient catches in 2026 to earn a PFF grade.

The other rookie wide receiver, Chris Bell, is still working his way back from a season-ending ACL tear he suffered in college, but he possesses the size, speed, and athleticism to be another key part of the roster for years to come.

The last rookie I want to highlight is Will Kacmarek.

Kacmarek was drafted for his ability to run block and has performed well in that role.

With more experience, he will likely be asked to contribute to the passing game, which gives the Dolphins’ offense another weapon.

The 2026 Dolphins draft has produced several rookie starters, and they haven’t disappointed so far in their first year in the NFL.