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Rookie WR's emergence could change outlook for Dolphins
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Caleb Douglas. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Rookie WR's emergence could change outlook for Dolphins

By Eric Smithling  |  Last updated Aug 13, 2026 1:11 PM ET
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The rebuilding Miami Dolphins may have an answer at wide receiver.

After an offseason of change left the unit depleted, rookie wideout Caleb Douglas has emerged during the first half of training camp as a bright spot. On Wednesday, he was listed as a member of the first-team offense on the team's unofficial depth chart.

"He's making plays left and right," tight end Greg Dulcich recently said, per the Sun Sentinel. "We're stoked to have him, that's for sure."

For his part, Douglas — one of several Dolphins rookies positioned for prominent roles this season based on the initial depth chart — took news of the recognition in stride. 

When asked about the placement, he said, "Just got to keep working. It's not in stone yet. Just gotta make sure it's in stone." (h/t Miami Herald's Omar Kelly)

The Dolphins selected Douglas in the third round (No. 75 overall) in April's NFL Draft. After joining the Florida Gators out of high school, Douglas spent his final two collegiate seasons with the Texas Tech Red Raiders, earning 2025 second-team All-Big 12 honors with 54 receptions for 846 yards and seven touchdowns.

Rookie WR Caleb Douglas could have major impact on Dolphins

Douglas' rapid growth is a welcome development for Miami, which entered camp with serious questions at receiver. The team released former star Tyreek Hill and traded 2021 first-rounder Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos, hollowing out a unit that only a couple of years ago was one of the league's most explosive.

The Dolphins also hired former Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley as head coach, taking over for Mike McDaniel, and cut quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who was replaced by Malik Willis.

The overhaul left Miami in rough shape, with several platforms forecasting the Dolphins to have the league's worst wide receiver unit in 2026. 

Douglas can help quickly change the perception. Hafley praised the rookie's production after the depth chart's release, sharing with reporters, "He's been really consistent... He showed up every day. So that's where he deserves to be at this point."

The Sun Sentinel's David Furones noted Douglas' impressive "rapport" with Willis in camp, and that connection should only grow stronger as the two share the field. The Dolphins couldn't have lower expectations at wideout entering the season. From that rubble, Douglas could emerge as a pillar.

Eric Smithling
X Muck Rack

Eric Smithling is a writer based in New Orleans, LA, whose byline also appears on Athlon Sports. He has been with Yardbarker since September 2022, primarily covering the NFL and college football, but also the NBA, WNBA, men’s and women’s college basketball, NHL, tennis and golf. He holds a film studies degree from the University of New Orleans

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