The Dolphins Linebacker Unit

Originally posted on Dolphins Talk | By Chris Oliver | Last updated Aug 17, 2026 8:35 AM ET

The Dolphins Linebacker Unit

The Miami Dolphins’ linebacker room enters the 2026 season with a strong combination of experience and youth. Jordyn Brooks and Tyrel Dodson provide proven NFL production, while rookie Jacob Rodriguez adds an intriguing young player who could have an immediate impact. With new head coach Jeff Hafley taking over the defense, the linebacker position will be one of the more interesting groups to watch throughout training camp and the preseason.

Jordyn Brooks is the centerpiece of the Dolphins’ linebacker unit. After leading the NFL with 183 total tackles and 99 solo tackles in 2025, Brooks earned First-Team All-Pro honors and was rewarded this offseason with a three-year, $51.3 million extension.

Brooks’ production and leadership give Miami a reliable presence in the middle of the defense. He is expected to once again play a major role in Hafley’s scheme and should be one of the Dolphins’ most important defensive players.

Tyrel Dodson enters his second season with Miami after putting together a productive 2025 campaign. Dodson started 16 games last season and finished with 129 tackles, five sacks and 10 tackles for loss. That production gives the Dolphins another experienced linebacker who can play a significant role alongside Brooks.

However, Dodson will have competition for snaps this season, particularly with the arrival of rookie Jacob Rodriguez. Miami’s first preseason depth chart listed Dodson and Rodriguez as co-starters at middle linebacker next to Brooks, making the position one of the more notable battles on the roster.

Rodriguez was one of the most productive linebackers in college football and enters the NFL with the ability to contribute immediately. Rodriguez’s combination of instincts and knack for creating turnovers makes him an intriguing player to watch in the Dolphins’ linebacker unit.

If he adapts quickly to the NFL game, Miami could have a very good problem on its hands when deciding how to divide snaps between Rodriguez, Dodson and Brooks.

Brooks is the established star and leader of the group. Dodson provides veteran experience and production. Rodriguez has the draft pedigree and college production to challenge for a starting job immediately. The competition between Dodson and Rodriguez could be one of the more important position battles to watch during the preseason.

For a defense transitioning under Head Coach Jeff Hafley, having this kind of competition at linebacker is a positive. If Brooks continues to play at an All-Pro level and Rodriguez and other young linebackers develop quickly, the Dolphins could have a linebacker unit capable of becoming one of the strengths of their defense in 2026.

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

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