Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Dolphins fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
The Miami Dolphins have opened their 2026 training camp, with the veterans reporting to the team facilities on Tuesday following last week’s reporting deadline for the rookies. Miami has undergone major changes this offseason, starting with a new general manager, Jon-Eric Sullivan,
and head coach, Jeff Hafley, continuing through a massive turnover of the roster. Veterans were cut, traded, or allowed to leave in free agency as the team looked to reset its salary cap situation and turn to a rebuild focused on younger players who can grow together.
While the focus is on build a winning team that can compete for years to come, it means the 2026 season might be one of growth, development, and overcoming struggles. The Dolphins are the youngest team in the NFL, based on average age, and there are a lot of positions on the roster just begging for someone to step up and take charge of the group.
What are the biggest position group battles on the roster this year? We take a look at some of them, and let you decide which battle will be the most important to the team this year.
Honorable Mention: Running back
The running back position is headlined by De’Von Achane, a 2025 Pro Bowl selection who is only getting better as he plays more. The offense will be built around Achane this summer and he is expected to back up last year’s success with ease. There is no question about who will lead the group.
But that does not mean there is not a position battle to watch this summer. While it did not land in our poll below, it is worth mentioning that there will be several players looking to claim the number two position behind Achane. Second year running back Ollie Gordon II would appear to be the easy answer for claiming the second option as he brings power to the ground attack, but he only averaged 2.8 yards per carry last year. He was asked to pick up the short yardage, and he did, but is there more to his game as he heads into year two?
Jaylen Wright is coming into his third year and would appear to be more like Achane in terms of skill set. He and Gordon both carried the ball 70 times last year and played almost the same number of snaps. Wright averaged 4.1 yards per attempt in 2025. He could force himself ahead of Gordon as the primary backup to Achane, even if Gordon provides the better short yardage option.
Behind them, Carlos Washington, Jr., Donovan Edwards, and undrafted free agent Anthony Hankerson could all factor into the equation. Special teams play could be a major factor in deciding the back end of the depth chart when it comes to the running backs group.
Wide receivers
Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle are gone. Who steps up to fill the top of the wide receiver depth chart. Malik Washington returns as the top incumbent for the position, with Tahj Washington, Theo Wease, Jr., and AJ Henning also coming back. Miami signed free agents Jalen Tolbert, Tutu Atwell, Terrace Marshall, Jr., and Jalen Reagor this year, along with drafting Caleb Douglas, Chris Bell, and Kevin Coleman, Jr. They also signed undrafted free agent Donavan McCulley.
That throws a lot of names at a position group that feels like a giant question mark as training camp begins. Who will step forward and prove he is ready to be the number one, two, or even three target for quarterback Malik Willis?
Offensive line
The o-line may not be a full “position battle” under the typical definition, and there may not be many open position in the group, but it definitely should be a position to watch this summer and could include competition at key positions. Left tackle, center, and right tackle should be fairly well locked down. Patrick Paul enters his third season at left tackle, Aaron Brewer is coming off an All-Pro season, and Austin Jackson has proven a solid option at right tackle – assuming he can stay healthy.
The guard positions will be keys to watch this summer. Rookie Kadyn Proctor was selected in the first round this year and will assume the starting left guard spot while second-year guard Jonah Savaiinaea will move from the left to his natural right position. Will they lock down their respective spots or could someone challenge for a starting spot?
And who will claim the number two right tackle spot – and will it become a critical position at some point or will Jackson remain healthy this season?
Edge
Chop Robinson assumes the top spot at edge rusher, but there are a lot of question marks on the roster after that. Who will start opposite Robinson? Who will prove to be the key rotational player? Josh Uche, David Ojabo, Clelin Ferrell, Robert Beal, Jr., and Seth Coleman were all signed as free agents this year, while Max Llewellyn was drafted in the seventh round and Rodney McGraw and Mason Reiger were signed as undrafted free agents.
There are a lot of names to throw at the position as camp begins. Who will jump out and will they do enough to make an impact for Miami this year?
Cornerback
Miami’s secondary was decimated by injury last year, exposing a desperate need for depth at the position. This year, they are heading into camp with JuJu Brents, Jason Marshall, Jr., and first-round rookie Chris Johnson set to headline the group, with Storm Duck, Ethan Bonner, Alex Austin, Ethan Robinson, Darrell Baker, Jr., A.J. Green III, Marco Wilson, and Miles Battle set to provide depth or fight for a starting role.
Johnson is probably locked into one of the top spots, but everyone else could slide around on the final depth chart. Duck, who missed most of 2025 with an injury, could be someone to watch this year as he looks to return to the form that turned him from an undrafted free agent in 2024 to a starter by the end of the season. He is currently listed as physically unable to perform, but he could have a line to a starting role if he can get healthy and return to the same level of play.
Safety
Similarly to the cornerback position, safety is a position in flux for the Dolphins due to injuries last year – and add in the trade of Minkah Fitzpatrick clearing the top of the depth chart. There should be plenty of battles throughout camp as they work to fill out the depth chart. The team has Dante Trader, Jr., returning and signed free agents Zayne Anderson, Omar Brown, Major Burns, and Lonnie Johnson, Jr. They drafted Michael Taaffee and signed undrafted free agent Louis Moore.
Anyone could claim a starting role this summer as camp battles play out.
Which camp battle will prove to be the most important for the Dolphins in 2026?
Our SB Nation Reacts poll for this week ties into the position battles expected during the summer. Which battle will prove to be the most important for the Dolphins this year? Vote below and head to the comments to let us know why you chose that position group.
