The Miami Dolphins have hit the mid-point of the 2026 NFL season, with nine weeks complete and nine weeks remaining on the schedule. The Dolphins are 1-7 this year as they work through the first season of a complete franchise rebuild, learning and growing as a team with a roster dominated by rookies and younger players. Even with the struggles, there have been plenty of flashes of potential that should make fans excited for the future of the team.
But who has been the most noteworthy players on the roster
so far this season? Here are my picks for mid-season awards from the 2026 Dolphins:
Offensive Rookie of the First Half
Caleb Douglas, wide receiver
One of the Dolphins’ third-round picks this year, Douglas has turned into Miami’s primary perimeter threat in the passing game. Even with missing three games due to injury, Douglas has the team’s third-most targets and receptions, second-most yards, and tied for the lead in touchdowns. His 296 receiving yards are the most in team history in a player’s first five NFL games – the missed time will likely keep him short of Jaylen Waddle’s 1,105-yard rookie record. He has shown explosiveness and has forced opposing defenses to adjust their game plan. He has to work on his drops, including one on fourth down that would have converted for a first down against the Detroit Lions this past week as Miami attempted a comeback, but Douglas’s play thus far has shown Miami has a playmaker for the future.
Honorable mention: Kadyn Proctor, guard
Defensive Rookie of the First Half
Jacob Rodriguez, linebacker
This may have been the easiest selection of these awards. Rodriguez is not just making an impact on the Dolphins, but on the league where he is seventh in tackles with 79 in eight games. He is a machine on the field, and he is establishing himself as the foundation for the Dolphins’ future. He has a sack and an interception this year and has been the defensive player caller all year.
Honorable mention: Michael Taaffe, safety
Offensive Player of the First Half
Ollie Gordon II, running back
Gordon was supposed to be a depth option and change of pace running back behind De’Von Achane this year. Achane’s injury opened the door for a running back by committee approach for Miami, only for Gordon to explode through the door and make himself a true feature back in the league. He is 16th in the league with 463 yards, but he had no impact on Weeks 1 and 2, carrying the ball three times for seven yards before taking over for Achane during the Week 3 game. His 83 yards per game since becoming the starter would have him seventh in the league. Gordon has carried the Dolphins offense, and he has clearly established himself as a co-starter for when Achane returns in 2027.
Honorable mention: Greg Dulcich, tight end
Defensive Player of the First Half
Jordyn Brooks, linebacker
Miami has a dynamic duo at linebacker, with Rodriguez in the middle and Brooks as the weak-side linebacker. Brooks is 13th in tackles with 75 this year and he has continues to be the solid player around whom everyone else plays.
Honorable mention: Zach Sieler, defensive tackle
Breakout Player of the First Half
Malik Washington, wide receiver
Miami’s rookies are getting the most attention, especially wide outs Caleb Douglas and Chris Bell. Even Kevin Coleman Jr., the fourth player on the depth chart, is probably mentioned more than the player at the top of the chart, Malik Washington. Getting out from under the shadow of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle this year, Washington is having himself a very strong season. He is leading the team in targets, receptions, and yards and he is doing it without a lot of fanfare. I would expect Douglas to surpasss him in yards – and maybe he would have already without missing three games – but Washington is the veteran player the group needs, and he is making the most of his opportunity this season. Washington has taken over the Hill role in the offense, being used in motion and all around the lineup, including working out of the backfield as a running back. While the focus may be on Douglas and his big-play ability, Washington has established himself as the do-everything player that can be trusted to make a play when it is needed.
Honorable mention: Chris Johnson, cornerback
Best Play of the First Half
Fake punt versus Detroit Lions & Malik Willis’ quarterback sneak versus Jets
Co-winners take this slot. Punter Bradley Pinion’s 46-yard fake punt pass to running back Kaytron Allen against the Lions was perfectly executed. It caught the Lions off guard, converted the first down on 4th-and-3, and was a clear highlight. When the Dolphins’ special teams struggling throughout the year, it was a great special teams play.
Willis’ 4th-and-1 quarterback sneak against the Jets may not have been as explosive as the fake punt, but it was more meaningful. Leading 28-25 with two minutes left, the Dolphins chose to go for it from the Jets’ 49-yard line. If they failed to gain the yardage, New York could have tied the game with a field goal as the clock ticked down. Miami lined up in a tush-push formation, with Willis taking the snap and moving forward directly behind center Aaron Brewer. Fullback DJ Herman and running back Ollie Gordon shovers Willis from behind, forcing him through the traffic for the two-yard gain and Miami’s first (and so far only) win.
Honorable mention:Malik Willis to Caleb Douglas for 63-yard touchdown
Free Agent Addition of the First Half
Josh Uche, edge
The Dolphins’ pass rush has struggled for much of the season, but when they turn it on, they can disrupt opposing quarterbacks incessantly. Uche plays the compliment to Chop Robinson very well, and he has been a solid veteran presence on the defense. He has 34 tackles and three sacks this season, along with one pass defensed, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. In a season when Miami’s free agent focus was on one-year contracts with players to get through the season, Uche has come in and performed well. He could be in position to earn a contract extension after the season.
Honorable mention: Malik Willis, quarterback
MVP of the First Half
Chop Robinson, edge
I know this is going to create discussion, but the defense is carrying the Dolphins and Robinson is the spark on the defense. He has been inconsistent, but that is true of the entire Miami pass rusher. He has four sacks this year, which puts him at just 29th in the league, but he is constantly in the backfield disrupting opposing quarterbacks. He will bite too quickly sometimes, giving up the edge against the run to chase the quarterback, only to realize the ball was handed off, something that needs to be corrected. But, Robinson is making an impact for the Dolphins, even if the stat line does not always show it.
Honorable mention: Ollie Gordon II, running back
