The Miami Dolphins held their first day of mandatory minicamp on Tuesday, with just one week left until Dolphins complete their offseason program with the final week of OTAs.
As such, head coach Jeff Hafley held a press conference afterwards and gave a slew of answers about quarterbacks Malik Willis and Quinn Ewers, who he thinks may wear the “green dot” on defense, and what he expects from edge rusher Chop Robinson going into his third season.
When asked about Willis, Hafley stated that “it’s going
to be a work in progress” in regards to him developing chemistry with Miami’s receivers. Of course, it doesn’t help that Malik Washington is the only returning receiver from last season. He is currently accompanied by veterans Tutu Atwell and Jalen Tolbert, as well as rookies Caleb Douglas, Chris Bell, and Kevin Coleman. Former first round pick Jalen Reagor also signed with the team earlier today, and should bring some much needed competition to the room.
Hafley also singled out Ewers, saying “I’m really pleased with him right now. I want Quinn to continue to get better and battle, and compete and do everything to show us he’s the best QB on the field.”
On Miami’s linebackers, Hafley said that he’s preparing for all possibilities in regards to who will wear the “green dot” on defense. For those unaware, only one player on defense is allowed a helmet equipped with coach-to-player radio communication, and this player must wear a green dot on their helmet. Essentially, this player is the “quarterback of the defense”, and relays play calls to the rest of the team while also being responsible for pre-snap alignments.
It’s a huge responsibility, and Hafley mentioned that he prefers for all safeties and linebackers to wear the green dot throughout camp, to train them for all possible scenarios. That includes rookie linebacker Jacob Rodriguez, who is expected to play a big role for the Dolphins in 2026.
Finally, Hafley mentioned that he “wants more” from edge rusher Chop Robinson, who is coming off a disappointing 2025 season in which he tallied just four sacks.
Mandatory minicamp ends on June 4th, with OTAs set to resume on June 8th, June 9th, and June 11th.
