The Miami Dolphins are gearing up for a pivotal 2026 season, and as the youngest team in the NFL, they're banking on a core of young veterans to step up. Head coach Jeff Hafley knows that success hinges on development—turning raw talent into game-changing performance. Here are six players poised to break out, starting with a familiar name.
Chop Robinson, the Dolphins' 2024 first-round pick, had a rollercoaster start to his career. After a promising rookie season with six sacks, he dipped to just four last year, hampered by injuries and struggles against the run. But in Hafley's revamped defensive scheme, Robinson has the tools to bounce back big. If he can stay healthy and refine his technique, double-digit sacks are well within reach.
Kenneth Grant entered the NFL with first-round expectations but failed to make a consistent impact in 2025. He showed flashes in the second half of the season, finishing with two sacks and five QB hits, but his size and speed demand more. Grant is too athletic to be a non-factor—expect him to unleash that potential in a system that prioritizes disruptive play.
In the secondary, Jason Marshall is ready to compete for a starting boundary corner role opposite rookie Chris Johnson. Marshall brings toughness, athleticism, and a fearless approach to the ball. His training camp battle with JuJu Brents promises to be one of the most exciting storylines of the offseason, and whoever emerges will bolster a young, hungry defensive backfield.
Patrick Paul is a mountain of a man with a gentle smile off the field and a nasty streak on it. Already a capable pass-blocker, the key for Paul is improving his run-blocking consistency. With Pro Bowl potential written all over him, he's on the verge of becoming a cornerstone of the Dolphins' offensive line.
Jordan Phillips, a fifth-round pick, surprisingly outperformed Kenneth Grant early last season. His quick feet and athleticism set him apart, and his maturity and dedication suggest he's just scratching the surface. Keep an eye on Phillips as a versatile weapon in the defensive rotation.
Finally, Malik Willis might be the oldest name on this list with four NFL seasons, but he's still a young veteran at heart—with just six career starts. That's a small sample size for a quarterback with his raw talent. In a system that values mobility and arm strength, Willis could finally prove he's more than a backup.
For the Dolphins, 2026 is about finishing strong and watching these young veterans ascend. Whether it's Robinson's pass rush, Grant's power, or Willis's untapped potential, the pieces are in place. Now it's time to see them shine.