The UFA Tight End Nobody Expected and a Former LB Are Shaking Up Miami's Roster

Alright, listen up, football fanatics! You know we live for that early season buzz, that feeling in the air when the grind starts and players begin to make their mark. Even when it's not our Hawks out there, you gotta respect the work being put in. Down in Miami, the Dolphins just wrapped up their nine-week offseason program, a session that kicked off back in April. And while we always gotta pump the brakes on reading *too* much into these early workouts, the final phase, with its three OTAs and mandatory minicamp days, definitely gave us a peek. A few names totally popped, and dude, some of them were legit surprises.

The Quarterback Comfort and Receiving Threats

No lie, everyone's always watching the quarterback, and Quinn Ewers made sure he was noticed. Based on what we saw from him in the final three games of the 2025 season, where he stepped in for Tua Tagovailoa, his performance in these early drills wasn't totally out of left field. Still, he looked impressive enough to make everyone super comfortable that Miami's got a solid backup signal-caller ready to roll. That's a big deal. Then you got the wideouts. Malik Washington, easily the most accomplished returning receiver on the roster, was exactly what you'd expect. He was consistent, getting open, making plays, and it's crystal clear he's gonna be a key contributor for their offense this season. But the real surprise among the receivers? Rookie Kevin Coleman Jr. Out of the three drafted wideouts, Coleman was the one who truly stood out, even before Caleb Douglas hit the sidelines with an injury. Some are even saying Coleman might have been the second-most impressive receiver in camp, right behind Washington. Talk about making a first impression!

Underdogs Rising: Tight Ends and Fullbacks Making Noise

Here's where it gets wild, man. Ben Sims, who joined the team as an undrafted free agent, looked like his chances to make the roster took a massive hit when Miami drafted Will Kacmarek and Seydou Traore. Seriously, who saw this coming? But Sims was probably the most impressive tight end in the entire camp! He's absolutely earned a long, hard look. That's the kind of underdog story you love to see, proving everyone wrong. And then there's D.J. Herman. This dude was a linebacker at San Diego State, and they moved him over to the offensive side of the ball to play fullback. And get this: he looked absolutely fine, especially catching passes. Herman showed an impressive knack for adjusting to passes that weren't exactly on target. Whether he actually makes the final 53-man roster is still TBD, but he's totally acquitted himself well so far. A former linebacker turning heads at fullback? That's the definition of a camp surprise! So, what does all this mean for Miami as we head into the actual season? It means there are some legitimate position battles brewing, and some unexpected talent is fighting tooth and nail for a spot. These early program insights are the kind of trends that can truly shape a team's identity. Keep your eyes peeled, because the competition is just heating up, and we'll be watching to see how these stories unfold.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.