Everybody knows what the Miami Dolphins lost this offseason. Today, the Dolphins Squad Show flips the conversation and asks a much more interesting question:
What if these young Dolphins can actually play?
Jim “GRIES” Grieshaber is joined by Dolphins insider Kyle Crabbs and former Miami Dolphins defensive lineman Jeff Zgonina to examine the young players and position groups that could outperform expectations during the 2026 NFL season.
Miami enters the season with one of the youngest rosters in football, and general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley have made it clear that youth, development and opportunity are central to the organization’s new direction.
The Squad begins by examining what Miami actually has rather than focusing exclusively on what the Dolphins lack.
Then the spotlight turns to one of the most fascinating position groups on the roster: wide receiver.
Could Malik Washington legitimately emerge as Miami’s leading receiver? Is 6-foot-4 rookie Caleb Douglas ready for a breakout season? What is Chris Bell’s ceiling now that he has returned from ACL surgery? Where does Kevin Coleman Jr. fit after flashing throughout training camp? And can Bobby Slowik use the versatility of this young group to create matchup problems across the formation?
GRIES, Kyle and Z also dive into a linebacker room that suddenly looks much more intriguing than expected.
Veteran Jordyn Brooks provides the foundation, but Miami made one of its boldest roster decisions by releasing Tyrel Dodson — who recorded 129 tackles last season — and handing major responsibility to rookie Jacob Rodriguez.
What did Rodriguez show the Dolphins to win that job? How does Willie Gay Jr.’s hybrid versatility change Hafley’s defense? Can Jackson Woodard translate his turnover-filled preseason into defensive snaps? And where does versatile rookie Kyle Louis fit?
Then the Squad selects Miami’s biggest potential breakout players on both sides of the football.
Names include Caleb Douglas, Malik Washington, Chris Bell, Jonah Savaiinaea, Chop Robinson, Jacob Rodriguez, Dante Trader Jr., Chris Johnson Jr., Jackson Woodard and Keith Cooper Jr.
Finally, attention begins turning toward Week 1 against the Las Vegas Raiders and veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins. Miami’s young linebackers and secondary will immediately face an experienced quarterback capable of identifying mistakes before the snap.
National expectations for the Dolphins are extremely low.
Now the young players Miami chose have an opportunity to change the conversation.
The kids got the jobs. Now we find out if the kids can play.
#MiamiDolphins #Dolphins #FinsUp #DolphinsSquadShow #NFL #MalikWashington #CalebDouglas #ChrisBell #JacobRodriguez #ChopRobinson #JeffHafley #MalikWillis
\*\*\*\*\* 'LIVE' Miami Dolphins Commentary + Analysis from Miami Dolphins Defensive Tackle Jeff “Z” Zgonina, Locked On Dolphins' Kyle Crabbs and Host Jim “GRIES” Grieshaber.
The Dolphins open the 2026 season in 2 weeks, and we will be right here 'LIVE' with your DOLPHINS SQUAD SHOW every Wednesday at noon ET, and after every Miami Dolphins game.
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