Blocking sleds backward was just Day 1 of Miami’s rebuild under Jeff Hafley.
A new GM. A new head coach. Thirteen draft picks. And two first-rounders carrying the weight of a franchise that hasn’t won a playoff game in 26 years. Day 1 of the rebuild is officially underway.
Quick Summary — For Fast Readers
- Kadyn Proctor and Chris Johnson headline the class: The Dolphins’ first-round picks are already taking on leadership roles in a rookie class expected to contribute immediately.
- A massive rookie group: Thirteen draft picks, 11 undrafted free agents, and 10 tryout players took the field for the first time under new leadership.
- A franchise reset begins: With Proctor anchoring the O-line and Johnson tasked with becoming a lockdown corner, this rookie class is the foundation of Miami’s rebuild.
The Two Faces of This Draft Class
The Dolphins’ 2026 rookie class is large, but its identity will be shaped by two players: Kadyn Proctor and Chris Johnson. Both first-round picks, both stepping into pressure-packed roles, and both expected to contribute immediately.
Kadyn Proctor — No. 12 Overall Pick, OL, Alabama
At 6’7″ and 352 pounds, Proctor is a mountain of a man with the skill set to match. Drafted as a left tackle, Proctor will start his professional career at left guard, with Patrick Paul and Austin Jackson holding down the tackle spots.
Proctor isn’t fazed by the position change.
“I can play anywhere,” he said after practice. “I don’t know where I’m going to play in September. Just doing whatever I’m asked to do. I’m a powerful guy, quick off the ball. The guards are more the post players — they’ve got to get the double-team started. That’s what I pride myself on.”
The excitement of his first professional practice was obvious.
“I loved it. I’m not going to lie. I’m overly happy. Had a good day. Heart wasn’t beating too fast — that’s definitely a good sign of getting acclimated to it,” Proctor said with a grin. “Just sitting in the meetings with them, kind of looking around, dapping everybody up — it’s been such a special moment. We know we worked so hard to get here.”
Chris Johnson — CB, San Diego State
If Proctor is the cornerstone of Miami’s offensive rebuild, Chris Johnson is the linchpin for the defense. Drafted 27th overall, the former San Diego State star is expected to step into a starting role immediately.
Johnson isn’t shying away from the expectations.
“It’s not really pressure for me. I love expectations. I love high expectations. I hold myself to those,” Johnson said. “I definitely feel good about it, and it just speaks volumes of what the staff thinks of me. They brought me here for a reason.”
His focus is already on the bigger picture.
“We brought in a lot of draft picks to change some things around here, and that’s what we’re all trying to do.”
The Rest of the Class: Names to Watch
While Proctor and Johnson are the headliners, the Dolphins’ rookie class is loaded with potential difference-makers. Here are a few names to keep an eye on:
| Player | Position | School | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kadyn Proctor | OL | Alabama | No. 12 pick; moving to left guard. |
| Chris Johnson | CB | San Diego State | Immediate starter expected. |
| Caleb Douglas | WR | Texas Tech | 75th overall; flagged for 7 college drops. |
| Chris Bell | WR | Louisville | 3rd round; no knee brace after ACL tear. |
| Kevin Coleman | WR | — | Teammates call him “very elusive.” |
| Mason Reiger | Edge/OLB | Wisconsin | UDFA; top-graded pass rusher, $200K guaranteed. |
Chris Bell’s appearance without a knee brace following a November ACL tear is a promising sign for his development. Meanwhile, Mason Reiger — an undrafted edge rusher with 22.5 tackles for loss and 13 sacks in college — could be the steal of the rookie class.
The Bottom Line
The Dolphins’ 2026 rookie minicamp isn’t just a formality. It’s the first real day of a franchise reset under Jon-Eric Sullivan and Jeff Hafley.
Kadyn Proctor is embracing his role as a cornerstone of the offensive line. Chris Johnson is ready to be the shutdown corner Miami has been searching for. And the rest of the rookie class is eager to prove they belong.
The Dolphins haven’t won a playoff game since 2000, but this group of rookies isn’t here to extend that streak. They’re here to end it.
Sources
- South Florida Sun Sentinel: Top Dolphins Rookies Kadyn Proctor, Chris Johnson Can Be Foundational Pieces (May 8, 2026)
- AOL / Miami Herald: Proctor Discusses Playing Guard; A Dolphins Rookie Who Could Be Undrafted Gem (May 8, 2026)
- MiamiDolphins.com Official Podcast: Drive Time: 2026 Rookie Minicamp Report and UDFAs with Emory Hunt (May 8, 2026)
- WPBF 25 News: Miami Dolphins Rookies Make On-Field Debut at Rookie Mini Camp (May 8, 2026)
