Miami Dolphins “Back Together Weekend” Training Camp Update

By Ha Kung Wong

X: @FBGarbageTime

The Miami Dolphins held their first public practice of training camp during “Back Together Weekend” at the Baptist Health Training Complex, and it was hot…both in terms of temperature (trust me, early August in Miami is not pleasant, even at 9:30 AM in the morning) and in terms of performance. Operating under new head coach Jeff Hafley and general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan, the non-padded session featured a businesslike atmosphere and was the offense’s most effective day of camp so far.

Positives

  • Offensive Rhythm & Explosive Plays

The offense clicked early, beginning with De’Von Achane breaking through a left-side lane for 10 yards on the opening play. We unfortunately didn’t see much more from Achane, but he’s a known quantity and a pervasive injury risk, so I get why his reps were limited. The passing attack produced multiple chunk plays, highlighted by a 60-yard connection to Tutu Atwell, two 50+ yard touchdown catches by AJ Henning, and a 70-yard touchdown strike from backup quarterback Quinn Ewers to rookie Kevin Coleman Jr.

  • Interior Defensive Stuffs

Defensive tackles Kenneth Grant and Zach Sieler dominated inside against the run, repeatedly stopping ball carriers at or near the line of scrimmage in short-yardage scenarios.

  • Turnover Creation

First-round rookie cornerback Chris Johnson delivered the defensive play of the day, leaping near the sideline to intercept an aggressive pass during 11-on-11 drills.

Negatives

  • Secondary Breakdown on Vertical Routes

The defensive backfield gave up several blown coverages and chunk gains downfield. Cornerback Marco Wilson slipped mid-route on the 70-yard touchdown catch, and the group overall struggled containing deep slants and vertical routes.

  • Pass Protection Off the Edge

Edge rusher Josh Uche consistently generated pressure against right tackle Austin Jackson, who continued to struggle in isolated pass-blocking reps.  Malik Willis was under pressure several times, and although he was effective scrambling with the ball in these situations and at least getting the ball out of bounds, the Dolphins will want to build more on his arm than legs and he’ll need time to make that happen.

Overall, the offense did better than the defense, but both sides of the ball need improvement.

Malik Willis

Taking a closer look at Willis, he turned in his most complete practice since arriving in Miami. After an initial throw resulted in an incompletion under pressure from Jordan Phillips, Willis settled into a rhythm from inside the pocket:

  • Hit tight end Cole Turner on a contested 10-yard out route over linebacker Jordyn Brooks.
  • Fired a 20-yard completion to Malik Washington on a slant.
  • Connected on a 60-yard deep slant pattern to Tutu Atwell that advanced inside the 10-yard line.
  • Threw a long touchdown pass to receiver AJ Henning.

His decision-making and accuracy showed marked progression after an uneven opening week of camp focused on pocket management. That being said, he missed several times throughout 11-on-11 drills making his day ultimately a mixed bag.

Rookie Highlights

With 13 rookies in the 2026 class, Miami’s young core saw extensive reps throughout the workout, including:

  • CB Chris Johnson (1st Round)

Logged reps at both outside cornerback and slot. Made the top defensive play by jumping a comeback route intended for AJ Henning to secure a sideline interception.

  • LB Jacob Rodriguez (2nd Round)

Continued his strong camp by showcasing high instincts and physical run defense. Teammates noted his ball-hawking tendencies, making multiple stops in run-fit drills.

  • OL Kadyn Proctor (1st Round)

Practicing at guard after playing tackle in college, Proctor worked with the first team on the left side alongside Patrick Paul, sealing the edge on Achane’s practice-opening run.

  • WR Caleb Douglas (3rd Round)

Maintained his active role following a strong first week of practice where he reeled in multiple tight-coverage throws and a one-handed touchdown.

  • Trey Moore (4th Round)

Did well in skill drills, showing good speed and instincts, but didn’t significantly impact 11-on-11 drills. Still has a solid base to be immediate contributor.

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