Why Miami Dolphins fans have reasons for optimism
· Yahoo Sports
MIAMI GARDENS ― You're going to hear an awful lot about how awful the Miami Dolphins are expected to be this season.
Visit tr-sport.bond for more information.
USA Today has already projected they'll finish 1-16.
Most 2027 NFL mock drafts already have the Dolphins making a Top 2 pick.
"I don't think there’s one outlet on social media, anybody that's got us picked to win anything," Dolphins linebacker Jordyn Brooks said. "Not that it matters, but that's just what it is. I don't think any of our opponents respect us, so 100%, underdog mindset. And I think that's always the best position to be in."
There are many, many concerns.
But I am here today to deliver 10 reasons for optimism.
It's my gift to you, a small bundle of joy and happy thoughts. (And don't ever, ever forget how fortunate we are to live and work in the great paradise that is South Florida. I digress...)
10 reasons for optimism for Miami Dolphins fans
- Malik Willis. Malik Willis is an exciting quarterback. He has two things Tua Tagovailoa does not have. He is a dynamic runner. And he has a very strong arm. Considering Willis' reasonable contract, it already seems clear this was a worthwhile Jon-Eric Sullivan dice roll.
- De'Von Achane. Somehow, De'Von Achane is still underrated nationally. He is one of the fastest players in the NFL and he is one of the most thrilling players in the NFL. Simply having the athleticism of the duo of Willis and Achane is reason enough to tune in.
- Jon-Eric Sullivan. The Dolphins general manager has intentionally constructed the youngest roster in the NFL. Will they take their lumps at times? Yes. But at least you're not watching overpaid mercenaries. These are, in many cases, hungry players worth cheering for. (Even if you have to learn their jersey numbers along the way.)
- Jeff Hafley. First-year NFL head coach? Yes. But he does have three years as a major college head coach. That is beneficial. Hafley is comfortable in dealings with players and media. He's going to demand toughness and effort and accountability without being a jerk. It is, potentially, a nice combination.
- Jordyn Brooks and Aaron Brewer. Brooks and Brewer are among the best in the NFL at their positions, middle linebacker and center. Brooks and Brewer are pleasant fellows off the field but they are deadly serious about their craft and are outstanding leaders. Miami will look to add more players with theirmindsets.
- Chris Bell. The Dolphins rookie has to get back into tip-top playing condition. But he's ahead of schedule in his return from a knee injury. And he would probably have been an early second-round pick if not hurt in college. This is a special player because of his combination of speed and power. A physical and tough receiver in aqua and orange? Bring it on.
- Jacob Rodriguez. Everything you want to root for. Effort. Effort. Effort. Sideline-to-sideline. Instincts. Smarts. Commitment. Miami didn't wait to move on from Tyrel Dodson. They want Rodriguez chasing running backs, forcing fumbles and dropping back to into coverage to pick off quarterbacks. It would be a big surprise if Rodriguez is not a fan favorite in no time.
- Kadyn Proctor and Chris Johnson. Miami's offensive line and pass coverage will be considered concerns, until they're not. But it would be shocking if Proctor does not play well at left guard in 2026 and likely make a shift to tackle in 2027. And Johnson, another first rounder, has already shown he's got ball skills, instincts, toughness and confidence. He's a keeper.
- Salary cap space (2027). The Dolphins are slated to have $106,991,735 in cap space in 2027, according to Spotrac. This is third in the NFL. They will not be spending it all in one place. Sullivan will likely follow the Packers' Way, which means picking free agents selectively, and avoiding dramatic overpays. But he can target a few key free agents coming off their rookie contracts. Those players could be in the 26-28 age range. And he can continue to strategize about how and when to use the money to extend some of his own top players.
- Draft picks. The Dolphins do not have a treasure trove of picks in 2027 and 2028. But they do have their own picks and seem more likely to add picks than the alternative in the future. They also have a 13-member rookie class. Miami has an extra fifth-round pick in 2027. Sullivan will bring the Packers' scouting approach, which should be a net-plus. Over the last 20 years, Green Bay has a draft hit rate of 25 percent and +0.7 draft pick average value vs. expected, according to perthirtysix.com research. In that span, Miami had a hit rate of 25 percent but a -1.9 average value vs. expected. The Packers have also had the NFL's No.1-ranked aggregate offensive line draft picks in the last 20 years, according to the web site.
Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram and on X @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe's free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Why Miami Dolphins fans have reasons for optimism