​The Miami Dolphins are gearing up for the start of their 2026 training camp in just a few weeks, and this season marks a broad reset for the franchise. After years under general manager Chris Grier and head coach Mike McDaniel, the team is transitioning to a new leadership duo: GM Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley. In alignment with that leadership shift, Miami has overhauled its roster, using 2026 as a chance to get the salary cap under control and pivot from a veteran, win-now mentality toward building a cohesive unit that can grow together and reach its prime as a group.
These changes have left many fans unsure about the team’s prospects for the year. The latest FanDuel Sportsbook odds reflect that sentiment, with Miami slipping to +4000 to win the division, down from +3000 a short time ago. The Dolphins are projected to win about 4.5 games this season, signaling what could be a challenging year for both the team and its supporters.
That said, there are still reasons for optimism. The Dolphins may lean on a youthful core and a mix of unproven players and veterans on short-term deals, but the franchise has laid out a clear blueprint around the players they believe will form the foundation of success. The excitement now centers on watching how these pieces fit together and how the development arc unfolds, as the team prioritizes growth and cohesion over immediate results.
Fans are particularly curious about which position groups will capture the most attention during training camp as battles for roles and development progress unfold. SB Nation Reacts recently posed a poll to gauge interest in various position groups this summer, asking fans to select the area they’re most eager to monitor. The options included quarterback, wide receiver/tight end, offensive line, defensive end, linebacker, and cornerback/safety.
Among the responses, the offensive line emerged as the most intriguing area to watch, highlighting the long-standing questions surrounding protection and run blocking. The projected Week 1 starting lineup on the line features Patrick Paul at left tackle, Kadyn Proctor — the Dolphins’ first-round pick — at left guard, All-Pro center Aaron Brewer snapping the ball, Jonah Savaiinaea at right guard, and Austin Jackson at right tackle. Proctor, transitioning from tackle in college to guard at the professional level, must prove he belongs as a top-12 pick and a starter on the interior to solidify the line’s future. Savaiinaea’s move back to his natural position at right guard aims to capitalize on a year of NFL experience and deliver a stronger interior presence after a tougher season last year at left guard. Jackson, who has already shown the ability to play solidly at right tackle, has battled through injuries since being selected in the first round of the 2020 draft; this summer offers a crucial opportunity to reestablish reliability and continuity.
The offensive line will be a focal point this offseason, with attention and scrutiny from fans and analysts aligned with the poll results. The secondary also attracted significant interest, ranking second in our poll. Both cornerback and safety positions are undergoing notable turnover, and the team will be looking for cohesion, communication, and cohesion in the back end as new pieces mesh with the established players.
In sum, while the outlook for 2026 might not spark immediate championship expectations, the Dolphins’ transition year emphasizes growth, development, and strategic restructuring. The training camp will serve as a critical window to evaluate the frontline units, particularly the offensive line and the secondary, as Miami works toward building a capable, complementary unit capable of evolving into a competitive and resilient squad in the coming years.