The Miami Dolphins kickoff against the Minnesota Vikings later today. Before we get to the game, though, we fire up The Phinsider Mailbag to answer your questions about the team. Today’s mail bag looks at the changes Miami needs to make with the injury to running back De’Von Achane, the young players stepping up, and what the team might do in the 2027 NFL Draft.
Time to jump in the mailbag and give you our thoughts. Let us know if you agree or disagree in the comments.
MB: I think we’ll see the offense rely on more of a power running game with Ollie Gordon and Jaylen Wright taking over back duties now that Acane is out for the season with his ACL tear. I’d like to see Malik Willis continue to use his mobility — and I think more play-action passing could benefit this offense going forward.
KN: I think Wright is the more direct replacement for Achane and will be the primary option out of the backfield, but the position relies on more rotation than they might have with a healthy Achane. Gordon should see a lot of playing time and the coaching staff needs to keep a warm hand. The short passing game is probably becoming more important. And, we may see more reliance on tight end Greg Dulcich as a safety valve.
MB: As for Miami’s young talent, I think there’s a lot to like. Kadyn Proctor has been really solid since the start of the season. Chris Johnson has had his ups and downs, but there’s a lot to be excited about in his game. Rookie receivers — Chris Bell and Caleb Douglas — both flashed. Will Kacmarek has been a difference-maker as a blocking tight end. I think Jon-Eric Sullivan accomplished this in his first draft in Miami.
KN: It certainly appears that the Dolphins hit a lot of their draft picks – at least in a very small sample size. Rodriguez looks like a star in the making, Douglas and Bell have had their moments and will continue to grow. Proctor has settled in and could be a very strong guard in the coming years for the Dolphins. Safeties Michael Taaffe and Johnson both flash in the secondary, fighting rookie mistakes and adjusting to the pace of the game.
As for second-year players, Jordan Phillips has been excellent in the middle of the defensive line. Dante Trader Jr. paired well. to Taaffe. And we cannot overlook Jonah Savaiinaea, who was steadfast in the right watch.
MB: The Dolphins could go in a number of different directions if they land the #1 pick in the 2027 Draft — though I’m still not entirely convinced that will happen. As far as quarterbacks go, it’s early days, but none really stand out from the pack in the college rankings right now. I don’t think Arch will break out next year, but even if he does, he hasn’t played like a #1 overall pick this season. Jeremiah Smith is the next “can’t miss” wide receiver prospect from Ohio State — and for good reason. If Miami picks first next April, he should be the pick unless you can trade down a spot or two to a quarterback-starved team and still get Smith with a haul of picks to boot.
KN: I think it all comes down to Malik Willis. Do the coaches see him as their quarterback for 2027 and beyond? If he plays well enough to earn that trust, they can do almost anything they want with the pick. I don’t think this quarterback draft class will be as strong as people think – in large part because Arch Manning still needs to improve; his last name wouldn’t be enough to be a true franchise quarterback in the NFL. I think the Dolphins have two options if they land the first overall pick: trade back to a team desperate for a quarterback and add a ton of picks, or make Jeremiah Smith just the fourth wide receiver taken with the number one pick. If Miami doesn’t take Smith, or they trade up and see him come off the board before they can pick, the edge rusher is probably the biggest focal point in the first round.