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Rookie LB Jacob Rodriguez Impresses, Expected to Start

8/9/2026

Summary

Rodriguez Impresses Coaches

Jacob Rodriguez, a 23-year-old second-round rookie linebacker, impressed coaches during practice at Hard Rock Stadium on Aug. 8, 2026.
He tipped Malik Willis’s pass, stopped a quarterback draw, and tackled De’Von Achane.
Center Aaron Brewer and linebacker Tyrel Dodson said they trust Rodriguez, calling him a “dawg” and “the dad of the group.”
Coach Jeff Hafley praised Rodriguez’s timing and instinct while analyst Joe Schad wrote he will likely play in the season opener on Sep. 13, 2026.

Summary

Dolphins Sign Wall

The Miami Dolphins signed safety Tanner Wall and waived injured safety Omar Brown on Friday, easing a safety shortage.
Tight end depth thinned after Greg Dulcich’s red-jersey drill and Ben Sims’ undisclosed injury, leading GM Jon-Eric Sullivan to consider free-agent Jonnu Smith.
Backup tackles Charlie Heck, Kevin Cline and Marques Cox were listed as concerns, unlike last season’s reliable fill-in Larry Borom.
Coach Jeff Hafley introduced live-tackling drills, while the absence of JuJu Brents and Clelin Ferrell gave rookies Ethan Bonner and Michael Taaffe opportunities.

Summary

Oliver Backs Direction

Former Dolphins safety Louis Oliver said the team’s direction feels like the Shula era, praising accountability.
Jeff Cross warned the opening three-game stretch in Las Vegas, San Francisco and Kansas City will test the squad.
Veteran safety Zayne Anderson, who played under Coach Jeff Hafley, is emerging as a starter and secondary leader.
Coach Jeff Hafley disclosed that several players delete their social-media accounts once the season begins to reduce outside stress.

History

Historical Context

Don Shula’s 1972 Dolphins became the NFL’s only team to finish 17-0, winning a 14-0 regular season and Super Bowl VII. That depth-building model still guides Miami, where coach Jeff Hafley now mentors rookie linebacker Jacob Rodriguez. The franchise’s tradition of developing home-grown talent suggests the 2026 rookie could help sustain its resurgence.

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Rodriguez Impresses Coaches

Jacob Rodriguez, a 23-year-old second-round rookie linebacker, impressed coaches during practice at Hard Rock Stadium on Aug. 8, 2026.
He tipped Malik Willis’s pass, stopped a quarterback draw, and tackled De’Von Achane.
Center Aaron Brewer and linebacker Tyrel Dodson said they trust Rodriguez, calling him a “dawg” and “the dad of the group.”
Coach Jeff Hafley praised Rodriguez’s timing and instinct while analyst Joe Schad wrote he will likely play in the season opener on Sep. 13, 2026.

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