Full Breakdown
Miami Dolphins Practice 13: Rookie Standouts and Defensive Highlights
8/19/2026, 11:37:59 AM
Background & Context
The Dolphins entered their 2026 training camp under first-year head coach Jeff Hafley, emphasizing a more physical style. Practice 13 took place at the Baptist Health Training Complex in front of season-ticket members and media, serving as a key showcase before a joint practice later in the week and a preseason game against the New York Giants.
Core Highlights of Practice 13
- Offensive sparks: Rookie wide receiver Kevin Coleman Jr. recorded two touchdown receptions, one from quarterback Malik Willis and another from backup Cam Miller.
- Defensive playmakers: Edge rusher Chop Robinson delivered multiple pressure moves, including a sack on a running play that forced a ball carrier to the ground. He also logged at least two sacks overall.
- Cornerback performance: Rookie Chris Johnson posted two pass breakups in 11-on-11 drills, notably covering fellow rookie Caleb Douglas. He also contributed a solid run-support tackle.
- Linebacker activity: Jacob Rodriguez and other linebackers saw limited action, with Rodriguez having a quiet day.
- Linemen battles: Zeek Biggers produced a sack and a tackle for loss, while Kadyn Proctor and Patrick Paul were highlighted for strong one-on-one work.
- Special teams & depth: Several starters—including defensive tackles Zach Sieler and Kenneth Grant, linebackers Ronnie Harrison Jr. and Jordyn Brooks, and edge rusher Robert Beal Jr.—were absent from team periods. Safety Kyle Louis received safety reps, reflecting his versatility.
Data & Statistics
- Touchdowns: 2 (both by Kevin Coleman Jr.)
- Pass breakups: 2 (by Chris Johnson)
- Sacks: At least 2 recorded by Chop Robinson; additional sacks by Zeek Biggers and David Ojabo.
- Tackles for loss: 1 (Zeek Biggers) plus several unquantified stops by defensive linemen.
Official Statements & Responses
Head Coach Jeff Hafley praised the versatility of defensive end Zeek Biggers, noting his ability to contribute both in space and at the point of attack. and the defensive front. The coach confirmed that rookie wide receiver Chris Bell, activated from the non-football injury list, will continue to work in a non-contact jersey and is not slated to face the Giants in the upcoming joint practice.
On-the-Ground Reports
Observations from the practice floor noted Malik Willis’s mixed performance: a side-arm touchdown pass to Kevin Coleman Jr., a few misfires, and a near-interception by Jason Marshall. Defensive pressure remained a theme, with Chop Robinson repeatedly forcing ball carriers backward. The session also featured a notable run-defending effort by rookie Trey Moore, who tackled running back De'Von Achane for a loss.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I think Zeek is playing really well,” — Head Coach Jeff Hafley
- “I definitely feel like it works well for me, being a guy that can move in space and also be stout in the run game playing inside,” — Zeek Biggers
What’s Next
The Dolphins will hold a closed walk-through later in the week, followed by a joint practice with the New York Giants. The preseason matchup against the Giants is scheduled for the weekend, marking the first game of the 2026 preseason. Coach Hafley indicated that the team will continue to evaluate depth players, including Chris Bell, as the preseason progresses.
