Opportunities Abound: Dolphins’ Training Camp Set to Showcase Battles for Key Roles
As the Miami Dolphins prepare to open training camp in late July, one thing is clear: no job is safe, and competition will be fierce across the roster. From starting positions to key rotational roles, Miami enters camp with more uncertainty than most NFL teams — and that’s by design.
After finishing the 2024 season with a disappointing 8-9 record and missing the playoffs, the Dolphins initiated a dramatic overhaul of their roster. With the sixth-fewest returning players in the league, Miami is clearly banking on fresh talent, internal development, and a revamped depth chart to drive a bounce-back campaign in 2025.
While the team still boasts a strong core — including stars like quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, wide receiver Tyreek Hill, and a now fully healthy De’Von Achane at running back — Miami’s success over a grueling 17-game season will depend just as heavily on the emergence of contributors who may not yet be household names.
Recent history suggests the Dolphins are open to surprise contributors earning meaningful roles. Last year, linebacker Tyrel Dodson and defensive tackle Benito Jones carved out key roles and earned new contracts after entering the season under the radar. As training camp opens, opportunities will abound for newcomers and young players to follow that path.
Ollie Gordon II: A Sleeper to Watch in the Backfield
One of the most intriguing position battles heading into camp will be at running back, where Miami is looking for a complementary piece to lighten the load for De’Von Achane, who logged a staggering 283 touches in 2024 — including 78 receptions on 87 targets.
The presumed favorite is second-year back Jaylen Wright, a former third-round pick who showed flashes but struggled with consistency during his rookie season. However, a new challenger has entered the mix: rookie Ollie Gordon II, a sixth-round pick out of Oklahoma State with a big-time college résumé.
Despite his late selection, Gordon brings impressive credentials to the table. In 2023, he led all of college football with 1,732 rushing yards, scoring 13 touchdowns on the ground and finishing with 2,602 total yards from scrimmage. His standout performance earned him Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year honors and a reputation as one of the most productive backs in the country.
Gordon’s scouting profile paints the picture of a physical, downhill runner who thrives with a heavy workload — traits that could be a perfect complement to Achane’s speed and versatility. NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein described Gordon as a back built for a “physical, downhill run scheme,” adding that his style makes him an ideal piece in a two-back system. That physicality could also give Miami a much-needed boost in short-yardage situations after ranking 25th in fourth-down conversions last season.
But Gordon is more than just a bruiser. His production in the passing game and overall vision suggest a more complete skill set than many give him credit for — and potentially the kind of balanced presence that could earn him real snaps early on.
Depth Will Define the 2025 Dolphins
As Miami continues to reshape its identity, the battles playing out in training camp will be vital in determining just how competitive this team can be. With so many spots up for grabs, the Dolphins are betting on upside — from promising draft picks and free-agent additions to returning players seeking breakout seasons.
For a team looking to return to playoff contention, finding those hidden gems could be the difference between mediocrity and meaningful January football. Keep an eye on players like Ollie Gordon II — because in Miami this summer, the door is wide open for new stars to emerge.
