3 Dolphins rookies picked as sleepers to make immediate impact in 2026

The Miami Dolphins brought in 13 rookies through the 2026 NFL draft and signed 12 undrafted free agents after the conclusion of the seven-round event, and with a new coaching staff and young roster, there are plenty of open opportunities for a first-year player to make an impact.

In the first round alone, Miami took Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor and San Diego State cornerback Chris Johnson, who are both expected to start for the team in Week 1.

However, there's just as much excitement about the Dolphins' additions on the second and third days of the draft. In fact, in a recent post, ESPN's Field Yates identified three of Miami's Day-2 and Day-3 picks as sleepers who will make an impact in 2026.

Here's who Yates picked and what he had to say about them.

Jacob Rodriguez

May 8, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins inside linebacker Jacob Rodriguez (10) works during rookie minicamp at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

"Rodriguez boosted his stock as much as anyone in the 2026 draft class over the past year," Yates wrote. "He is rangy, instinctive and intelligent, and he has a rare ability to generate turnovers (he forced seven fumbles and intercepted four passes in 2025).

"The Dolphins are at the ground floor of their rebuild, but pairing Rodriguez with veteran inside linebacker Jordyn Brooks is reason for excitement. Rodriguez will be a team leader and a productive player in no time."

Caleb Douglas

May 8, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Caleb Douglas (7) works during rookie minicamp at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

"Several Miami receivers could make this list, as the Dolphins have the thinnest wideout room in the league," Yates wrote. "But I chose Douglas because of his inside-outside versatility over fellow third-rounder Chris Bell, who is recovering from a November ACL tear, and fifth-rounder Kevin Coleman Jr.

"At 6-foot-3, 206 pounds, Douglas has the size profile of a perimeter wideout, but he also saw snaps as Texas Tech's big slot last season. His blazing speed (4.39 seconds in the 40-yard dash) should also help him crack the lineup early."

Kyle Louis

Sep 6, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers linebacker Kyle Louis (9) in action against the Central Michigan Chippewas during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

"Louis was one of my favorite players to watch on tape during the pre-draft process, as he was everywhere on film at Pitt," Yates wrote. "He doesn't have prototypical linebacker size (6-foot, 220 pounds), but Louis can flat-out fly and cover. He is going to find a role quickly with the Dolphins -- be it at weakside linebacker or box safety. New coach Jeff Hafley should be able to tap into Louis' unique skill set."

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This article originally appeared on Dolphins Wire: 3 Dolphins rookies picked as sleepers to make immediate impact in 2026