Dolphins rookie WR projected to capture large role in first season

TL;DR

Miami Dolphins rookie wide receiver Caleb Douglas is projected to secure a significant role in his first season following offseason changes to the team's roster. With starting positions available, he has the opportunity to outperform expectations during training camp.

Key points

Dolphins traded Jaylen Waddle to the Broncos.
Tyreek Hill and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine were released.
Caleb Douglas is projected to secure a significant role.

Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins left themselves rather thin at wide receiver this offseason after trading Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos and releasing both Tyreek Hill and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine.

While they added a trio of veterans in Jalen Tolbert, Tutu Atwell and Terrace Marshall Jr., they walked away from the 2026 NFL draft with three more wideouts, taking Caleb Douglas, Chris Bell and Kevin Coleman Jr.

With starting jobs open, Bleacher Report's Moe Moton believes that Douglas will outplay his draft value as a rookie.

"Tolbert and Atwell were No. 3 or No. 4 receivers with their previous teams," Moton wrote. "So, Douglas will have a chance to claim a starting role with impressive showings through training camp... Many saw Douglas as a reach midway through the third round, but with a clear pathway to a starting position, the big-play wideout will have a chance to prove his critics wrong."

Douglas appeared in 40 games between Florida and Texas Tech, catching 135 passes for 2,031 yards and 16 touchdowns over four years.

While Tolbert and Atwell have a leg up due to their NFL experience, neither has been overly impressive as a pro, giving Douglas an opportunity to be the team's top wide receiver in 2026.

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Q&A

What happened to the Miami Dolphins' wide receiver roster this offseason?

The Dolphins traded Jaylen Waddle to the Broncos and released Tyreek Hill and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, leaving the team thin at wide receiver.

Who is Caleb Douglas and why is he expected to perform well in his rookie season?

Caleb Douglas is a rookie wide receiver drafted by the Dolphins, and analysts believe he has a clear path to a starting role, which could lead him to outperform his draft position.

What other wide receivers did the Dolphins add during the offseason?

The Dolphins added veterans Jalen Tolbert, Tutu Atwell, and Terrace Marshall Jr., along with rookies Caleb Douglas, Chris Bell, and Kevin Coleman Jr.