The Miami Dolphins begin a three-day rookie minicamp on May 8, featuring 13 rookies. General manager Jon-Eric Sullivan emphasizes competition and performance over draft status.
Key points
Miami Dolphins open rookie minicamp on May 8
Team has 13 rookies plus undrafted additions
General manager emphasizes competition
Performance determines player selection
Mentioned in this story
Jon-Eric Sullivan
Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins open a three-day rookie minicamp on Friday, May 8.
Local reporters will likely have a brief viewing opportunity as well as player interviews.
Miami has 13 rookies to acclimate, not including undrafted additions.
"We're going to play the best players," Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan said. "That's the beautiful part about the culture, the competition that's going to be at the forefront of everything we do. It doesn't matter if you're a second-round pick or you're an undrafted free agent, if you're an eight-year vet or a second-year player, if you give us the best chance to win on Sunday, you're going to be one of the 11 on the field, or one of the 22 on the field."
Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; San Diego State Aztecs defensive back Chris Johnson is selected by the Miami Dolphins as the number 27 pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Sep 6, 2025; Pullman, Washington, USA; San Diego State Aztecs cornerback Chris Johnson (1) celebrates after a play against the Washington State Cougars in the first half at Gesa Field at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-Imagn Images
Aug 26, 2023; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego State Aztecs cornerback Chris Johnson (21) celebrates after a stop against the Ohio Bobcats during the first half at Snapdragon Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Q&A
What date does the Miami Dolphins rookie minicamp start?
The Miami Dolphins rookie minicamp starts on May 8.
How many rookies are participating in the Dolphins minicamp?
There are 13 rookies participating in the Dolphins minicamp.
Who is the general manager of the Miami Dolphins?
The general manager of the Miami Dolphins is Jon-Eric Sullivan.
What is the Dolphins' approach to player selection during minicamp?
The Dolphins will select players based on performance, regardless of their draft status or experience.
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Sep 16, 2023; Corvallis, Oregon, USA; Oregon State Beavers wide receiver Silas Bolden (7) is pushed out of bounds by San Diego State Aztecs corner back Chris Johnson (21) during the second half at Reser Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 5, 2024; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego State Aztecs cornerback Chris Johnson (1) warms up against the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors before the game at Snapdragon Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Abe Arredondo-Imagn Images
Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; San Diego State defensive back Chris Johnson (DB17) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images
Feb 27, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; San Diego State defensive back Chris Johnson (DB17) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Feb 27, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; San Diego State defensive back Chris Johnson (DB17) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Feb 27, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; San Diego State defensive back Chris Johnson (DB17) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
1 / 9
Photos of Dolphins' second first round pick cornerback Chris Johnson
Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; San Diego State Aztecs defensive back Chris Johnson is selected by the Miami Dolphins as the number 27 pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
1 / 9
Photos of Dolphins' second first round pick cornerback Chris Johnson
Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; San Diego State Aztecs defensive back Chris Johnson is selected by the Miami Dolphins as the number 27 pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
2 / 9
Photos of Dolphins' second first round pick cornerback Chris Johnson
Sep 6, 2025; Pullman, Washington, USA; San Diego State Aztecs cornerback Chris Johnson (1) celebrates after a play against the Washington State Cougars in the first half at Gesa Field at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-Imagn Images
3 / 9
Photos of Dolphins' second first round pick cornerback Chris Johnson
Aug 26, 2023; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego State Aztecs cornerback Chris Johnson (21) celebrates after a stop against the Ohio Bobcats during the first half at Snapdragon Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
4 / 9
Photos of Dolphins' second first round pick cornerback Chris Johnson
Sep 16, 2023; Corvallis, Oregon, USA; Oregon State Beavers wide receiver Silas Bolden (7) is pushed out of bounds by San Diego State Aztecs corner back Chris Johnson (21) during the second half at Reser Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
5 / 9
Photos of Dolphins' second first round pick cornerback Chris Johnson
Oct 5, 2024; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego State Aztecs cornerback Chris Johnson (1) warms up against the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors before the game at Snapdragon Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Abe Arredondo-Imagn Images
6 / 9
Photos of Dolphins' second first round pick cornerback Chris Johnson
Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; San Diego State defensive back Chris Johnson (DB17) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images
7 / 9
Photos of Dolphins' second first round pick cornerback Chris Johnson
Feb 27, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; San Diego State defensive back Chris Johnson (DB17) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
8 / 9
Photos of Dolphins' second first round pick cornerback Chris Johnson
Feb 27, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; San Diego State defensive back Chris Johnson (DB17) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
9 / 9
Photos of Dolphins' second first round pick cornerback Chris Johnson
Feb 27, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; San Diego State defensive back Chris Johnson (DB17) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
We can expect first-rounders Kadyn Proctor (G/T) and Chris Johnson (CB) to start right away. Jacob Rodriguez (LB) and Will Kacmarek (TE) should be in line for heavy snaps.
And really, any and everyone has a chance to play on this team, the youngest in the NFL.
Here is one quote about every one of the Dolphins' 13 draft picks:
"When you watch Chris (Johnson), he's got great feet, great balance and body control. He's physical. He's a big corner. He can play nickel, play outside corner. He's got ball skills. I mean when you start checking the boxes for a defensive back, there weren't really many left – there were none, really." - Dolphins GM Jon-Eric Sullivan
Feb 27, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; San Diego State defensive back Chris Johnson (DB17) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Feb 27, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; San Diego State defensive back Chris Johnson (DB17) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
"I mean, he hits all the marks. He hits all the marks. Through the evaluation process obviously, it starts with the tape. Tape screams to you a guy that's just a good football player. He's physical. He's tough. At the inside linebacker position in today's game, you want to see guys that can play on third down, and obviously with his production, he proves that. He's a blitzer. He's coverage. It's forced fumbles, it’s PBUs, it's interceptions – he does it all." - Assistant GM Kyle Smith
"He’s got a long, rangy body. He's got some very raw athleticism. I think what you'll see for a tall, long-limbed receiver, long legs, long arms, he can really drop his weight. He's got great flexibility. He's got good athleticism and ball skills to adjust the ball in the air. He's got to get stronger. If you were going to try to knock him on something, he's got to get stronger, be able to get off press and some of the contested balls." - Dolphins GM Jon-Eric Sullivan
Texas Tech wideout Caleb Douglas (WO19) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Texas Tech wideout Caleb Douglas (WO19) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium.
"He's an unsung hero. You know, he's a grimy, dirty, bite your face off type of dude. He’s going to be a difference maker for us in the run game." - GM Jon-Eric Sullivan
"I think most would tell you if he wouldn't have gotten injured, he's probably not sitting there anywhere close to where we got him. It was one of those deals where it sounds like he's healing up great. I won't put a date on it. We would expect him to help us this year, but it's a long-term investment. We felt like the talent is very high. The upside is very high." - Dolphins GM Jon-Eric Sullivan
Feb 27, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Louisville wideout Chris Bell (WO03) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images
Feb 27, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Louisville wideout Chris Bell (WO03) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images
"He’s shifty. It’s like he’s a jack of all trades when it comes down to lining up. When he walked down the edge, he'll hit you with a heavy spin, or the next one, he'll hit you with the full spin; so he'll kind of try to shake off a little bit, and then he got some unexpected power he got to him so he works long on you. He'll catch you off guard with that one." - Dolphins rookie G DJ Moore, a Texas teammate
"There's guys that were here and we did – obviously we added a safety. We added Chris (Johnson), and then really even getting Kyle (Louis), who's got the versatility – I know he's listed as a linebacker, but I think you're going to see him move around and do some things back there (at safety) as well.” - Dolphins coach Jeff Hafley
"[He] embodies everything that that Coach (Jeff) Hafley and Jon-Eric (Sullivan) want to build here with his makeup. Former walk on that has just busted his tail to earn everything that he's been given. He’s going to embody the competitiveness, the toughness. Extremely football intelligent player." - Senior personnel executive Jon Robinson
"Dynamic kid. I started watching him last summer actually, when he was at Mississippi State. [He’s] just a playmaker, has a great feel for the game. A little more undersized than some of the other receivers we've taken, but very tough. Has a great feel for route running, spatial awareness, just been a playmaker on offense and on special teams there." - Matt Winston, director of college scouting
Jan 28, 2026; Mobile, AL, USA; American Team wide receiver Kevin Coleman Jr. (12) of Missouri makes a catch during American Senior Bowl practice at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images
Jan 28, 2026; Mobile, AL, USA; American Team wide receiver Kevin Coleman Jr. (12) of Missouri makes a catch during American Senior Bowl practice at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images
"He's kind of a very raw, athletic ball of clay, if you will. He can move. He's an interesting athlete. He's got twitch, he's got speed. He's got good hands." - Dolphins GM Jon-Eric Sullivan
"To me, he's an o-lineman that can play d-tackle, like he's that athletic and he's that freakish. I've seen him dunking and doing crazy things, he's a freak athlete." - Dolphins rookie edge Trey Moore, a Texas teammate.
"First of all, he's a great kid, hard worker. Any time you get a pass rusher this late in the draft, it's obviously critical. I didn't expect him to be there. It's an Iowa guy. Competitive, he can apply pressure, good length, he's a taller player. I mean, everything you want as a defensive end, especially this late in the process.” - Dolphins senior national scout Ron Brockington
