Miami Dolphins training camp preview: 7 players under most pressure
The first Dolphins training camp practice scheduled to be open to the public, with tickets, is Saturday, July 26.
Among the top newcomers to the Dolphins' 2025 roster are: QB Zach Wilson, RB Ollie Gordon, WR Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, TE Darren Waller, G James Daniels, G Jonah Savaiinaea, DT Kenneth Grant, CB Jason Marshall and S Minkah Fitzpatrick.
When do Miami Dolphins start training camp?
When the Dolphins open training camp practices on Wednesday, July, 23, at Baptist Health Training Complex, media will be present. Fans can attend later practices with tickets.
Expectations entering Miami Dolphins training camp?
National expectations have lowered for the Dolphins' 2025 season, in part because of the departure of talented players such as OT Terron Armstead, DL Calais Campbell, CB Jalen Ramsey, S Jevon Holland, RB Raheem Mostert and CB Kendall Fuller.
ESPN Bet has the Dolphins tied for 21st in Super Bowl win odds, at 75-1.
Miami is tied with the Patriots for 9th choice in the AFC, which is problematic for a franchise trying to make the playoffs after a miss in 2024.
Only seven teams in each conference qualify.
Top 7 Miami Dolphins under pressure entering training camp
The Dolphins have some key questions entering training camp.
There is plenty of pressure on head coach Mike McDaniel. But for purposes of this story, let's focus on players feeling the heat.
A player entering his sixth season - quarterback Tua Tagovailoa - leads our list of players under pressure entering camp. Why? Well...
Tua Tagovailoa, QB
Why pressure? Tua has led the NFL in passing yards and passer rating and completion percentage. But he's yet to lead the Dolphins to a playoff victory. If Tua does not accomplish that in 2025, the franchise could look to move on from him. There's a Catch-22 here. Tua wants to make big plays like AFC stars Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson. But his top priority must actually be to limit injury risk.
Tyreek Hill, WR
Why Miami Dolphins pressure? Tyreek Hill had his worst season as a Dolphin last year. He is fully aware this could be his last season with the franchise. Hill played through injury last season, but was scrutinized and criticized for pulling himself from Miami's final game and then implying he would ask for a trade. Hill has tried to make amends with teammates. And he appears to be in excellent condition. He needs to play a higher percentage of snaps in 2025. And yes, there is also pressure on fellow receiver Jaylen Waddle to be more consistent and make more big plays in 2025.
Patrick Paul, LT
Why Miami Dolphins pressure? Patrick Paul is a gentle giant. And in no way am I exaggerating when I say he is a giant. Paul has ideal height and wingspan and can move well for a gargantuan individual. But he's not Terron Armstead. At least not yet. Paul must grow and grow (not literally, of course) into the player GM Chris Grier and OL coach Butch Barry imagine in their dreams. There will be mishaps and slip-ups. There will be positives in the run game. But Paul must avoid the catastrophic pass pro Sundays.
Jaelan Phillips, Edge
Why Miami Dolphins pressure? Jaelan Phillips is in the fifth and final year of his rookie contract. When healthy, Phillips delivers speed and power and motor. But he knows to earn the big bucks, he has to demonstrate he can stay on the field for all or almost all games in 2025. Phillips is a great teammate and leader and, again, when on the field, a great player.
Kenneth Grant, DT
Why Miami Dolphins pressure? The Dolphins have made no mistake about it: they need and want Kenneth Grant to make an immediate and massive impact. After Calais Campbell left for Arizona, Zach Sieler needs a new running mate. Grant is tough against the run. But the Dolphins believe he also has pass-rush upside. Miami must be more physical and harder to play against and tough guy Grant could be Miami's most important off-season addition. He must produce ― as a rookie.
Cam Smith, CB
Why Miami Dolphins pressure? At the moment, Storm Duck ― an undrafted rookie last season ― is Miami's top outside cornerback. I know that sounds improbable. But it is what it is. Logic suggests the cornerback with the most pressure is Cam Smith. Miami is not fully committed to former second rounder as a starter, but it would be nice. Smith has yet to reach his potential. Coaches and management have publicly suggested the time for hand-holding is over. Smith must stay healthy and be a true professional off the field.
Minkah Fitzpatrick, S
Why Miami Dolphins pressure? The Dolphins re-acquired Minkah Fitzpatrick in the Jalen Ramsey deal with the Steelers. They hope he can be the play-maker he's been when at his best. Pittsburgh did not believe he played his best in the past few years. Can Fitzpatrick help cover potential inexperience and/or deficiencies at cornerback? Well, yeah, that's the plan. Minkah must prove to be a great teammate, great leader, great communicator, great player and quarterback of the secondary. No biggie.
Tyreek Hill vows to bounce back: Miami Dolphins Top 10 players countdown
Time is running out for Tua Tagovailoa: Miami Dolphins Top 10 players countdown
Jaelan Phillips works for new contract: Miami Dolphins Top 10 players countdown
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Miami Dolphins training camp 2025: Pressure on Tua, these teammates
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