Camp is making Jon-Eric Sullivan look like the right guy for the job
Three days into Miami Dolphins training camp, it is far too early to declare anything solved. But the early returns are encouraging, and perhaps the biggest positive has less to do with one player than with the man making the decisions.
General manager John-Eric Sullivan made several offseason calls that drew skepticism, particularly the selections of Kadyn Proctor and Caleb Douglas. So far, both are giving Dolphins fans reason to believe Sullivan may have seen something others missed.
Questioned Draft Pick Shine
Proctor was a surprise pick for many, with questions surrounding his weight, position and overall fit. Those concerns have not disappeared after three practices, but the early signs are strong. Proctor reportedly arrived around 353 pounds while looking noticeably leaner, and Miami is already seeing productive runs behind him. Just as importantly, there has been little negative chatter surrounding his work. For a massive lineman whose conditioning and movement were debated throughout the draft process, that is exactly the start Miami needed.
Douglas may be an even more interesting development. His selection was viewed by some as a reach, especially with other receivers still available, but he has quickly become one of the most noticeable players in camp. Through three days, Douglas has produced contested and high-point catches, including multiple touchdown grabs, while showing the kind of boundary ability Miami desperately needs. If he can develop into a legitimate No. 2-caliber receiver, the entire structure of the offense changes.
You can bet with the best pay per head that would give Miami a young receiving foundation featuring Douglas alongside Chris Bell, Kevin Coleman Jr. and Malik Washington, reducing the pressure on any single player to become a star immediately.
The encouraging signs extend beyond the headline names. Jaylen Wright has reportedly looked better, creating legitimate competition in the backfield. Malik Willis had a good day, while defenders such as Major Burns, Zeke Biggers, Matthew Butler and David Ojabo have flashed. Seventh-round lineman DJ Campbell is another name worth watching, especially because his ability to work at guard and possibly center could give Miami badly needed offensive-line depth.
Nothing Is Locked, But It Sure IS Trending Nicely
None of this guarantees Sullivan’s first Dolphins roster build will work. Training camp optimism can disappear quickly once preseason games begin.
But the early pattern matters.
Miami’s new leadership appears willing to trust its evaluations, identify players who fit specific roles and let competition determine the depth chart. If Proctor, Douglas and some of these lesser-known additions continue to emerge, Dolphins fans may finally have something they have lacked for years: confidence that the front office sees talent before everyone else does.
Day 3 does not prove Sullivan knows best.
But so far, he is making a pretty convincing case.
