Some players on the 2026 roster are not only critical, but irreplaceable
The Miami Dolphins enter 2026 with expectations all over the map. Some see one of the NFL’s worst teams. Others believe Miami can surprise and push toward .500 or better. But whatever this team’s ceiling ultimately is, reaching it will depend heavily on keeping a relatively small group of players on the field.
These aren’t necessarily Miami’s 12 best players, although many are. They’re the 12 players the Dolphins can least afford to lose because of their talent, their role in the new schemes, and—most importantly—the lack of comparable options behind them.
Six Offensive Players that Can’t Miss Time
Let’s start with the offense because we’ve invested so much in Willis, Brewer, Proctor, and Achane that they must produce, not only for the success of this season, but to feel good about the future as well.
Offense
- Malik Willis — QB: The most important player on the roster. Miami has invested in Willis becoming its quarterback, and there is no proven replacement behind him. If his arm and athleticism translate into consistent starting-quarterback play, it changes both 2026 and Miami’s future roster-building options.
- De’Von Achane — RB: Achane provides something Miami simply cannot replace: explosive plays in both the running and passing games. His presence changes defensive leverage and prevents opponents from compressing the field.
- Patrick Paul — LT: Whatever questions remain about Paul, the Dolphins have nobody behind him offering comparable ability at left tackle. Losing him could create a massive problem protecting Willis.
- Kadyn Proctor — LG: Proctor’s power is central to what Miami wants to establish on the left side. Pairing him with Paul and Brewer could give the Dolphins a physical foundation for the running game.
- Aaron Brewer — C: Brewer ties the offensive line together. With power around him, Miami can minimize his weaknesses while taking advantage of his athleticism and ability to work in space.
- Will Kacmarek — TE: The rookie may experience growing pains, but Miami doesn’t have another tight end who brings his blocking ability. Kacmarek helps turn Paul, Proctor and Brewer into the power side from which Miami can build its run and play-action offense.
You can bet with the best pay per head that those six give Miami the foundation for what it wants to become offensively. Miami must have successful 1st Down runs to set up an on-schedule offense on 2nd Down that will threaten and take advantage of the play action pass. Running the football behind a stout left side will also help the defense with time of possession and set Achane up to create chunk plays that can tilt the game in Miami’s favor. Also, a highly productive left side in pass pro will protect Willis’ blind side and allow help to flow more freely to the right side where issues are expected.
It will start with the left side staying healthy and being productive so Willis and Achane use their abilities to their fullest.
Defense Also Has Six Players Who Are Critical & Irreplaceable
Defensively, the concern is similar. The Dolphins have some depth pieces, but several positions contain players whose specific abilities simply aren’t replicated elsewhere on the roster.
Defense
- Jordan Phillips — DT: The key to the run defense. Phillips can occupy blockers and control the interior gaps, making life easier for everyone around him.
- Zach Sieler — DL: Miami’s versatile veteran and leader up front. Sieler can move around the defensive line and remains its proven impact player. Together, Phillips and Sieler form the core of the front.
- Chop Robinson — EDGE: Nobody else on this roster possesses Robinson’s combination of explosiveness and pass-rush potential. If the improved run defense seen during camp carries into the season, Robinson could become a true difference-maker.
- Jordyn Brooks — LB: In Hafley’s zone defense, Brooks is part of the connective tissue between the defensive front and an uncertain secondary.
- Jacob Rodriguez — LB: The same applies to Rodriguez. Miami simply doesn’t have comparable depth behind Brooks and Rodriguez, making their availability crucial to holding the defense together.
- Chris Johnson — CB: Perhaps the most irreplaceable player in Miami’s questionable secondary because of his versatility. Johnson can play multiple spots, giving Hafley flexibility while the rest of the defensive backfield sorts itself out.
The current NFL cycle sweet spot for offenses is running the football and play action passes, so Miami must stop the run better than their 26th ranking last season. Phillips in his 2nd year, Sieler, an improved Chop, Brooks, and J-Rod have enough to make this run defense improvement possible…if they are all healthy. A stiffer run defense will be a rising tide that will raise all boats. I’m not saying to elite status, but they will be more formidable than the 2025 defense… and maybe enough to be in the running for a Top 5 pick.
Miami will need contributions from far more than 12 players. But Willis, Achane, Paul, Proctor, Brewer, Kacmarek, Phillips, Sieler, Robinson, Brooks, Rodriguez and Johnson are the dozen whose health could ultimately determine how close the 2026 Dolphins come to reaching their ceiling.
Sounds simple enough. But we’ll see if it happens, and if it does will they prove to be up to the task.
We’ll find out soon enough! I can’t wait!
Go Phins!!!
If you want to take a deeper look into this topic you can check out my podcast here where I break it down in finer detail.