Over the last few months, the Miami Dolphins moved on from a ton of players this offseason who held important roles for the team in 2025, so while they’ve brought in many veterans, they will also rely heavily on a few rookies this year.
Taking 13 players in the 2026 NFL draft, including two in the first round, the Dolphins have a few rookies garnering a lot of attention. However, there are some flying under the radar who could make an impact in their first season.
This week, CBS Sports’ Josh Edwards identified Dolphins tight end Will Kacmarek as a rookie who could surprise fans in 2026.
“Kacmarek is best known for his blocking contributions,” Edwards wrote. “As the Dolphins began the reconstruction of their roster, they traded away wide receiver Jaylen Waddle and reached a contract extension with running back De’Von Achane. Listen to the message teams are trying to send through their actions. Achane is a foundational piece to the new offense and they’ll need a blocker like Kacmarek to spring some of those long runs.
“Kacmarek is a big tight end (6-foot-6, 258) who spent this season behind second-round pick Max Klare and never had more than 22 receptions in a collegiate season. He looks to possess a skill set capable of achieving more in the pass game.”
Greg Dulcich will be Miami’s top tight end on the depth chart going into training camp after the team allowed Julian Hill to sign with the New England Patriots and have left Darren Waller unsigned on the market.
Kacmarek is likely competing with veteran free-agent signing Ben Sims for second spot, but while Sims hasn’t done in the passing game in three years in the NFL (11 receptions for 93 yards and a touchdowns), Kacmarek could surprise after catching 65 passes for 761 yards and four touchdowns between Ohio and Ohio State.
This article originally appeared on Dolphins Wire: Dolphins Day-2 pick identified as rookie who could surprise in 2026
Reporting by Mike Masala, Dolphins Wire / Dolphins Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Mike Masala, Dolphins Wire | USA TODAY Network
