WASHINGTON, D.C. ― Miami Dolphins offensive tackle Caedan Wallace must have had some classic practice battles with edge rusher Chop Robinson when they played at Penn State.
Who won more reps?
“Dude, you know how defensive players are,” Wallace said with a smile after his first Miami training camp practice. “Yeah, you may say something differently, but I feel like the tape may show something else.”
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The Dolphins recently swapped future late-round picks with the Patriots to acquire Wallace, whom they had planned to waive.
“I got ‘released’ at like 8 o’clock in the morning and decided to drive and go see my family,” Wallace said. “So I was in a car when I got the call, and it was just a whirlwind. Like, it was a really cool experience. … Just excited to get out here and work, learn the playbook, and get after it.”
Wallace, 26, was a third-round pick of the Patriots in 2024.
He’s played 10 games, with two starts, in two seasons. But he should be a top option as Miami “swing tackle” and should receive plenty of preseason action, starting Friday, Aug. 14 at Washington.
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What does Wallace think he does best?
“Knock people down,” said Wallace, who is 6-foot-5, 314 pounds. “Move people off the ball, knock people down.”
Wallace felt his Dolphins debut, a joint practice at the Commanders, went pretty well.
“Being back at tackle for the first time in a year and a half, I did pretty good,” said Wallace, who had been moved to guard by the Patriots. “Stayed off my (butt) and put some people on theirs, so not too bad.”
Wallace took a very long pause when asked if tackle is his favorite position, which may be telling.
Then Wallace said: “I’ll play wherever they put me.”
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Wallace was a right tackle in college and provides insurance for Austin Jackson, who has dealt with injuries throughout his career. He is also capable of playing left tackle or either guard.
Wallace had an ankle injury as a rookie and fell behind others last season. Folks in New England suggest the constant moving of positions may have hindered success.
Dolphins coach Jeff Hafley said general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan had a good grade on Wallace entering the NFL Draft.
“With the talent that he has and the versatility that he has, you know, we’re hoping that a fresh start will help him and he’ll come in and compete,” Hafley said.
Wallace believes he will fit into Hafley’s culture.
“Honestly, just physicality,” Wallace said. “Getting after it on the line of scrimmage. And at other positions too. Just it seems like a team of grinders, people that want to work.”
Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jschad@pbpost.com and follow him on Instagram and on X @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe’s free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Dolphins trade for Caedan Wallace: Why ex-Patriot could be key OL piece
Reporting by Joe Schad, Palm Beach Post / Palm Beach Post
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By Joe Schad, Palm Beach Post | USA TODAY Network
