The Miami Dolphins may have allowed several key players from their 2025 roster to hit the market and find new teams this offseason, but Miami didn’t take much of a hit at linebacker over the last few months.
While K.J. Britt signed with the New England Patriots and Caleb Johnson remains unsigned in free agency, the Dolphins added to their linebacking corps in the 2026 NFL draft, taking two players in the middle rounds.
Before Miami starts their first training camp under new head coach Jeff Hafley, let’s take a look at the linebacker room and see who’s competing for jobs this summer.
Jordyn Brooks
Brooks was an All-Big 12 and All-American linebacker at Texas Tech before the Seattle Seahawks took him in the first round (No. 27 overall) of the 2020 NFL draft. After four seasons in the NFC West, he signed a three-year deal with the Dolphins in 2024 and earned both All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors for his efforts in 2025.
This year, Brooks is expected to be the team’s top starter again at the position, but if the two sides can’t agree on an extension soon, Miami could consider trading him.
Projected Role: Starter
Tyrel Dodson
Dodson played at Texas A&M from 2016-18 before signing with the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted rookie in 2019. After four seasons with the Bills, he had a quick stint with the Seahawks in 2024 before returning back to the AFC East with the Dolphins later that year.
Entering the second-year of a two-year, $8.25 million deal, Dodson may also be on the trade block, especially with the two rookies breathing down his neck. However, for now, he’s holding down a starting spot.
Projected Role: Starter
Jacob Rodriguez
Rodriguez was Miami’s third selection in the 2026 NFL draft after playing one year at Virginia and four at Texas Tech, where he earned All-Big 12 honors twice and All-American honors once. He also won Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, the Chuck Bednarik Award, the Lombardi Award, the Butkus Award and the Bronko Nagurski Trophy in 2025.
At this point, it seems like Rodriguez is primed to take over as a starter at some point, but if Brooks and Dodson are around for the year, he’ll rotate in and still play plenty of snaps.
Projected Role: Rotational
Kyle Louis
Louis was Miami’s eighth selection in this year’s draft, as they took him in the fourth round (No. 138 overall). Over the last four years at Pittsburgh, the hybrid linebacker/safety earned All-ACC honors twice and All-American honors once.
As a rookie, the Dolphins should really use his depth, considering their lack of talent in the safety room. However, if they keep him at linebacker, he could be used in sub packages throughout the year.
Projected Role: Rotational/Depth
Willie Gay Jr.
Gay played three seasons at Mississippi State from 2017-19 before the Kansas City Chiefs took him in the second round (No. 63 overall) of the 2020 NFL draft. During his four years in Kansas City, he won two Super Bowls before leaving for a one-year deal with the New Orleans Saints.
The 28-year-old joined the Dolphins last year and appeared in all 17 games. He’s great depth for the team to have, but if numbers are needed for other positions, he could be out of a job in South Florida.
Projected Role: Depth
Ronnie Harrison Jr.
Harrison played at Alabama from 2015-17, earning All-SEC honors twice and winning two national championships with the Crimson Tide. Since the Jacksonville Jaguars took him in the third round (No. 93 overall) of the 2018 NFL draft, he’s had stints with the Cleveland Browns, Indianapolis Colts and Atlanta Falcons.
Miami signed Harrison to a one-year contract this offseason, but considering he plays a very similar role to Louis, his presence on the roster may be redundant. However, he could help the rookie adjust to life as a hybrid player in the NFL.
Projected Role: Depth/Practice Squad Candidate
Jackson Woodard
Woodard began his collegiate career at Arkansas, where he played from 2020-22, before transferring to UNLV for the final two years. With the Rebels, he earned All-Mountain West honors twice and was named Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year in 2024. He signed with the Seahawks as an undrafted free agent last year, but he spent the actual season split between the Houston Texans and Dolphins.
Miami played Woodard in three games at the end of the year, and he contributed a bit on special teams. With the additions of the two rookies, it’s hard to see him making the roster, but he could stick around on the practice squad.
Projected Role: Practice Squad Candidate
This article originally appeared on Dolphins Wire: Dolphins training camp preview: LB room is the best on defense
Reporting by Mike Masala, Dolphins Wire / Dolphins Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Mike Masala, Dolphins Wire | USA TODAY Network
