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Caleb Douglas is making a serious early push to become the Miami Dolphins’ next big-play weapon.
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The rookie wide receiver has been one of the biggest standouts of training camp, and now he’s being rewarded for his strong summer.
On the Dolphins’ initial depth chart released Tuesday, Douglas was listed as a starting receiver alongside Jalen Tolbert and Malik Washington.
The third-round pick has also developed strong chemistry with starting quarterback Malik Willis, frequently emerging as his go-to target throughout camp, according to reports.
“I’ve been impressed,” Dolphins coach Jeff Hafley said earlier in training camp. “I think he’s still got work to do and within the scheme, but we’ve moved him around. He’s made some contested catches, which I think is very impressive with guys right there. I think that’s probably the No. 1 thing that I wanted to see from him; when there was people around him and when the catches were hard, could he make them? Because he does have good size and he has a good catch radius. He’s got a ways to go for what we expect of him, but I’m pleased with the way how he’s approached stuff right now.”
Douglas was selected 75th overall in the 2026 NFL Draft with the expectation that he could make an immediate impact. The opportunity is there.
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Dolphins need Douglas to be an immediate contributor
Tyreek Hill is gone. Jaylen Waddle is gone. And the Dolphins are still searching for proven playmakers at wide receiver. Douglas has already taken advantage of his snaps.
Although he sits ahead of Tutu Atwell on the initial depth chart, Douglas hasn’t officially locked up a starting job. He’ll need to carry his impressive practice performances into preseason games and prove he can consistently make plays when the lights are on.
But there’s plenty to like.
At 6-foot-4 and 205 pounds, Douglas gives Miami a size element that many of its other receivers lack. He’s also a polished route runner and possesses legitimate deep speed, running a 4.39-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine.
The upcoming joint practices against the Washington Commanders and New York Giants should provide a much tougher test.
For now, though, Douglas is doing everything he can to make sure the Dolphins have a new weapon on the rise.
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This story was originally published August 12, 2026 at 5:00 AM.