It is no surprise that the media is down on the Miami Dolphins, and that could be due to the team's roster construction, cap situation, and much more.
That includes NFL insider Adam Schefter, who has already deemed the Dolphins as the "team to beat" for the top draft pick in 2027.
Being counted out is something that the Miami players are well aware of, and many have addressed the outside expectations, including linebacker Jordyn Brooks. Brooks spoke about having an "underdog mindset" regarding the 2026 season.
"I mean, I don't think we have a choice. Honestly, I don't think it's one outlet on social media, anybody that's got us picked to win anything. You know what I mean? Not that it matters, but it's just what it is. I don't think any of our opponents respect us, you know what I mean? So, 100% underdog mindset, and I think that's always the best position to be in, you know what I mean? Um, and so we're going to carry that mindset into the season and uh have that us-against-the-world mentality," Brooks said.
That same aspect of social media and the media not giving the Dolphins a chance was also addressed by head coach Jeff Hafley earlier in training camp, who said he was not going to tell players about that fact. Whether or not the players found that out themselves does not matter.
Schefter spoke about the Dolphins being at the top of a list that no team wants to be a part of.
"I think everybody knows what's coming in Miami this season. A lot of losses. And the Dolphins right now, going into the season, are the team to beat for the No. 1 overall draft pick in the 2027 NFL Draft," Schefter said.
Many sportsbooks also have the Dolphins winning no more than 4.5 to five games this season. However, these are all predictions that have not rung true.
Hafley has certainly been able to showcase a level of drive and coaching capability that the Miami players have already bought into. If he is even a remotely solid coach, he can certainly lead the team to at least five wins.
The Dolphins have a tough schedule along with traveling a lot of miles to take on their opponents. The proverbial deck is stacked against the team, but that does not mean they are guaranteed to underperform.
As the saying goes, "Any Given Sunday," and the South Florida team has a shot at surprising many people. Granted, a lot needs to go right for the Dolphins to win on the field, but they do have a shot.
There is also a huge youth movement in Miami , and many rookies are expected to take up starting positions. If the maturity and trust in the rookies pay off, the team could end up being young and hungry, which is what Hafley and general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan have preached since they took over the organization.
That said, the Dolphins could be very competitive or they could also still lose enough to secure the No. 1 draft pick in 2027. Either way, that will not be known for many more weeks.

