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How Dolphins chose to roll with Jacob Rodriguez, let Tyrel Dodson go
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- How Dolphins chose to roll with Jacob Rodriguez, let Tyrel Dodson go
MIAMI GARDENS ― Miami Dolphins coach Jeff Hafley prefers to arrive at the team facility in the early morning and he's noticed something about rookie linebacker Jacob Rodriguez .
"He's extremely mature and he's very quickly become a pro say that, you know, you get here early and you go down to the weight room and he's got a routine where he's stretching at 5:30, 6 o'clock in the morning," Hafley said of Rodriguez.
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Rodriguez will be Miami's undisputed starting middle linebacker, following the release of veteran Tyrel Dodson . Rodriguez, 23, is perhaps the most serious and locked-in of Miami's 13-member rookie draft class.
"He's probably one of the first guys eating a good meal at breakfast, and then he's meeting extra in the meeting rooms," Hafley said. "He's just doing everything that a lot of veterans do. It takes some guys to be a veteran to do. So, I think the maturity level, I think he's got a great deal of confidence in himself."
Rodriguez was a second-round pick from Texas Tech. Miami can only hope he continues to make plays that remind fans of former Texas Tech and Dolphins linebacker Zach Thomas .
Miami Dolphins news : Jacob Rodriguez to start; Tyrel Dodson cut
"I don't want to anoint him yet," Hafley said. "I think he's got a lot of work to do, but I am excited about where he's at right now."
Aug 28, 2026; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis (2) reacts on the bench against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
(Sam Navarro, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Green Bay Packers quarterback Kyle McCord (18) passes the ball against the Arizona Cardinals during their preseason football game on Friday, Aug. 28, 2026, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers won the game, 42-38.
Tork Mason/Green Bay Press-Gazette
(Tork Mason/Green Bay Press-Gazet, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - AUGUST 14: Brady Cook #4 of the New York Jets looks to pass in the third quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at MetLife Stadium on August 14, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Evan Bernstein/Getty Images)
(Evan Bernstein, Getty Images)
Aug 8, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins running back De'von Achane (28) looks on from the field during practice at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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Jul 30, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins running back Jaylen Wright (5) speaks to reporters after practice at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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Aug 2, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins running back Ollie Gordon II (0) speaks to reporters after practice at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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Aug 2, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins fullback DJ Herman (34) works during practice at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
(Sam Navarro, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Jul 30, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Kevin Coleman Jr. (83) runs with the football during practice at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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Feb 27, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Louisville wideout Chris Bell (WO03) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images
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Aug 20, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington (6) speaks to reporters after joint practice with the New York Giants at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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Aug 3, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Caleb Douglas (7) speaks to reporters after practice at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
(Sam Navarro, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Jul 30, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jalen Tolbert (1) works during practice at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
(Sam Navarro, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Jun 3, 2026; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Ryan Miller (5) participates in drills during organized team activities at Quest Diagnostics Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
(Vincent Carchietta, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 20, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins center Aaron Brewer (55) speaks to reporters after joint practice with the New York Giants at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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Aug 22, 2026; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins offensive lineman Patrick Paul (52) looks on prior to a preseason game against the New York Giants at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Storry-Imagn Images
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Miami Dolphins guard Jonah Savaiinaea (71) talks to reporters at training camp at Baptist Health Training Complex, Sunday, August 2, 2026 in Miami Gardens, FL.
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Aug 3, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins guard Austin Jackson (73) works during practice at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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Aug 8, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor (74) speaks to reporters after practice at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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Jul 29, 2025; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins guard Josh Priebe (68) signs his gloves for a fan during training camp at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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Jul 31, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins guard DJ Campbell (63) looks on during practice at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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Sep 30, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins center Andrew Meyer (60) looks on against the Tennessee Titans during the second quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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Aug 20, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins guard Caedan Wallace (75) works on the field during joint practice with the New York Giants at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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Jan 4, 2026; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Miami Dolphins tight end Greg Dulcich (85) runs after the catch against against the New England Patriots during the third quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
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Aug 8, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins tight end Will Kacmarek (82) works during practice at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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May 8, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins tight end Seydou Traore (49) speaks to reporters during rookie minicamp at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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Aug 2, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Zach Sieler (92) looks on during practice at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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Jul 30, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Jordan Phillips (94) speaks to reporters after practice at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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Jul 29, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins defensive lineman Keith Cooper Jr. (97) looks on during practice at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
(Sam Navarro, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 2, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Zeek Biggers (93) speaks to reporters during practice at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
(Sam Navarro, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 2, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins edge Robert Beal Jr. (51) works during practice at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
(Sam Navarro, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Jul 30, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins edge Josh Uche (9) speaks to reporters after practice at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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Aug 8, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins linebacker Chop Robinson (44) speaks to reporters after practice at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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Jul 28, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins linebacker Jordyn Brooks (20) speaks to reporters after practice at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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Aug 2, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins inside linebacker Jacob Rodriguez (10) looks speaks to reporters after practice at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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Aug 28, 2026; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins linebacker Willie Gay Jr. (40) reacts after recovering a fumble against Atlanta Falcons quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (not pictured) during the first quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
(Sam Navarro, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins linebacker Jackson Woodard (42) tackles Atlanta Falcons running back Brian Robinson Jr. (15) during the first quarter of a pre season game at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Storry-Imagn Images
(Rich Storry, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
May 8, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins safety Michael Taaffe (31) speaks to reporters during rookie minicamp at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
(Sam Navarro, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Dec 28, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins cornerback Jason Marshall Jr. (33) celebrates with teammates following an interception during the second quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
(Sam Navarro, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Jul 31, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins safety Dante Trader Jr. (11) speaks to reporters after practice at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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Jul 31, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins cornerback Chris Johnson (3) looks on during practice at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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Aug 2, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins safety Zayne Anderson (23) works during practice at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 09: JuJu Brents #32 of the Miami Dolphins reacts after a play against the Buffalo Bills during the first quarter in the game at Hard Rock Stadium on November 09, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
(Megan Briggs, Getty Images)
Aug 22, 2026; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Marcellas Dial Jr. (27) prays before the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Edward Finan-Imagn Images
(Edward Finan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 30, 2025; Landover, Maryland, USA; Denver Broncos cornerback Reese Taylor (35) celebrates after a play against the Washington Commanders in the first quarter of the game at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images
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Aug 15, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Dallas Cowboys specialist Julius Wood (32) reacts to a special teams play during the first half against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
(Steven Bisig, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Jul 22, 2025; St. Joseph, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Chukwuebuka Godrick (72) walks down the hill to the practice fields during training camp at Missouri Western State University. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
(Denny Medley-Imagn Images)
August 18, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive end Chase Young (99) rushes against San Francisco 49ers guard Jarrett Kingston (62) during the second quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
(Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports)
Aug 28, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos tight end Justin Joly (80) in the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
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Jul 30, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins long snapper Tucker Addington (46) works during practice at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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Nov 16, 2025; Madrid, Spain; Miami Dolphins place kicker Riley Patterson (47) reacts after the 2025 NFL Madrid Game against the Washington Commanders at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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Aug 14, 2026; Landover, Maryland, USA; Miami Dolphins punter Bradley Pinion (48) kicks the ball during the first half against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images
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Aug 28, 2026; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis (2) reacts on the bench against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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Aug 28, 2026; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis (2) reacts on the bench against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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Green Bay Packers quarterback Kyle McCord (18) passes the ball against the Arizona Cardinals during their preseason football game on Friday, Aug. 28, 2026, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers won the game, 42-38.
Tork Mason/Green Bay Press-Gazette
(Tork Mason/Green Bay Press-Gazet, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - AUGUST 14: Brady Cook #4 of the New York Jets looks to pass in the third quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at MetLife Stadium on August 14, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Evan Bernstein/Getty Images)
(Evan Bernstein, Getty Images)
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Aug 8, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins running back De'von Achane (28) looks on from the field during practice at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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Jul 30, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins running back Jaylen Wright (5) speaks to reporters after practice at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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Aug 2, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins running back Ollie Gordon II (0) speaks to reporters after practice at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
(Sam Navarro, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Aug 2, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins fullback DJ Herman (34) works during practice at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
(Sam Navarro, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Jul 30, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Kevin Coleman Jr. (83) runs with the football during practice at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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Feb 27, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Louisville wideout Chris Bell (WO03) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images
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Aug 20, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington (6) speaks to reporters after joint practice with the New York Giants at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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Aug 3, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Caleb Douglas (7) speaks to reporters after practice at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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Jul 30, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jalen Tolbert (1) works during practice at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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Jun 3, 2026; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Ryan Miller (5) participates in drills during organized team activities at Quest Diagnostics Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
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Aug 20, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins center Aaron Brewer (55) speaks to reporters after joint practice with the New York Giants at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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Aug 22, 2026; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins offensive lineman Patrick Paul (52) looks on prior to a preseason game against the New York Giants at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Storry-Imagn Images
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Miami Dolphins guard Jonah Savaiinaea (71) talks to reporters at training camp at Baptist Health Training Complex, Sunday, August 2, 2026 in Miami Gardens, FL.
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Aug 3, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins guard Austin Jackson (73) works during practice at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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Aug 8, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor (74) speaks to reporters after practice at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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Jul 29, 2025; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins guard Josh Priebe (68) signs his gloves for a fan during training camp at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
(Sam Navarro, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Jul 31, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins guard DJ Campbell (63) looks on during practice at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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Sep 30, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins center Andrew Meyer (60) looks on against the Tennessee Titans during the second quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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Aug 20, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins guard Caedan Wallace (75) works on the field during joint practice with the New York Giants at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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Jan 4, 2026; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Miami Dolphins tight end Greg Dulcich (85) runs after the catch against against the New England Patriots during the third quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
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Aug 8, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins tight end Will Kacmarek (82) works during practice at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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May 8, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins tight end Seydou Traore (49) speaks to reporters during rookie minicamp at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
(Sam Navarro, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Aug 2, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Zach Sieler (92) looks on during practice at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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Jul 30, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Jordan Phillips (94) speaks to reporters after practice at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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Jul 29, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins defensive lineman Keith Cooper Jr. (97) looks on during practice at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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Aug 2, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Zeek Biggers (93) speaks to reporters during practice at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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Aug 2, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins edge Robert Beal Jr. (51) works during practice at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
(Sam Navarro, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Jul 30, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins edge Josh Uche (9) speaks to reporters after practice at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
(Sam Navarro, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Aug 8, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins linebacker Chop Robinson (44) speaks to reporters after practice at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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Jul 28, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins linebacker Jordyn Brooks (20) speaks to reporters after practice at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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Aug 2, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins inside linebacker Jacob Rodriguez (10) looks speaks to reporters after practice at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
(Sam Navarro, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Aug 28, 2026; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins linebacker Willie Gay Jr. (40) reacts after recovering a fumble against Atlanta Falcons quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (not pictured) during the first quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
(Sam Navarro, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Aug 28, 2026; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins linebacker Jackson Woodard (42) tackles Atlanta Falcons running back Brian Robinson Jr. (15) during the first quarter of a pre season game at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Storry-Imagn Images
(Rich Storry, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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May 8, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins safety Michael Taaffe (31) speaks to reporters during rookie minicamp at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
(Sam Navarro, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Dec 28, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins cornerback Jason Marshall Jr. (33) celebrates with teammates following an interception during the second quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
(Sam Navarro, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Jul 31, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins safety Dante Trader Jr. (11) speaks to reporters after practice at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
(Sam Navarro, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Jul 31, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins cornerback Chris Johnson (3) looks on during practice at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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Aug 2, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins safety Zayne Anderson (23) works during practice at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 09: JuJu Brents #32 of the Miami Dolphins reacts after a play against the Buffalo Bills during the first quarter in the game at Hard Rock Stadium on November 09, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
(Megan Briggs, Getty Images)
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Aug 22, 2026; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Marcellas Dial Jr. (27) prays before the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Edward Finan-Imagn Images
(Edward Finan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Nov 30, 2025; Landover, Maryland, USA; Denver Broncos cornerback Reese Taylor (35) celebrates after a play against the Washington Commanders in the first quarter of the game at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images
(Peter Casey, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Aug 15, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Dallas Cowboys specialist Julius Wood (32) reacts to a special teams play during the first half against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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Jul 22, 2025; St. Joseph, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Chukwuebuka Godrick (72) walks down the hill to the practice fields during training camp at Missouri Western State University. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
(Denny Medley-Imagn Images)
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August 18, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive end Chase Young (99) rushes against San Francisco 49ers guard Jarrett Kingston (62) during the second quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
(Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports)
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Aug 28, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos tight end Justin Joly (80) in the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
(Isaiah J. Downing, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Jul 30, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins long snapper Tucker Addington (46) works during practice at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
(Sam Navarro, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Nov 16, 2025; Madrid, Spain; Miami Dolphins place kicker Riley Patterson (47) reacts after the 2025 NFL Madrid Game against the Washington Commanders at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
(Kirby Lee, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Aug 14, 2026; Landover, Maryland, USA; Miami Dolphins punter Bradley Pinion (48) kicks the ball during the first half against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images
(Amber Searls, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
That said, Hafley does not seem at all concerned that specific praise will have a negative impact on Rodriguez's mindset. And on the field, Rodriguez has been a ball of fire.
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"He's got a great presence about him on the field," Hafley said. "It's not too big for him. He's really, really physical. He's a good communicator. He knows where to be. He's very instinctive. And he's good in coverage. If you just look back through training camp, he was able to get his hand on the football quite a bit. He took the ball away, whether he was punching it out or whether he was going up and having interceptions."
The Dolphins need to force turnovers to have a chance to pull some upsets in 2026. And Rodriguez has been a turnover machine in college.
Miami Dolphins roster : Leaning on rookies like Jacob Rodriguez
Hafley says the veterans have belief in Rodriguez, already.
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"This guy he's got something to him," Hafley said.
Aug 14, 2026; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders tight end Colson Yankoff (80) carries the ball as Miami Dolphins linebacker Jacob Rodriguez (10) and Dolphins safety Lonnie Johnson Jr. (32) defend during the first half at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images
Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan, in addressing why Dodson was let go, said simply: "It's a very fair question, like why would you move on from T. Dot, but I think it really just highlights how we feel about the young guys on our team."
With Dodson gone, Rodriguez will be taking the play calls from Hafley this season.
Rodriguez will wear a listening device inside his helmet.
"In the preseason games when Jacob was in, I was the one calling it in,' Hafley said. "When Jacob is in there now, I will be the one talking to him. Because we have to get that, you know, the communication down. But it's been that way for most of training camp."
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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: How Dolphins chose to roll with Jacob Rodriguez, let Tyrel Dodson go
