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3 Texas Longhorn rookies could surprise at Dolphins training camp
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- 3 Texas Longhorn rookies could surprise at Dolphins training camp
The rookies reported to training camp on Tuesday for the Miami Dolphins and a University of Texas trio each have a great opportunity. In a draft class of 13 selections, general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan stayed in the state of Texas for five picks, three of them being Texas Longhorns .
Beyond being collegiate teammates, these three rookies all share a similarity of being in position groups where they have a great chance at significant playing time.
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EDGE/LB Trey Moore
Dec 21, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns edge Trey Moore (8) against the Clemson Tigers during the CFP National playoff first round at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Versatile pass rusher Trey Moore could be a very enticing piece for head coach Jeff Hafley to work with this summer. Whether he plays off-ball or on the edge, the Dolphins need to identify pass rushers. The edge position is a major need for Miami, arguably having very limited pass rush specialists other than Chop Robinson.
Moore proved he has a knack at getting to the quarterback, as he spent two seasons at the University of Texas- San Antonio before transferring to the college powerhouse program in Austin. While at UTSA, he totaled 22 sacks as well as 35.5 tackles for loss. At Texas he recorded 8.5 sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss. Moore has excellent intelligence both on and off the field and was named Texas' Spring 2025 Team Academic MVP.
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The flexibility Moore brings is something Hafley covets, and he could see heavy snaps in both areas as an edge and at the second phase at linebacker. Hafley pointed out the versatility back in April following Moore's selection, telling media, "all the things that Trey can do, the amount of sacks that he's had in his career, the ability to play linebacker, the ability to play off the edge. That's really exciting for us."
S Michael Taaffe
Dec 21, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns defensive back Michael Taaffe (16) in action during the game between the Texas Longhorns and the Clemson Tigers in the CFP National Playoff First Round at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
If you are looking for a story and a player to root for, fifth-round pick Michael Taaffe, is a contender for sure. Not at all heavily recruited out of high school, Taaffe passed on smaller programs in hopes to walk on at UT. Not only did he accomplish that, but he also eventually earned a scholarship, then All-American honors, and of course, became an NFL drafted player.
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Taaffe enters a thin safety room and has limited competition to see the field and can even push for a starting job. A very intelligent player, who can be a virtual coach on the field, Taaffe could be a free safety who excels in coverage. Miami has Dante Trader Jr. in the safety group who is the only safe assumption as a starter. There also will be free agents in veteran journeyman Lonnie Johnson Jr. as well as special teamer Zayne Anderson competing, along with 2026 undrafted rookie Louis Moore.
Taaffe may not have prototypical size, but has smarts, instincts and heart that all could push his way to a high snap count in two phases of the game as a rookie. He's a surefire bet to be an instant special teams' contributor, as he saw over 500 snaps in that aspect of the game at Texas and even blocked a punt.
His teammate at Texas and now again in Miami, Moore told reporters his thoughts on Taaffe, saying, "He's a very humble guy, a great guy to be around, great teammate, great leader. It was great to play with him those couple of years I did at Texas, and now it's going to be great to play with him these next years in Miami. It's a blessing for sure."
G DJ Campbell
Nov 30, 2024; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns offensive lineman DJ Campbell (52) blocks during the second half against the Texas A&M Aggies. The Longhorns defeated the Aggies 17-7 at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images
The third Texas draftee is pure right guard DJ Campbell. The sixth-round pick joins a room that is lacking depth and penciled in as the starting right guard is second-year Jonah Savaiinaea . As a second-round pick who Miami traded up to select, Savaiinaea was actually the worst rated interior offensive lineman in the NFL in 2025 and in the last 20 years of PFF grading for those who played at least 950 snaps.
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While to be fair, the previous Miami coaching regime experimented with moving Savaiinaea to the left side. He played on the right side at Arizona in college and will now have a fresh start in 2026 on his natural side. Although moving back to the right, it's not a guarantee the job is his, and a strong summer from Campbell could push the issues here. Savaiinaea will have to start camp strong and keep consistent, because regardless of a new regime, his performance last season was simply not good enough.
Campbell is yet another Texas player who brings smarts to the field and adds good strength and toughness to his game which could help a Miami rushing attack that needs to develop a new identity. He showed reliability and durability with 43 straight starts at right guard at Texas. He has enough speed at the position to be a factor in the next level and help runners downfield. He can also spot a bull rush well and has long arms for a guard. He will cause needed competition for Savaiinaea this summer.
Taaffe had a ringing endorsement of Campbell back in April, telling media, "his athletic ability, I don't know if y'all ever watched him as a high school recruit, but he was a five-star. He was one of the biggest recruits we got in the last four years, five years that I was there. It was because of his talent and his athletic ability as an o-lineman. He's really physical. He'll let you know, too, so it was a lot of fun going back and forth with him, four years at Texas."
This article originally appeared on Dolphins Wire: 3 Texas Longhorn rookies could surprise at Dolphins training camp
