The Miami Dolphins are just five days away from switching to padded practice, a significant shift in the team's training camp approach under new coach Jeff Hafley. The change marks a departure from the more lighthearted atmosphere of previous years, with Hafley prioritizing a more intense and physical practice regimen.
Hafley has been impressed with several players, including edge rushers Josh Uche and Cameron Goode, as well as rookie cornerback Chris Johnson, who recorded an interception during Sunday's practice. Offensively, wide receivers Tutu Atwell, Kevin Coleman Jr., and A.J. Henning all performed well, while rookie wide receiver Caleb Douglas continues to push for the number one wide-out role.
Hafley praised Douglas, saying, "I've been impressed. 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." Douglas has been able to make plays despite having size and catch radius, and Hafley is pleased with his approach to practice.
Linebacker Kyle Louis has also been making a name for himself on special teams' work, according to Dolphins writer and podcaster Travis Wingfield. Louis was able to get into the backfield while playing defensive snaps and recorded a sack and tackle for loss.
Hafley is excited to get to full-fledged football, saying, "I think the game changes when pads come on. I think it's easier to run the ball when the pads come on. I think offensive linemen can get their hands underneath shoulder pads." He believes that the added physicality will allow the team to practice in different tempos and work on tackling and breaking tackles.
Hafley was also brutally honest about rookie Michael Taaffe's interception from a few practices ago, saying, "Taaffe made an interception the other day and he was completely wrong. He shouldn't have even been there." He emphasized the importance of focusing on the process, rather than just the result, to ensure consistent performance.
The Dolphins' approach under Hafley seems to be a significant departure from previous years, and it will be interesting to see how players respond and perform when pads are on and evaluation is in full force. With just five days to go before padded practice begins, the team is gearing up for a more intense and physical training camp.
Source: Yahoo Sports