What we learned during Dolphins minicamp (kickoffs will be wild in training camp)

It’s time to turn the page on the NFL calendar. Again.

Unfortunately, it’s time to take that agonizing six- or seven-week pause between minicamp and training camp.

But before we go any deeper into our summer break, let’s take a look back at this week’s Dolphins  minicamp, which was reduced from three days to two days.

Yes, the off-field action was much more dramatic and exciting than the on-field action, thanks to quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle talking about their contracts, and Hill and Waddle joking about Tagovailoa’s weight loss.

Still, we were able to gain valuable knowledge on many fronts regarding the Dolphins on both sides of the ball.

Here’s a rundown of what we learned during minicamp.

Offense, defense will have different looks

We can’t report the majority of what we saw during minicamp because technically they’re closed practices, and we’d be giving away a competitive advantage.

But, we saw some different stuff. Some exciting stuff.

There were individual matchups, personnel packages and use of personnel that indicated the Dolphins are thinking in ways they haven’t thought in the previous two seasons under coach Mike McDaniel.

During training camp late next month you might see the Dolphins take advantage of cornerback Jalen Ramsey’s versatility, throw to the tight end more frequently on third down and in the red zone, utilize the slot receiver more, come up with different stunts and twists for defensive linemen and blitz more.

That doesn’t mean those things will be successful enough to stick around through the regular season. But training camp should reveal numerous different looks, ideas and strategies.

Tua, Tyreek and Jaylen can still entertain

We didn’t see this trio on the field together during minicamp because Hill was largely excused from activity. 

But they all spoke openly about their contracts — and Tagovailoa’s weight loss.

By the way, Waddle informed us that Hill, himself and fellow receiver Odell Beckham Jr. haven’t yet been on the field together along with Tagovailoa yet.

That will undoubtedly happen during training camp.

McDaniel still prioritizes veteran rest

Some veterans such as Hill, left tackle Terron Armstead and Beckham Jr. didn’t participate during minicamp, and other veterans such as Ramsey, running back Raheem Mostert and backup left tackle Kendall Lamm had their activity monitored as McDaniel continues to be mindful of the workload he puts on older players and key players.

The Dolphins have battled injury problems the past two seasons. Very few of the key injuries were due to overuse, but McDaniel is still trying to maximize the chances of his key players being available in December and January.

Look for that trend to continue in training camp. The top players will most likely see the most action during joint practices against another team as opposed to training camp or preseason games. 

Constant reminder of Dolphins’ playoff drought

McDaniel never lets his assistant coaches forget that it’s been 24 years since the Dolphins’ last playoff victory. 

Interesting.

Phillips, Chubb moving better

Edge rushers Jaelan Phillips (Achilles) and Bradley Chubb (knee) were both walking better during minicamp. That doesn’t mean either will be healthy for the season opener.

It’s only to say while both had a bit of a limp a few weeks ago during OTAs (Organized Team Activities), both were walking much better during minicamp. And they should be moving around even better during training camp.

Chop flashed some skills

Rookie edge rusher Chop Robinson, the first-round pick from Penn State, showed some good footwork and first step ability during drills and 11-on-11. 

No, they weren’t wearing pads.

But you could still see a little about Robinson’s quick first step.

Early results are promising.

New kickoff offers many possibilities

This new kickoff rule is going to be crazy. 

The Dolphins are experimenting with all kinds of things personnel-wise.

Teams are trying unorthodox things.

The Chiefs may not allow Harrison Butker to handle kickoff duties because the kicker might be required to tackle more frequently.

Let your imagination run wild with how the Dolphins have experimented with the kickoff situation.

Training camp should be fun to say the least.