The Dolphins depth chart released on Tuesday offered an early clue about how Miami views its receiver room after a major offseason reset. Rookie Caleb Douglas, a third-round pick taken No. 75 overall, was listed among the team's top three receivers.
That is notable because the Dolphins are still one of a small group of teams trying to identify a clear top option at the position. In the offseason, Miami parted with Tyreek Hill and traded away Jaylen Waddle, leaving the group far less established than it was in previous years.
Why Douglas stands out
Douglas has already made an impression in camp, and the praise from Miami has been straightforward. Greg Dulcich said, "He’s making plays left and right," and added, "It’s awesome. He's showing up all over the field. We’re stoked to have him, for sure."
Jeff Hafley was just as direct about Douglas' consistency. "It’s been consistency over time. He’s been really consistent," Hafley said. He added that Douglas has shown both flash plays and plays where he still needs to clean things up, but said, "he's probably been one of our most consistent guys. He showed up every day. So that’s where he deserves to be at this point."
Douglas himself said he is focused on the basics and on learning how the game flows with the quarterback. "Just kind of seeing where his steps are going to be, where his looks are, where his reads are, things like that," Douglas said. "Really, just seeing the ball, catching the ball. Knowing the game all your life, with the quarterback, it’s just catch the ball when it’s thrown to you."
What the depth chart means now
The other recognizable names in Miami's receiver group are Malik Washington, Jalen Tolbert, Tutu Atwell and Jalen Reagor, but none has broken 650 receiving yards in a season. That makes Douglas' spot on the first depth chart more interesting, even if Hafley was careful not to overstate it.
"It’s a start," Hafley said. He also told the team that the early chart should not be treated like a finished product: "If anybody’s going to get worked up about where they are in the depth chart right now, come and talk to me because I could probably explain to you, and let’s worry about that three weeks from now."
Miami will get another look at the group on Wednesday during a joint practice with the Washington Commanders, with Friday's preseason game providing another chance to sort out roles. For now, Douglas has at least done enough to place himself near the top of the conversation.
