It sounds like the 2026 Miami Dolphins are committed to avoiding a misstep that proved problematic last season
One decision proved to complicate one of the Miami Dolphins’ most important units in 2025. This year’s group sounds committed to not falling into the same trap.
The Miami Dolphins have a big investment in offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor. Both literally and figuratively.
And if the Miami Dolphins of 2026 are going to catch folks off-guard with their on-field performance, Proctor is likely going to be playing a major part in that effort. Accordingly, putting Proctor in positions to be the best version of himself as a rookie is going to be a major subplot for this year’s coaches. They’re off to a hot start. Some further elaboration from offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik should be raising some eyebrows. Especially as a contrast to what the Dolphins did last year with another big investment up front.
Miami Dolphins plan to start Kadyn Proctor on the left side first
“(Proctor) is a really big human with great feet and good movement skills. And quite honestly, when you can do that, you could play anywhere up front. Now, he played mainly left side in college. So we’re going to keep him on the left side whether it’s guard or tackle. That’s the bigger transition more often than not. When you start flipping guys sides up front and they’re not used to it? That’s generally harder than…tackle to guard situations. I’d say the only thing that changes is it’s a hair faster at guard and there’s a hair more space when you’re out at tackle. And that’s about the extent of the difference.”
— Miami Dolphins offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik on first round pick Kadyn Proctor’s 2026 starting point
It’s an interesting development. Proctor will be started as a left side only player one year after the prior Dolphins regime drafted Jonah Savaiinaea and charged him with both a position and side flip all at once. That flipping of sides was something that 2025 rookie Jonah Savaiinaea conceded proved challenging last year during training camp. And his play as a rookie would suggest it was a battle for much of the year.
Savaiinaea, of course, moves back to the right side this season as a result.
Miami’s plan for what happens in 2026 if right tackle Austin Jackson goes down for a period of time? That is the bigger unanswered question. Miami may opt to keep Proctor from moving around too much too fast as a rookie to help build confidence and a strong consistency in his execution before pulling on too many strings at once. It sounds like, at the very least, that would be Miami’s preference for now. And based on how things played out last season with Savaiinaea, I don’t think anyone can blame them.
Miami Dolphins News