Dolphins rookie Ollie Gordon II turned heads in his debut but Mike McDaniel’s recent challenge reveals what will ultimately decide his role in 2025

Ollie Gordon II ran well on Sunday against the Bears. But Mike McDaniel wants to see how he grows without the ball.

Kyle Crabbs — NFL National Writer
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© David Banks-Imagn Images

The Miami Dolphins‘ offensive backfield is looking for someone to step up behind De’Von Achane. Miami appeared to have found a sturdy veteran running back this offseason to help conduct some of the “dirty work” reps of their offense in 2025 before Alexander Mattison suffered a season-ending neck injury on Sunday in Chicago. Miami has since added two running backs to their preseason roster — but neither Mike Boone or Aaron Shampklin has the feel of a 53-man roster contributor.

That leaves youngster Jaylen Wright and rookie Ollie Gordon II as the primary contenders to step up opposite De’Von Achane to give the Dolphins a bigger, more powerful complementary back. Gordon II’s Dolphins debut came late against the Bears and both the numbers and the film were impressive when he had his touches. But head coach Mike McDaniel appeared to offer a public challenge to Gordon II before the hype train could get rolling too fast during his press availability on Tuesday.

Coach McDaniel wants to see his rookie running back master the little things without the ball.

Aug 10, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Miami Dolphins running back Ollie Gordon II (31) celebrates his touchdown against the Chicago Bears during the second half at Soldier Field. © David Banks-Imagn Images

“I thought (Gordon II) did some good things with the ball in his hands. I think that the biggest thing for backs – rookie backs in particular – is I recognize a lot of good things with his game and he was a very tough tackle and he ran super hard and that’s what we really liked drafting him. Rookies have to learn how to play when the ball is not in our hands, meaning you can’t just be in the game – and this is all rookies in general – you can’t just be in the game when you get the ball. That’s the worst tell in America. So you have to be able to execute one-eleventh of the necessary execution on every other play. He ran some good routes, but I think the main thing is the dependability and his ability to align and do all the things that we ask the back to do, is what I want to see grow from him. So it was a good starting point for him and I want to see his play flourish when he doesn’t have the ball as well as when he does.”

— Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel on running back Ollie Gordon II’s path forward

There are two surefire ways for a young running back to get himself in trouble with a new coaching staff. Ball security and pass protection issues. McDaniel’s challenge to Gordon II indicates there’s little question in the team’s mind about if Gordon II is a talented enough runner. But can he master his pass protection assignments? Can he step up in the pocket and sort through multiple rush threats? Can he catch the loft throws down the field like the one that Gordon II missed in the final seconds of Miami’s 24-24 tie with the Bears on Sunday?

It’s a nice reminder that buzz is easy to get rolling and everyone wants their young players to hit across the board. But it is often the little, overlooked elements that can get a player or (or off) the field when the regular season starts.

So in the weeks ahead, you know where to look for growth from Ollie Gordon II. It isn’t as a physical runner. He’s got that part down. It’s in the ancillary pieces of the offense — because that could be where Miami needs him most to complement Achane in 2025.

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