One detail should temper expectations for the Miami Dolphins’ newest addition—despite the excitement
The Miami Dolphins sound excited for their newest addition — but it may be wise to not expect too much, too soon.
The Miami Dolphins added some much needed offensive line depth earlier this week when they traded for OL Caedan Wallace. A former early third-round draft choice, Wallace comes to Miami with a chance to serve in a key reserve role for Miami’s offensive front.
Encouraging words from head coach Jeff Hafley on Wednesday only further amplified expectations. But a key footnote on Wallace’s introduction to the team offers us a sobering reminder. This has been a fast and furious week. And that we may want to be a bit patient before determining whether or not this acquisition will be what the team hopes. Because this new relationship is moving FAST.
Jeff Hafley dishes on what the Miami Dolphins like about new OL Caedan Wallace
“We had obviously Sully and a bunch of our guys were high on him coming out in the draft and talking to our o-line coaches, it was the same thing. I talked to (offensive line coach Zach Yenser) and those guys, and he really liked him coming out. Had a high draft grade on him. He had a big smile on his face when I told him the news. The versatility, the ability to play guard and tackle, which we need some depth right now and we need competition for those spots right now. I think he brings both. I think in our league oftentimes a change of scenery, a fresh start is helpful. And with the talent that he has and the versatility that he has, we’re hoping that a fresh start will help him and he’ll come in and compete.”
— Miami Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley on Caedan Wallace
This week’s festivities may not be the best measuring stick for Wallace, though. He’s getting a crash course of all things Dolphins while the team isn’t even in South Florida. Hafley smiled while acknowledging that he’d only met Wallace for the first time on Tuesday night at dinner. That meeting was 12-18 hours before his first practice with the team, a joint effort against the Washington Commanders.
So perhaps Wallace plays a bunch in the preseason game on Friday. If he does and looks good, it’d be a huge testament to his potential. If he plays a ton and doesn’t look good? There’s going to be a lot of clarity needed on how much of this is the need for more familiarity with the offense versus his own struggles. Or perhaps he doesn’t play much at all as a result of how new everything is.
It’ll be great to watch. But based on Hafley’s assessment of the acquisition and the thoughts within the building, the hope should be that Wallace looks the part sooner rather than later. Even if Friday is a little TOO soon to tell.
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