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MIAMI GARDENS — Miami Dolphins rookie left guard Kadyn Proctor, the No. 12 pick of the NFL draft, started at left guard Wednesday, the first day of training camp practice, and stayed there all practice. And that’s the way it will be throughout Miami’s training camp.
Proctor, a standout left tackle at Alabama, won’t cross train at offensive tackle.
“He’s going to start off with left guard and try to get good at one position,” coach Jeff Hafley said Tuesday. “I think that’s fair to him and it’s the best thing. Ultimately, we need to do what’s best for our team. In this case, I think it’s best for him and I think it’s best for our team. So that’s what we’ve decided to start and we’ll go from there.”
There are two ways to look at the Dolphins’ decision regarding Proctor:
— You could argue that it’s good to allow the rookie to focus on one job. Sometimes you can overload young players by playing them at two positions, and the result could be that they won’t be good at either position;
— You could also argue that Proctor will eventually shift to tackle, so it’s better to get him repetitions at the position early in his career. Plus, you could further contend that NFL teams need versatility on the offensive line so they should cross train their players so they can always put the best five on the field.
I happen to agree with right tackle Austin Jackson’s point of view.
I asked Jackson, who was drafted as a tackle and then played guard briefly before eventually moving back to tackle, what he thinks about Proctor staying at guard.
“Whatever works best for him, honestly,” Jackson said. “That’s up to the coaches. That’s their decision.”
For the record, Proctor (6 foot 7, 352 pounds) looked good Wednesday.
He was in shape, agile, physical and able to deliver meaningful blocks, which was also the case during the offseason program.
On one play during an 11-on-11 session, Proctor had a physical matchup with veteran defensive tackle Zach Sieler, who is effective against the run and pass. Proctor did well.
On the next play, Proctor had his hands full with second-year defensive lineman Zeek Biggers during the second 11 on 11. Again, Proctor did well.
It should be noted that the Dolphins weren’t in full pads. They were in shorts, jerseys and helmets, which means there was very little physicality, one of the biggest requirements of the job.
Still, Proctor, who plays on the starting offensive line alongside Jackson, right guard Jonah Savaiinaea, center Aaron Brewer and left tackle Patrick Paul, has been up to the task as a guard so far.
“He’s a big body, he’s got good feet,” Sieler said. “I’m excited to see him keep growing through camp. Him and Jonah right there next to Brewer, and to see Brewer lead that O-line group like he has has been really exciting. I’m excited to see how they keep it going.”
Dolphins Deep Dive: Perkins, Furones on Miami’s first training camp practice | VIDEO
Miami has taken different approaches with offensive tackles in the past decade. Both approaches have been successful.
Laremy Tunsil, the No. 13 pick of the 2016 draft, was selected as a left tackle but he played guard as a rookie because the Dolphins had veteran left tackle Branden Albert. Tunsil, who has also played for the Houston Texans and now plays for the Washington Commanders, switched to left tackle in his second season and has been a five-time Pro Bowl selection.
Paul, the 2024 second-round pick, was mostly a reserve as a rookie, sitting behind Pro Bowl left tackle Terron Armstead. The Dolphins chose not to move him inside to guard. Paul became a starter at left tackle last season after Armstead retired and performed well enough and seems to have a bright future at the position.
Jackson, for the record, said his time at guard was profitable in the long run.
“It was an interesting transition,” Jackson said. “I actually got pretty confident at guard towards the end of the season … it definitely gave me a better spatial understanding of the NFL. Contact happens really fast at guard, which honestly helped me at tackle a little bit.”
We’ve seen both approaches — moving a tackle to guard, and keeping a tackle at tackle — work with Miami.
Dolphins fans must hope this approach works with Proctor.
During the first day of training camp for the Miami Dolphins Chop Robinson warms up at the Baptist Health Training Complex on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel) During the first day of training camp for the Miami Dolphins coach Jeff Hafley watches his team at the Baptist Health Training Complex on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel) During the first day of training camp for the Miami Dolphins AJ Henning catches the ball at the Baptist Health Training Complex on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel) During the first day of training camp for the Miami Dolphins Marco Wilson goes through drills at the Baptist Health Training Complex on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel) During the first day of training camp for the Miami Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis pauses at the Baptist Health Training Complex on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel) During the first day of training camp for the Miami Dolphins Kevin Coleman Jr. catches the ball at the Baptist Health Training Complex on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel) During the first day of training camp for the Miami Dolphins Kevin Coleman Jr. catches the ball at the Baptist Health Training Complex on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel) During the first day of training camp for the Miami Dolphins De'Von Achane tosses the ball at the Baptist Health Training Complex on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel) During the first day of training camp for the Miami Dolphins Chop Robinson warms up at the Baptist Health Training Complex on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel) During the first day of training camp for the Miami Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis greets his teammates at the Baptist Health Training Complex on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel) During the first day of training camp for the Miami Dolphins players gather for a water break at the Baptist Health Training Complex on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel) During the first day of training camp for the Miami Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis throws the ball at the Baptist Health Training Complex on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel) During the first day of training camp for the Miami Dolphins quarterback Mark Gronowski throws the ball at the Baptist Health Training Complex on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel) During the first day of training camp for the Miami Dolphins players gather at the Baptist Health Training Complex on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel) During the first day of training camp for the Miami Dolphins Zach Sieler warms up at the Baptist Health Training Complex on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel) During the first day of training camp for the Miami Dolphins Terrace Marshall Jr. tries to catch the ball at the Baptist Health Training Complex on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel) During the first day of training camp for the Miami Dolphins quarterbacks go through drills at the Baptist Health Training Complex on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel) During the first day of training camp for the Miami Dolphins AJ Henning catches the ball at the Baptist Health Training Complex on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel) During the first day of training camp for the Miami Dolphins Jordyn Brooks warms up at the Baptist Health Training Complex on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel) During the first day of training camp for the Miami Dolphins Caleb Douglas catches the ball at the Baptist Health Training Complex on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel) During the first day of training camp for the Miami Dolphins Charlie Heck and Patrick Paul warm up at the Baptist Health Training Complex on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel) During the first day of training camp for the Miami Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis throws the ball at the Baptist Health Training Complex on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel) During the first day of training camp for the Miami Dolphins players go through drills at the Baptist Health Training Complex on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel) During the first day of training camp for the Miami Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis throws the ball at the Baptist Health Training Complex on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel) During the first day of training camp for the Miami Dolphins coach Jeff Hafley watches his team at the Baptist Health Training Complex on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel) During the first day of training camp for the Miami Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis pauses at the Baptist Health Training Complex on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel) During the first day of training camp for the Miami Dolphins quarterbacks go through drills at the Baptist Health Training Complex on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel) During the first day of training camp for the Miami Dolphins Jalen Tolbert goes through drills at the Baptist Health Training Complex on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel) During the first day of training camp for the Miami Dolphins Malik Washington runs with the ball at the Baptist Health Training Complex on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel) During the first day of training camp for the Miami Dolphins coach Jeff Hafley cheers on his team at the Baptist Health Training Complex on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel) During the first day of training camp for the Miami Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis throws the ball at the Baptist Health Training Complex on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel) During the first day of training camp for the Miami Dolphins Omar Brown goes through drills at the Baptist Health Training Complex on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel) Players gather during the first day of training camp for the Miami Dolphins at the Baptist Health Training Complex on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel) During the first day of training camp for the Miami Dolphins Willie Gay Jr. warms up at the Baptist Health Training Complex on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel) During the first day of training camp for the Miami Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis prepares for practice at the Baptist Health Training Complex on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel) During the first day of training camp for the Miami Dolphins AJ Henning catches the ball at the Baptist Health Training Complex on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel) Show Caption1 of 37During the first day of training camp for the Miami Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis throws the ball under the watchful eye coach Jeff Hafley at the Baptist Health Training Complex on Wednesday. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel)Expand
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Proctor, a standout left tackle at Alabama, won’t cross train at offensive tackle.
“He’s going to start off with left guard and try to get good at one position,” coach Jeff Hafley said Tuesday. “I think that’s fair to him and it’s the best thing. Ultimately, we need to do what’s best for our team. In this case, I think it’s best for him and I think it’s best for our team. So that’s what we’ve decided to start and we’ll go from there.”
There are two ways to look at the Dolphins’ decision regarding Proctor:
— You could argue that it’s good to allow the rookie to focus on one job. Sometimes you can overload young players by playing them at two positions, and the result could be that they won’t be good at either position;
— You could also argue that Proctor will eventually shift to tackle, so it’s better to get him repetitions at the position early in his career. Plus, you could further contend that NFL teams need versatility on the offensive line so they should cross train their players so they can always put the best five on the field.
I happen to agree with right tackle Austin Jackson’s point of view.
I asked Jackson, who was drafted as a tackle and then played guard briefly before eventually moving back to tackle, what he thinks about Proctor staying at guard.
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“Whatever works best for him, honestly,” Jackson said. “That’s up to the coaches. That’s their decision.”
For the record, Proctor (6 foot 7, 352 pounds) looked good Wednesday.
He was in shape, agile, physical and able to deliver meaningful blocks, which was also the case during the offseason program.
On one play during an 11-on-11 session, Proctor had a physical matchup with veteran defensive tackle Zach Sieler, who is effective against the run and pass. Proctor did well.
On the next play, Proctor had his hands full with second-year defensive lineman Zeek Biggers during the second 11 on 11. Again, Proctor did well.
It should be noted that the Dolphins weren’t in full pads. They were in shorts, jerseys and helmets, which means there was very little physicality, one of the biggest requirements of the job.
Still, Proctor, who plays on the starting offensive line alongside Jackson, right guard Jonah Savaiinaea, center Aaron Brewer and left tackle Patrick Paul, has been up to the task as a guard so far.
“He’s a big body, he’s got good feet,” Sieler said. “I’m excited to see him keep growing through camp. Him and Jonah right there next to Brewer, and to see Brewer lead that O-line group like he has has been really exciting. I’m excited to see how they keep it going.”
Dolphins Deep Dive: Perkins, Furones on Miami’s first training camp practice | VIDEO
Miami has taken different approaches with offensive tackles in the past decade. Both approaches have been successful.
Laremy Tunsil, the No. 13 pick of the 2016 draft, was selected as a left tackle but he played guard as a rookie because the Dolphins had veteran left tackle Branden Albert. Tunsil, who has also played for the Houston Texans and now plays for the Washington Commanders, switched to left tackle in his second season and has been a five-time Pro Bowl selection.
Paul, the 2024 second-round pick, was mostly a reserve as a rookie, sitting behind Pro Bowl left tackle Terron Armstead. The Dolphins chose not to move him inside to guard. Paul became a starter at left tackle last season after Armstead retired and performed well enough and seems to have a bright future at the position.
Jackson, for the record, said his time at guard was profitable in the long run.
“It was an interesting transition,” Jackson said. “I actually got pretty confident at guard towards the end of the season … it definitely gave me a better spatial understanding of the NFL. Contact happens really fast at guard, which honestly helped me at tackle a little bit.”
We’ve seen both approaches — moving a tackle to guard, and keeping a tackle at tackle — work with Miami.
Dolphins fans must hope this approach works with Proctor.
During the first day of training camp for the Miami Dolphins Chop Robinson warms up at the Baptist Health Training Complex on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel) During the first day of training camp for the Miami Dolphins coach Jeff Hafley watches his team at the Baptist Health Training Complex on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel) During the first day of training camp for the Miami Dolphins AJ Henning catches the ball at the Baptist Health Training Complex on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel) During the first day of training camp for the Miami Dolphins Marco Wilson goes through drills at the Baptist Health Training Complex on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel) During the first day of training camp for the Miami Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis pauses at the Baptist Health Training Complex on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel) During the first day of training camp for the Miami Dolphins Kevin Coleman Jr. catches the ball at the Baptist Health Training Complex on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel) During the first day of training camp for the Miami Dolphins Kevin Coleman Jr. catches the ball at the Baptist Health Training Complex on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel) During the first day of training camp for the Miami Dolphins De'Von Achane tosses the ball at the Baptist Health Training Complex on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel) During the first day of training camp for the Miami Dolphins Chop Robinson warms up at the Baptist Health Training Complex on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel) During the first day of training camp for the Miami Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis greets his teammates at the Baptist Health Training Complex on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel) During the first day of training camp for the Miami Dolphins players gather for a water break at the Baptist Health Training Complex on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel) During the first day of training camp for the Miami Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis throws the ball at the Baptist Health Training Complex on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel) During the first day of training camp for the Miami Dolphins quarterback Mark Gronowski throws the ball at the Baptist Health Training Complex on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel) During the first day of training camp for the Miami Dolphins players gather at the Baptist Health Training Complex on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel) During the first day of training camp for the Miami Dolphins Zach Sieler warms up at the Baptist Health Training Complex on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel) During the first day of training camp for the Miami Dolphins Terrace Marshall Jr. tries to catch the ball at the Baptist Health Training Complex on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel) During the first day of training camp for the Miami Dolphins quarterbacks go through drills at the Baptist Health Training Complex on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel) During the first day of training camp for the Miami Dolphins AJ Henning catches the ball at the Baptist Health Training Complex on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel) During the first day of training camp for the Miami Dolphins Jordyn Brooks warms up at the Baptist Health Training Complex on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel) During the first day of training camp for the Miami Dolphins Caleb Douglas catches the ball at the Baptist Health Training Complex on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel) During the first day of training camp for the Miami Dolphins Charlie Heck and Patrick Paul warm up at the Baptist Health Training Complex on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel) During the first day of training camp for the Miami Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis throws the ball at the Baptist Health Training Complex on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel) During the first day of training camp for the Miami Dolphins players go through drills at the Baptist Health Training Complex on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel) During the first day of training camp for the Miami Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis throws the ball at the Baptist Health Training Complex on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel) During the first day of training camp for the Miami Dolphins coach Jeff Hafley watches his team at the Baptist Health Training Complex on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel) During the first day of training camp for the Miami Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis pauses at the Baptist Health Training Complex on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel) During the first day of training camp for the Miami Dolphins quarterbacks go through drills at the Baptist Health Training Complex on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel) During the first day of training camp for the Miami Dolphins Jalen Tolbert goes through drills at the Baptist Health Training Complex on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel) During the first day of training camp for the Miami Dolphins Malik Washington runs with the ball at the Baptist Health Training Complex on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel) During the first day of training camp for the Miami Dolphins coach Jeff Hafley cheers on his team at the Baptist Health Training Complex on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel) During the first day of training camp for the Miami Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis throws the ball at the Baptist Health Training Complex on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel) During the first day of training camp for the Miami Dolphins Omar Brown goes through drills at the Baptist Health Training Complex on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel) Players gather during the first day of training camp for the Miami Dolphins at the Baptist Health Training Complex on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel) During the first day of training camp for the Miami Dolphins Willie Gay Jr. warms up at the Baptist Health Training Complex on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel) During the first day of training camp for the Miami Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis prepares for practice at the Baptist Health Training Complex on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel) During the first day of training camp for the Miami Dolphins AJ Henning catches the ball at the Baptist Health Training Complex on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel) Show Caption1 of 37During the first day of training camp for the Miami Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis throws the ball under the watchful eye coach Jeff Hafley at the Baptist Health Training Complex on Wednesday. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel)Expand
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