The Miami Dolphins have one of the youngest teams in the NFL, including 13 draft picks, topped by guard Kadyn Proctor, the top pick. The season will revolve around how the rookies progress throughout the year, so here are the notable performers in their NFL debuts against the Washington Commanders:
WR Caleb Douglas (third round)
Fans who hadn’t been to practice saw the same thing reporters have been saying all camp. The guy makes plays. On this night, he made the tough ones but not the easiest one. His first catch was wiped out when he was ruled to needlessly have a foot on the sideline. No matter. Douglas came right back to make a spectacular one-handed grab for 28 yards. It may be as good a catch as you'll see all season. He was interfered with on the play, but no need to accept the penalty.
Grade: A-minus
G Kadyn Proctor (first round)
Proctor had a nice surge on running plays as the Dolphins drove 93 yards to open the game. He’s consistently driving his man off the line of scrimmage from his left guard spot. He also showed quickness when asked to pull to the right side.
Grade:A-plus
S Michael Taaffe (fifth round)
Taaffe was the nearest defender on a 22-yard pass that converted a third down for the Commanders.
Grade: C
CB Chris Johnson (first round)
Johnson had a shot at being the hero but dropped an interception in the end zone. But he did break up the pass.
Grade: B
LB Trey Moore (fourth round)
Showed speed with a tackle from behind to stop Kaytron Allen for a 2-yard gain.Grade: B
LB Jacob Rodriguez (second round)
You’ve heard the guy is always around the ball. Rodriguez needed all of two snaps to get his hand on the ball. On a pass rush from middle linebacker, he batted a pass back in the quarterback’s face.
Grade: B
TE Seydou Traore (fifth round)
Traore made a tackle on special teams. Even though Traore grew up in London, he knows special teams will be part of his ticket to a roster spot.
Grade: B
LB Mason Reiger (undrafted)
Reiger had an 11-yard sack in the fourth quarter.
Grade: B
Hal Habib covers the Miami Dolphins for The Palm Beach Post. He can be reached at HHabib@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Grading Caleb Douglas and the Miami Dolphins' rookies for NFL debuts