Iowa's Mark Gronowski Headlines Dolphins Roster Rankings
Former Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Mark Gronowski faces an uphill battle to make the Miami Dolphins' final roster, ranking 88th in the team's initial player importance rankings. The Dolphins are entering a major rebuilding phase under new leadership, giving rookie free agents like Gronowski a chance to prove their worth through sheer merit and grit.
What is the Miami Dolphins' roster outlook for 2026?
The Miami Dolphins will head into training camp at the end of July with a completely overhauled roster. After an offseason that saw several veteran departures and a wave of new arrivals, the team looks vastly different than it did at the end of the 2025 season. The Dolphins currently have 90 players on the roster, with one vacant spot remaining due to an exemption for England-born rookie tight end Seydou Traore, a participant in the International Player Pathway Program.
This rebuild is anchored by new General Manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley. In the NFL, not every player carries the same weight. This ranking series evaluates players based on their ability, expected role, and overall significance to the organization's progress as it builds for the future.
How does former Iowa QB Mark Gronowski fit in?
Gronowski signed with the Dolphins as a rookie free agent following a standout collegiate career. He won two FCS national titles at South Dakota State before transferring to Iowa for his final season. His placement at number 88 reflects the harsh reality of an undrafted rookie quarterback's odds.
Making the 53-man roster will be a tough challenge. Gronowski must beat out Cam Miller for a backup job, and that assumes the Dolphins even decide to keep three quarterbacks on the active roster. The chances of Gronowski appearing in a regular season game as a rookie free agent are microscopic. Still, Iowans know the value of hard work and perseverance, and Gronowski will get a fair shot to prove himself in camp.
Which other Dolphins players ranked 86-90?
Several other newcomers and long shots fill out the bottom of the Dolphins' roster rankings as camp approaches.
90. Guard James Ester
Ester has the advantage of familiarity with Sullivan and Hafley from their time in Green Bay. However, he faces a significant transition. He's moving from defensive tackle to guard, and the Dolphins have heavy competition at the position. He looks like a long shot to make the final roster.
89. Tackle Kevin Cline
Cline also has a familiar connection. He played for new assistant offensive line coach Matt Applebaum at Boston College. Despite that familiarity, his chances of securing a roster spot appear slim.
87. Defensive Tackle Keith Cooper Jr.
Cooper is battling for a spot among a crowded group of young defensive tackles. He sits behind veteran Zach Sieler and three 2025 draft picks in Kenneth Grant, Jordan Phillips, and Zeek Biggers. The team also re-signed veteran Matthew Butler this offseason, making Cooper's path to the roster even steeper.
86. Edge Rusher Seth Coleman
The Dolphins added veterans Josh Uche and David Ojabo to join Chop Robinson this offseason. Rookie fourth-round pick Trey Moore will also take snaps at edge, and rookie free agent Mason Reiger looks like a stronger prospect than Coleman was coming out of Illinois. Coleman will have a hard time cracking the 53-man roster.
Did Mark Gronowski get drafted by the Miami Dolphins?
No. Mark Gronowski signed with the Miami Dolphins as a rookie free agent after the 2026 NFL Draft. He was not selected during the draft process.
Who are the new leaders of the Miami Dolphins?
The Miami Dolphins are now led by General Manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley. The organization hired them to lead a rebuilding project following the 2025 season.
How many players are on the Dolphins roster right now?
The Dolphins currently have 90 players on their roster. They have one vacant spot because of an exemption for International Player Pathway Program participant Seydou Traore, bringing the total allowable roster size to 91.