Practice report from Day 1 of Miami Dolphins mandatory minicamp
MIAMI GARDENS — Tuesday marked the opening of the Dolphins three-day mandatory minicamp.
Highlights and observations:
∎ TE Durham Smythe made a diving catch on a nice throw by backup QB Skylar Thompson in goal-line seven-on-seven drills. QB Tua Tagovailoa excitedly and repeatedly slapped Thompson's helmet after the play. (Getting slapped in the head is a form of praise during minicamp, we think.)
∎ CB Tino Ellis had a pass break-up in the end zone but allowed a Mike White-to-Robbie Chosen TD on the next play.
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∎ Tagovailoa wore the orange jersey, signifying he was the best player in the previous practice in the eyes of coaches. That also allowed him to pick the playlist, which had a uniquely Hawaiian feel and included "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" by Israel Kamakawiwoʻole, "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" by Cyndi Lauper and "Don't Stop Believing" by Journey. Unfortunately, it also included a healthy dose of disco.
∎ CB Kader Kohou, a surprise standout as a rookie last season, recorded a sack, as did LB Andrew Van Ginkel and LB Malik Reed.
∎ In a case of Thompson-on-Thompson victimization, CB Bryce Thompson intercepted a Skylar Thompson throw that drew big cheers from defensive players.
∎ Tagovailoa found Jaylen Waddle on a slant for a crisp pickup.
∎ TE Tyler Kroft made a leaping grab over CB Justin Bethel in the end zone.
∎ DE Emmanuel Ogbah, coming back from a triceps tear, recorded a sack.
∎ Thompson found WR Freddie Swain for a gain of about 25 yards with a rainbow of a throw.
∎ K Jason Sanders connected on a couple of long-range field-goal tries.
∎ WR Tyreek Hill was among the notable players either limited or not working. Others included LT Terron Armstead, LB Jaelan Phillips, CB Nik Needham, S Brandon Jones, CB Trill Williams. DE Zach Sieler, who was not seen during OTAs, did attend Tuesday's workout but observed in uniform from the sidelines.
∎ C Connor Williams did not attend and was not excused.
Dolphins reporter Hal Habib can be reached at hhabib@pbpost.com and followed on Twitter @gunnerhal.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Practice report from Day 1 of Miami Dolphins mandatory minicamp
