Mike McDaniel discusses pads, Dolphins camp, Jalen Ramsey, Eli Apple updates

The Miami Dolphins practiced in pads for the first time in training camp, adding physicality to the sessions. The team signed cornerback Eli Apple, who participated in practice immediately. Star cornerback Jalen Ramsey had successful surgery on his knee and is in good spirits.

The Miami Dolphins had their fifth practice of training camp on Monday, which marked the first time they were allowed to practice in pads. This added physicality is important as players adjust to being back on the field after a month-long break from team facilities. According to Coach McDaniel, football is a game that is played with leverage and pads, so it's crucial to evaluate players with pads on to get a complete assessment of their abilities. While the first four practices were still significant, the introduction of pads brings a new level of intensity and the opportunity to see how players perform in a more realistic game-like setting.

One notable development from the Dolphins' practices was the return of star cornerback Jalen Ramsey following surgery on his left knee. Coach McDaniel mentioned that Ramsey was in good spirits and had a positive mindset about his recovery. Ramsey was even seen watching the team's practice from a terrace at the facility. It was revealed that there was no additional damage to his knee besides the meniscus, which is a positive sign for his recovery timeline.

In response to Ramsey's absence, the Dolphins signed veteran cornerback Eli Apple to provide depth and competition in the secondary. Coach McDaniel expressed his excitement about adding Apple to the team and emphasized the importance of competition in improving the overall performance of the players. Apple wasted no time and was already participating in team drills on his first day with the team.

Interestingly, Apple has a history with Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill, as the two exchanged negative tweets after a game in 2021. However, Coach McDaniel assured that there have been no recent negative interactions between the two players.

In other news, cornerback Keion Crossen has not been able to practice recently due to an injury. However, Coach McDaniel expressed confidence in Crossen's ability to heal quickly, comparing his healing process to his speed on the field.

Lastly, Coach McDaniel began the press conference by acknowledging the induction of Zach Thomas into the Hall of Fame and his visit to the team. He emphasized the significance of Thomas' achievement and expressed his honor to be a part of an organization that has players of Thomas' caliber. The players on the field recognized the importance of Thomas' presence and what it means to achieve such a prestigious milestone.

Overall, the Dolphins' practice with pads brings a new level of intensity and allows for a more accurate evaluation of players' abilities. The return of Jalen Ramsey and the addition of Eli Apple provide depth and competition in the secondary, while the team remains optimistic about the recovery of injured players like Keion Crossen. The presence of Zach Thomas, a Hall of Famer, serves as a reminder of the dedication and hard work required to achieve greatness in the sport.