MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — The Miami Dolphins put on pads for the first time during training camp Monday, giving coaches a better evaluation of the roster as position battles continued and players adjusted to a more physical practice at the Baptist Health Training Complex.

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Special teams coordinator Chris Tabor, tight end Ben Sims, cornerback Jason Marshall Jr. and EDGE Clelin Ferrell all met with reporters after practice.

Wide receiver Malik Washington continued one of the strongest training camps of his career, hauling in multiple receptions of more than 20 yards from quarterback Malik Willis, including catches after beating cornerbacks Chris Johnson and JuJu Brents in coverage.

With Tyreek Hill no longer on the roster after being released, Jaylen Waddle traded to the Denver Broncos and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine also released, Washington is competing for a significantly larger role in Miami’s offense.

Despite Washington playing like the team’s top wide receiver early in camp, Tabor said he has no concerns about Washington handling both receiving and return duties.

“I have no problem with it. I think the more times they can touch the football, the better, and I think everybody would agree with that,” Tabor said. “Obviously, we got to be real smart with it, but I’ve dealt with some good returners in the past, from (Devin) Hester, to (Josh) Cribbs, to (Cordarrelle) Patterson. Those guys were integral parts, but you want those players to have the ball in their hands, so to me, it’s another opportunity to get the ball in his hands.”

Tabor compared Washington’s traits to several of the NFL’s top return specialists.

“They all had something a little different. But they’re true pros, just as Malik (Washington) is,” he said. “He has a lot of those qualities of game-changing ability. I’m glad he’s on our team. I faced him enough to know the headaches that he brings, I’m glad I’m on his side.”

Tabor also dismissed the idea that certain offensive or defensive players shouldn’t contribute on special teams.

“Oh yeah, and I think the stereotype – if I’m going to be honest, a guy that usually doesn’t play special teams, I think that’s just a stereotype,” Tabor added. “It’s all three phases, right? We’re going to get into it as you move along the season. It’s going to come down to a kick or covering a kick and those types of things, so those plays are important.”

Sims said head coach Jeff Hafley’s message has resonated throughout the locker room.

“The first team meeting he talked about our three core values – trust, belief and toughness. I think that’s something I’ve always kind of centered myself on,” Sims said. “I think that’s what I also believe in. So when he preaches that, it’s pretty easy to buy into. There’s a lot of guys on this team that buy into that and love that. In a lot of ways, we’re trying to reinvent our culture here.”

The first padded practice also allowed the offense and defense to become more physical.

“Pads, no pads, it’s practice,” Sims said. “Pads, they add another element of the game, you have to play lower. It allows you to be more physical, be able to finish more blocks. It really kind of brings the game to life, one step further. Today is obviously the first day of pads. There’s probably a million things (on) offense, defense, special teams (that) we can work on, but I think today was a really good starting point for our team. It’s up from here.”

Marshall, entering his second NFL season, said an offseason without the distractions of the NFL Draft allowed him to focus entirely on improving his game.

“I didn’t have to worry about anything, so just bettering my game on the offseason,” Marshall said. “Whether that comes to press man, off man, coming in here, getting stronger, I had so much time to do all of that.”

Marshall that he’s up for playing wherever his coaches and teammates need him.

“Honestly, I could be more aggressive, be more physical,” Marshall said. “In the slot you could be that too, but I’m able to get hands-on, disrupt timing, and like I said, that’s my natural position. So I’m very comfortable.”

Ferrell praised Hafley and defensive coordinator Sean Duggan for establishing a strong culture early in camp.

“The standard that he sets is something that is really, really good to see from someone who’s a first-time head coach,” Ferrell said. “He’s someone who holds the standard. He holds himself to that as well. He knows how to be hard, but he also knows when to give a little on the team. It’s been nothing but good and positive so far. We’re just trying to keep building.”

When asked what he wants to improve entering his eighth NFL season, Ferrell pointed to consistency.

“Cutting it loose,” Ferrell said. “It’s not so much believing in myself. I believe in myself, but it’s really just putting it on tape and letting other dudes or teams know what it really means to will yourself to get better. It’s the mental game of competing at a very high level and trying to dominate every single play, so it’s the consistency over time for sure.”

Ferrell also said former Dolphins defensive lineman Christian Wilkins helped influence his decision to sign with Miami. According to Ferrell, Wilkins spoke highly of the organization and remains motivated to earn another opportunity in the NFL.

The Dolphins return to the practice field at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Baptist Health Training Complex.

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