Miami Dolphins linebacker Kyle Louis lined up as a safety during practice, and head coach Jeff Hafley commented on how the team plans to utilize the multi-dimensional defender.
The Miami Dolphins drafted Kyle Louis with the intention that he would be playing linebacker, but the versatile defender is also a safety hybrid who can essentially wear many hats on the defense.
Louis was a standout at college, playing both the linebacker and defensive back positions. During the 2024 season at Pitt, he secured 101 total tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, seven sacks, and four interceptions, one of which was a pick-six.
Louis followed that up with 81 total tackles, three sacks, and two interceptions during his senior season in 2025.
There was a belief that Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley would use Louis in sub packages that called for a defensive back to be closer to the line of scrimmage to act as a would-be coverage player for wide receivers and tight ends, or possibly to rush the quarterback.
That appeared to be the case when Louis lined up as a safety on Monday's practice, which Hafley spoke about during media availability.
"Just a package that we put in," Hafley said of putting Louis in at safety. "I mean, he is a very versatile player. And it kind of goes back to what we talked about earlier. There's a time and a place, right? You can't have one guy do everything right away until you feel comfortable with certain things or until you want to see something else. And I personally just felt it was time to see what he could do in different spots."
Hafley is a defensive mind who likely relishes the idea of using a player who can line up in different ways to throw opposing offenses off.
Hafley has also been very intentional in stating that he did not want to throw too much at one player in a way that would drown or stunt their abilities to play good football. Louis' addition at safety may be because he is already a solid linebacker.
During the Dolphins' preseason opener, Louis played in 31 snaps, which were primarily utilized in the run defense department. The rookie played 26 snaps in run defense, but he was also used in six coverage snaps as well
Louis may have been one of the lower-rated defenders per Pro Football Focus, but he excelled with a 74.6 pressure and tackling grade.
Before becoming the head coach for Miami, Hafley rose in the NFL ranks by being a defensive backs expert. Considering that was his main forte, he is likely taking a deeper interest in that unit.
Louis gives Hafley and the defense more to look at in terms of cover packages.
There is also the safety injuries that have been piling up, with Dante Trader Jr. not back to being healthy and playing at 100 percent.
Louis could theoretically step in as a safety while the roster gets its starters back, and even swap between safety and linebacker in a unique way that allows the defense to throw curveballs at the opposition.
Louis expressed his excitement over being called into Hafley's office and being told he was going to try him at safety, so the rookie is well prepared to handle whatever role he is asked to do.
