NFL Nation

          Dolphins WR coach Shawn Jefferson mixes it up with his players

          DAVIE, Fla. -- Shawn Jefferson isn't afraid to push the envelope to get the best out of his players. On Tuesday, the Miami Dolphins' receivers coach took things to another level when he dressed in a helmet and shoulder pads to participate a contract drill with his receivers.

          Jefferson, who played 13 years in the NFL and retired in 2003, used a pad and did a tracking and hitting drill with several of his receivers, including DeVante Parker and Matt Hazel. Jefferson dished out just as much punishment as he received.

          Here is one example I recorded from Tuesday's practice:

          Dolphins players enjoyed getting to hit their position coach, and there was some trash-talking involved from both sides.

          “It was for real,” Hazel said of the trash-talking. “But he played the game so he understands it’s all love, a little friendly trash talk here and there. I had to get a good shot at him.”

          Jefferson also did this drill in training camp with his players while coaching the Detroit Lions, according to Gase, who added there’s no chance he would do Jefferson's drill.

          Here are some other notes from Tuesday’s practice:

          • First-round pick Laremy Tunsil played mostly with the starters at left guard and got the most first-team reps he’s received all training camp on Tuesday. This is a sign that the rookie could be surpassing incumbent Dallas Thomas, who struggled in his preseason debut. Most expect Tunsil to win the job eventually. He actually had one of his better practices Tuesday.

          • The play of the day came from Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill, who hit receiver Griff Whalen in stride for a touchdown for approximately 35-40 yards. Tannehill quickly made his progressions and found Whalen, who beat cornerback Bobby McCain.

          • There was an issue with drops Tuesday. Running back Arian Foster, who is expected to make his Dolphins debut Friday, dropped a pair of passes and sure-handed receiver Jarvis Landry also had an easy drop. Receiver Kenny Stills had one ball bounce off his pads and led to an interception to middle linebacker Kiko Alonso.

          The Dolphins will have their final practice of the week Wednesday, which also will signal the end of training camp. They will continue to work into the summer during the preseason before they shift their focus to the regular season.