Miami Dolphins Upcoming 2026 Draft Picks (13)
The Lions were really hoping Kadyn Proctor would fall to them, but the Dolphins would have none of that. Proctor is risky with his weight, but there’s a ton of upside with this pick for the Dolphins, who have needed offensive line help for years. On top of that, they also picked up two fifth-round picks for free. Nice job!
Chris Johnson had gotten mid-round grades not too long ago, so this rise was unexpected. Still, it’s not a surprise that Chris Johnson went in the first round. I have two issues with this pick. First, there was no need to trade up for Johnson with several talented corners available. Second, Miami failed to address the weakest receiver room in the NFL in the first round, which is something they needed to do to make sure Malik Willis succeeds.
I loved the two top linebackers expected to go in this round. Jacob Rodriguez is an extremely instinctive linebacker who will undoubtedly make Miami’s defense much better. The rudderless Dolphins desperately needed a player like this, and you can say that they’re getting value because there was some chatter that Rodriguez could go at the end of Round 1.
Yikes! The Dolphins are addressing a need with a tall receiver, but that’s where the positives end. Caleb Douglas has terrible hands and happens to be a very weak receiver who needs to bulk up. He’s a project, and I had him going in the sixth round.
I hate to issue another Millen grade because it seems excessive, but I didn’t have Will Kacmarek being drafted. He’s a blocking tight end who doesn’t offer much as a receiver. Tight ends like this are a dime a dozen. This is a waste of a third-round pick.
What a steal! Chris Bell was one of my favorite prospects on Day 2, and I thought he was good enough to go in the 30s. He’s an explosive receiver who makes big plays. He fell because of injury and character concerns, but if he can stay clean, he could emerge as Miami’s No. 1 receiver.
Trey Moore struggles in coverage, but has a great track record of generating pressure on the quarterback. The Dolphins had interest in Rueben Bain at No. 11, so it makes sense for them to take an edge rusher to replace Jalean Phillips. I had Moore in the fifth round.
Kyle Louis is a versatile linebacker with strong pass-rushing ability, but he's undersized. He could be used as safety. He doesn't have a set position, which is a problem, but the Dolphins might be able to figure out how to use him.
Michael Taaffe was strong in run support for the Longhorns. Miami's safety situation is quite dismal, so any help is welcome. I had Taaffe going in this range.
Kevin Coleman is an undersized receiver, but could play in the slot while doubling as a kick returner. The Dolphins have such a weak group of receivers that Coleman could contribute right away. I had him going five picks earlier, so the range makes sense.
Seydou Traore is not someone I had in my top-400 prospects. He's a tweener receiver-tight end, and I don't think he has a role in the NFL. He's an athletic prospect, but where does he play besides special teams?
D.J. Campbell had a lot of starting experience in college, but was penalized often. The Dolphins needed some offensive line depth and competition, and this range makes sense for Campbell.
Max Llewellyn improved his pass-rushing ability throughout his collegiate career. He has plenty of upside, as he could continue to improve. I love the potential here for the Dolphins; I had Llewellyn slotted in the fifth round.
Walt's Mock Selections as of 4/23/2026 - View Current Mock Draft
Round: 1
The Dolphins have looked like the worst team in the NFL at times last year, and part of that is Tua Tagovailoa's incompetence. Malik Willis was signed, so the Dolphins can now look elsewhere. Their receiver group is now barren with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle both gone. Theo Wease Jr. is now their top wideout, which simply can't be allowed. Receiver will be addressed in the first round of this mock draft, but not at No. 11. Instead, the Dolphins can address their dismal offensive line. Kadyn Proctor is a colossal, 360-pound blocker. He has great potential, but has some character concerns. *** OTHER 2026 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: *** 1. Francis Mauigoa/Spencer Fano, OTs - Miami's offensive line is in shambles. The top tackles will be considered. 2. Rueben Bain, DE - The Dolphins lost Jaelan Phillips, so he'll need to be replaced.
Round: 1
The Dolphins acquired this pick for Jaylen Waddle (check out the NFL Trade Grades). They could use this selection to find a replacement, but they could also bolster their anemic cornerback group. The younger brother of A.J. Terrell, Avieon Terrell is a very instinctive cornerback who plays bigger than his 5-foot-11 size. *** OTHER 2026 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: *** 1. Dillon Thieneman/Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S - The Dolphins have absolutely nothing at safety. 2. Omar Cooper/Denzel Boston/K.C. Concepcion, WRs - Miami almost has to take a receiver with one of its first-round picks.
Round: 2
The Dolphins cut Tyreek Hill, and Jaylen Waddle was traded. They're desperate for a play-making receiver, so they could select two with their first three picks. Malachi Fields is a big receiver and a red zone weapon.
Round: 3
The Dolphins needed a safety before trading Minkah Fitzpatrick, so here's an upgrade at the position. A.J. Haulcy is a stiff defensive back, but really excels in zone coverage. He can play cornerback and safety.
Round: 3
The Dolphins need some new additions to help them protect Malik Willis. Kage Casey played left tackle at Boise State. He could be a swing tackle in the pros.
Round: 3
The Dolphins need receivers, and they could also stand to add a second tight end to pair with Greg Dulcich. Michael Trigg is a quick and athletic receiving tight end. He's not much of a blocker.
Round: 3
The Dolphins lost Jaelan Phillips, and yet they needed edge-rushing help before he was dealt to the Eagles. Joshua Josephs has the potential to be a designated pass rusher in the pros.
Round: 4
It would be shocking if the Dolphins didn't obtain multiple receivers in the 2026 NFL Draft. The younger brother of Trey Lance, Bryce Lance is an elite athlete, but is an unrefined receiver. Pick change; previously Malik Benson, WR
Round: 5
The Dolphins have a miserable secondary that needs at least two or perhaps even three new cornerbacks. Chandler Rivers is an instinctive and tough corneback, but is short.
Round: 7
It would be useless to say that the Dolphins need help at defensive tackle because they need upgrades everywhere. Rene Konga is an explosive athlete with pass-rushing upside, but is very raw.
Round: 7
The Dolphins are expected to draft a developmental quarterback at some point. Mark Gronowski is a dual-threat quarterback with accuracy woes.
Past Grades and Selections
2025 NFL Draft Selections and Grades
B+ There was some chatter that Kenneth Grant could fall to the 20s, but I never understood that. Some teams had Grant over Mason Graham. The Dolphins didn’t exactly get the draft board to fall their way with Jalon Walker and Tyler Warren not filling needs, but I like this pick. Grant is a tremendous talent, and Miami had absolutely nothing on the defensive line, save for Zach Sieler.
A- Unlike the Seattle second-round pick, predicting this pick was much trickier. The Dolphins needed everything. One big hole is left tackle, thanks to Terron Armstead’s retirement. Jonah Savaiinaea is an athletic left tackle who fits the range in the second round. He can also play guard and fill a huge need at that position. The Dolphins only gave up a third and a very small swap early on Day 3 for this move up, so it was a great value.
B+ The Dolphins need as many defensive tackles as possible. Jordan Phillip is a bigger defensive tackle who could see action soon rather than later. I thought there was a chance he'd go in the fourth round.
B+ I'd say the Dolphins needed a cornerback, but they need everything. Jason Marshall has plenty of upside, but hasn't been able to put it together on the field. There's definitely upside with this pick, so I like this gamble.
C- Dante Trader was productive at Maryland, but I don't have great confidence in him panning out in the NFL because he's undersized. I thought he'd be a seventh-round pick, so I'm not a fan of this selection despite safety being a need.
B+ I'm conflicted on this grade. On one hand, Ollie Gordon is insane value here because he easily could have gone in the third round. On the other hand, running back - even depth at the position - was the one thing the Dolphins didn't need, and the Dolphins are a team with massive holes everywhere on the roster.
A Quinn Ewers is finally off the board. I didn't like Ewers much as a prospect, but he should have been gone already. Ewers shined at the combine, so perhaps that's a sign that he can help the Dolphins in the event that Tua Tagovailoa gets hurt again.
B I have no issues with the Dolphins addressing their poor defensive line once again. Zeek Biggers is a large defensive tackle, but doesn't have much upside.
2024 NFL Draft Selections and Grades
B This pick makes a lot of sense. The Dolphins really needed a pass rusher with the team losing so many of them in free agency. Chop Robinson's range was in the 20s - arguably a bit ahead of Jared Verse, depending on whom you ask - so the Dolphins are getting appropriate value. They needed a pass rusher to hound all the great quarterbacks in the AFC, and Robinson will help them do that.
A I'm all for the Dolphins using resources to protect Tua Tagovailoa, given the injury history with the talented quarterback. Patrick Paul could have gone more than a dozen picks earlier than this, so I really like the value.
MILLEN I like Jaylen Wright and thought he should have been chosen in the third round. However, why would the Dolphins surrender a third-round pick to acquire him. They have a solid running back stable, so they didn't need to give up an important resource like this.
A Here's another stellar value pick in the fifth round. Mo Kamara appeared in the third round of my mock at times, so he's a steal here in the middle of the fifth frame. Kamara is a dangerous pass rusher, which was needed for the Dolphins after losing so many front-seven players this offseason.
B+ Patrick McMorris is a very versatile, Jack of all trades-type player, who will be very useful for the Dolphins. He can be used at safety, nickel cornerback, and special teams. This is a solid choice.
A I thought Tahj Washington could potentially sneak into the third round, so this is a steal for the Dolphins. Miami didn't have much receiving depth last year, so that's been fixed here and with other picks, as Washington is a slot receiver who can make some big plays.
2023 NFL Draft Selections and Grades
B I think the Dolphins should have drafted an offensive lineman, given that they used a resource to acquire Jalen Ramsey. Still, a talented cornerback will be useful in the two matchups against Josh Allen and Aaron Rodgers. Smith is a very talented player, but fell because of some character concerns.
B+ What a surprise, a disciple of Kyle Shanahan drafted a running back in the first three rounds! Devon Achane is not going to be a full-time running back, but he has explosive and great pass-catching ability, and he'll serve as a dynamic weapon in Miami's high-octane offense.
B- I feel like the Dolphins had bigger fish to fry than receiver, but they're at least getting a solid prospect at the position. Elijah Higgins has nice speed and an ability to separate. I had him in the fifth round.
A The Dolphins desperately needed to address their offensive line. I thought Ryan Hayes had a chance to sneak into Day 2, so I love this value. Ryan Hayes has versatility as a tackle and guard.
2022 NFL Draft Selections and Grades
B Grade
Channing Tindall isn't much of a surprise with this pick. The Dolphins brought in so many linebackers for top-30 visits because they really needed help at the position. Tindall makes sense in this range as an athletic defender with nice upside.
C Grade
It feels like the one thing the Dolphins didn't need was a receiver, so why spend a pick on one with so few selections. Erik Ezukanma is an intruging receiver with nice size, but where does he fit into the roster?
B Grade
I pegged Mark robinson in the seventh round, so he makes sense as the Steelers' 225th-overall pick. Robinson can provide some much-needed depth the Steelers currently lack at linebacker at the moment.
B Grade
The Buccaneers needed edge-rushing depth, so perhaps Andre Anthony will be able to make the final roster. I tried slotting him in the seventh round, but never fit him into the mock. This is a fine pick though.
2021 NFL Draft Selections and Grades
B Grade
The Dolphins couldn't really go wrong as long as they went with one of Jaylen Waddle, Devonta Smith and Penei Sewell. That said, I would have preferred the other two options, especially Sewell. With Will Fuller and DeVante Parker on the roster, receiver wasn't a huge need, while the offensive line continued to be. The Dolphins need to protect Tua Tagovailoa, which they could have done incredibly well with Sewell.
B- Grade
This is such a difficult grade. Based on talent alone, Jaelan Phillips is worth an A+. He's a tremendous athlete and a devastating pass rusher. He could be a star for the Dolphins. Unfortunately, he has a long medical history, and one or two concussions could knock him out for a long time. This is such a risky choice. It could easily pan out, but it could also be a huge bust. Players with injury worries typically fall, so I'm surprised that Phillips went this high.
B Grade
Over Trevon Moehrig? That's a surprise. Still, the pick makes sense. Jevon Holland was a prospect some team in the middle of the second coveted. He's a very instinctive linebacker and will be able to play right away. He'll fill a big need in Miami's secondary.
A Grade
Azeez Ojulari was someone people mocked in the first round. We did as well, at least until we got some news that teams flagged him for an injury, which would explain his fall. However, he's well worth the risk here, especially after a trade down in which the Giants secured a third-round pick in 2022. I mocked Ojulari to the Giants with their natural second-round choice, so this deserves a high grade.
B- Grade
The Dolphins really wanted Kyle Pitts, but missed out on him because the 49ers selected Trey Lance instead of Mac Jones, creating a domino effect where Pitts was snatched off the board. Hunter Long is a solid, tough and smart player, but he lacks speed and the ability to separate.
B- Grade
The 49ers lost multiple defensive backs this offseason, so they had to address both positions during the 2021 NFL Draft. Ambry Thomas is a fine selection. I had him slotted early on Day 3, so taking him at the end of the third frame isn't too bad.
F Grade
Isaiahh Loudermilk has a cool name, but that's about it. I've had him in the seventh round, so I don't hate the value. The problem is that the Steelers traded way up for him. Teams weren't dying to draft this guy, so there's no reason for the Steelers to squander resources for a player without a natural position because he's a tweener.
B Grade
This is the Dolphins' first pick since No. 81, which is kind of nuts. It's also nice that the Dolphins were able to obtain another offensive lineman to help protect Tua Tagovailoa. I had Larnel Coleman in the seventh round of one of my updates, so the range makes sense.
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