As the Miami Dolphins gear up for the 2026 NFL Draft, they find themselves with a mix of needs and opportunities. With 11 picks at their disposal, General Manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and Head Coach Jeff Hafley are poised to make strategic moves to bolster their roster.
The Dolphins are eyeing talent across several positions, including cornerback, wide receiver, edge rusher, guard, and safety. There's also chatter about potentially adding a quarterback, offensive tackle, and linebacker to the mix.
Miami holds the 11th overall pick this year, a spot that has served them well in the past. Notably, they selected safety Minkah Fitzpatrick at No. 11 in 2018 and defensive end Bill Stanfill back in 1969. This history adds a layer of intrigue to their upcoming decision.
Our draft expert, Joe Schad, has been busy crafting mock drafts, with his selections focusing heavily on cornerbacks. In his first mock, he projected Mansoor Delane from LSU, followed by Jermod McCoy from Tennessee in the second. Delane reappears in his comprehensive seven-round mock, suggesting a strong fit for Miami.
The 2026 NFL Draft is set for April 23-25 in Pittsburgh, and Miami is armed with seven picks in the first three rounds alone. Here's a breakdown of their projected selections:
Round 1, Pick 11: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
Delane's blazing 4.35-second 40-yard dash at his pro day makes him a hot commodity. If he's still on the board, Miami might just snag him over other talents like Jermod McCoy and Makai Lemon.
Round 1, Pick 30: Spencer Fano, T/G, Utah
Fano's versatility is key. He can start at guard in 2026 and potentially shift to right tackle in the future. Injuries on the line could see him stepping up sooner rather than later.
Round 2, Pick 43: Zion Young, Edge, Missouri
Adding depth to the edge is crucial for Miami. Young's selection over several worthy receivers underscores the team's prioritization of defensive pressure.
Round 3, Pick 75: Keylan Rutledge, G, Georgia Tech
With a need for reliable offensive linemen, Rutledge offers a promising solution. His potential as a starter in the coming years aligns with Miami's strategic vision.
Round 3, Pick 87: Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame
Fields brings size and strength to the receiving corps, complementing Miami's smaller, speedier receivers. His ability to win contested catches makes him a valuable asset.
Round 3, Pick 90: Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt
Stowers is an athletic marvel, clocking a 4.51-second 40-yard dash and boasting a record-setting vertical leap. Pairing him with Greg Dulcich could significantly aid quarterback Malik Willis.
Round 3, Pick 94: Bud Clark, S, TCU
Clark's extensive starting experience and physical playstyle make him a solid addition to the secondary. His coverage skills and physicality are exactly what Miami needs.
With a strong draft strategy, the Dolphins are set to address key areas while also building for the future. Keep an eye on how these selections unfold, as they could shape the team's trajectory for years to come.