The Miami Dolphins are getting set to open the regular season Sunday in Las Vegas against the Raiders, but that’s not the only headline tied to the franchise right now.
Before Malik Willis has even thrown a pass for Miami, before De’Von Achane has had a chance to settle in as the team’s offensive workhorse, and before Jeff Hafley gets his first real shot to show he can handle life as an NFL head coach, the Dolphins have already been labeled the favorites to wind up with the first overall pick in the 2027 NFL Draft by ESPN insider Adam Schefter.
Schefter made the call on his Adam Schefter Podcast, where he pointed to Miami as the team most likely to land at No. 1 in next year’s draft order.
Not everyone sees it that way. The source material’s writer pushed back, saying, “I personally disagree with Schefter - as I think the Dolphins win five games in 2026 despite the immense roster turnover and 2nd most difficult schedule in the league. I’m a believer in Hafley, Willis and the new culture that has begun to be cultivated in Miami Gardens, and don’t think the franchise will just lay down and die during the regular season.”
If the Dolphins do end up with the top pick next offseason, the real question becomes what they would do with it. A young quarterback could be in play for South Florida, though a defensive anchor would also make sense. And then there’s Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, who was mentioned as another coveted option.
So the conversation is already underway, even before Miami has played its first game.
In Other News...
Dolphins Week 1 Plan Could Feature An Unexpected Rookie Factor
The Dolphins are leaning into a Week 1 plan built around the run game, with De'Von Achane and quarterback Malik Willis expected to carry much of the load behind a thin offensive line and plenty of multiple-tight-end looks. In that kind of setup, every extra blocker matters, which is why undrafted rookie DJ Herman has quickly become a name worth watching after making the 53-man roster as a converted linebacker turned fullback.
Hermans path makes him an unusual piece in the offense, but the coaching staff has already shown trust in his toughness and movement, traits that fit the role Miami seems ready to use. If the Dolphins want to protect their front and keep the ground game on schedule early in the season, Herman could wind up being more than just a developmental story. [Read more 🡒]
Dolphins Have 4 Injury Risks That Could Break This Season
The Dolphins enter 2026 with very little margin for error, and that starts with how much theyre leaning on a handful of players who sit right at the center of everything they want to do. A thin roster and a difficult schedule already make the season feel precarious, and the list of key names says plenty about where the pressure is coming from. DeVon Achane gives the backfield its spark, Malik Willis is central to the offenses direction, Austin Jackson anchors the right side, and Chris Johnson is one of the pieces the defense cannot afford to lose under Jeff Hafley.
For Miami, the concern is not just whether those players can produce, but whether the team can keep them available long enough to matter. Each one carries a different kind of importance, from protecting the quarterback to stabilizing the secondary, and that kind of dependence can turn a promising plan into a fragile one very quickly. With so much riding on a small group of difference-makers, the Dolphins are built more like a team trying to survive the season than one with much room to absorb a hit. [Read more 🡒]
Dolphins Quietly Added A Few Names Fans May Need To Know
The Dolphins 2026 season-opening roster against the Raiders has a few late additions that might not have grabbed much attention at the time, but they could become relevant quickly once the games start. Miami brought in nine players during the final stretch of the preseason and after roster cuts, filling out the roster with under-the-radar options whose value may come from flexibility more than name recognition. For a team that usually has to juggle depth across the season, these are the kinds of moves that can look minor in September and suddenly matter in a hurry.
Among the newcomers are edge defender Herring, quarterback McCord and tight end Joly, along with several others who were added to help wherever the need pops up. Their roles will likely depend on injuries, matchup demands and how Miami wants to piece together certain spots as the year unfolds. The broader picture is clear enough even if the final answer is not: the Dolphins quietly stocked the back end of the roster with players who may not be household names yet, but could end up being part of the conversation sooner than expected. [Read more 🡒]