The Miami Dolphins have had a rollercoaster of a season - and that might actually be putting it lightly. It started with turbulence, including the firing of general manager Chris Grier, but head coach Mike McDaniel has managed to steer the ship back toward calmer waters. A string of key wins has kept Miami’s playoff hopes alive and, perhaps just as importantly, may have helped McDaniel secure his spot on the sideline for the foreseeable future.
But while the Dolphins are still in the thick of the postseason hunt, the front office has to be thinking long-term - especially when it comes to roster construction. Some of those decisions are already taking shape.
Jaylen Waddle and De’Von Achane, both the subject of trade rumors at this year’s deadline, stayed put. Tua Tagovailoa is under contract through next season, so the quarterback situation isn’t an immediate concern.
But one big question still looms: what’s next for Tyreek Hill?
Hill’s future in Miami is murky, and the timing of that uncertainty is interesting - because if the Dolphins are thinking about moving on from the All-Pro receiver, the 2026 NFL Draft might offer the perfect opportunity to reset at the position.
According to Mel Kiper’s early draft analysis, the 2026 class is absolutely loaded at wide receiver. When asked whether this draft is a good year to need a wideout, Kiper didn’t hesitate: “Oh, yes.
It’s the strongest position of an otherwise not-great class.” Translation: if you're looking for a receiver, this is your year.
That could be music to Miami’s ears.
Let’s break it down. The Dolphins are likely to pick somewhere in the middle of the first round. That might put them just out of range for the elite tier of prospects - names like Jordyn Tyson (Arizona State), Carnell Tate (Ohio State), and Makai Lemon (USC) are already generating serious first-round buzz.
But just a little further down the board, there’s still plenty of talent. Denzel Boston (Washington), Zachariah Branch (Georgia), Chris Bell (Louisville), and Germie Bernard (Alabama) are all legitimate first-round candidates. These are players who could step in and contribute early, especially in a system like McDaniel’s that thrives on speed and spacing.
And if Miami doesn’t go receiver in Round 1? The depth at the position stretches well into Day 2 and even Day 3. KC Concepcion (Texas A&M), Bryce Lance (North Dakota State), Ja’Kobi Lane (USC), and Chris Brazzell II (Tennessee) are all intriguing names who could be available later in the draft - and could offer serious value.
Of course, wide receiver isn’t the only area Miami needs to address. The offensive and defensive lines need reinforcements, and the secondary could use a boost as well. But if Tyreek Hill is no longer part of the picture - whether by trade or release - wide receiver instantly becomes a top priority.
And this year, that might actually work in Miami’s favor.
Rather than shelling out big money for a veteran in free agency, the Dolphins could reload with a young, cost-controlled playmaker from one of the deepest receiver classes in recent memory. It’s not often that a team has a chance to move on from a star and still come out ahead. But if Miami plays its cards right, this could be one of those rare moments where timing, opportunity, and roster needs all align.
The Dolphins’ season isn’t over yet - far from it. But as the front office looks ahead, the 2026 NFL Draft is already shaping up to be a pivotal one. And if Tyreek Hill’s time in Miami is nearing its end, the Dolphins may already have a blueprint for what comes next.