Dolphins' Draft Strategy: Targeting Top Receiver Prospects
The Miami Dolphins are gearing up for the NFL Draft with a treasure trove of picks, including the 11th and 30th overall in the first round. Following the trade that sent Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos, the team is on the hunt for top-tier receiving talent to bolster their offensive arsenal. Let’s dive into some of the standout prospects who could make their way to Miami.
First Round, No. 11 Overall
Carnell Tate, Ohio State
Standing at 6-2 and weighing 192 pounds, Tate is a receiver who rarely lets a ball slip through his fingers. His combination of timing, body control, and an impressive catch radius makes him a formidable presence on the field. He’s known for winning contested catches with ease, showcasing soft yet strong hands that make pass-catching seem effortless.
Makai Lemon, USC
The Biletnikoff Award winner, Lemon averaged 14.6 yards per catch with 11 touchdowns last season. Compared to Amon-Ra St.
Brown, Lemon is a high-skill, high-volume slot receiver. While he has room to refine his game, his intelligence, confidence, and polished play make him a threat at all three levels of the field.
Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
Despite missing four games due to hamstring injuries, Tyson racked up 711 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. Coached by Hines Ward, he possesses short-area quickness and the toughness needed for those crucial chain-moving grabs. While not the fastest, he has enough speed to stretch the field.
First Round, No. 30 Overall
Denzel Boston, Washington
At 6-4 and 212 pounds, Boston is one of the draft's larger receivers. With 11 receiving touchdowns to his name, he’s been compared to Puka Nacua for his competitive toughness.
Boston excels in jump balls and contested throws, making him a valuable red-zone target. Though he may take time to adjust to NFL competition, his potential as a possession receiver is undeniable.
Kevin Concepcion, Texas A&M
Winner of the Paul Hornung Award, Concepcion is celebrated for his versatility. With two punt return touchdowns and 919 receiving yards, his immediate burst and separation make him a challenge for defenders. His ability to snap off routes with precision makes him a difficult matchup at break points.
Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana
Cooper, with 13 receiving touchdowns, was a second-team All-Big Ten selection. Though his routes need polish, his rugged playstyle and ability to gain yards after contact could see him taking on more carries in the NFL.
Second Round: No. 43 Overall
Chris Brazzell, Tennessee
Brazzell combines size (6-4, 198) with blazing speed (4.37). With 1,017 receiving yards and nine touchdowns, he’s a long-limbed “Z” receiver who can create explosive plays downfield. His 2025 tape shows a player whose production is catching up with his raw traits.
Third Round: Picks Nos. 75, 87, 90, 94
Elijah Sarratt, Indiana
Nicknamed "Waffle House" for being "always open," Sarratt is a red-zone powerhouse with 15 touchdowns last season. Despite facing many contested targets, his size and skill make him a constant threat.
Antonio Williams, Clemson
With 604 yards and four touchdowns, Williams is a playmaker with good size and a knack for creating opportunities on the field.
Skyler Bell, UConn
Bell, who tallied 1,278 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2025, is known for his sudden movements and sharp catch focus. While his route-running can be mechanical, an accurate NFL passer could unlock his full potential.
Deion Burks, Oklahoma
A fifth-year slot receiver with a 4.3 speed, Burks is savvy against zone coverage. Though he struggles with vertical routes, his straight-line speed is a weapon once the ball is in his hands.
Ted Hurst, Georgia State
Hurst is a long-legged wideout with the speed to stress defenses from start to finish. His ability to beat press coverage and accelerate into routes makes him a promising vertical threat.
With these prospects in their sights, the Dolphins are poised to make significant strides in strengthening their receiving corps. Each player brings unique skills that could be pivotal in Miami's quest for offensive dominance.