So, the Miami Dolphins are in a weird spot. Again. After a 2025 season that honestly felt like a repeat of the year before—flashes of brilliance followed by a late-season collapse—the front office is facing a massive identity crisis. The big news? Jon-Eric Sullivan is officially the guy steering the ship now as the new General Manager. If you’ve been following the rumors, you know he’s bringing that Green Bay Packers "draft and develop" DNA to South Beach.
People are obsessed with who the draft picks for Miami Dolphins will be in 2026, but they’re mostly looking at the wrong things. They’re looking at the flash. They’re looking at the highlights. But if Sullivan stays true to his roots, this April is going to be about the "big uglies" and defensive anchors.
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The Quarterback Elephant in the Room
Let’s be real. The Tua Tagovailoa era in Miami is basically on life support. He was benched in December after a PFF grade that slumped to a 62.1. Now, reports are swirling that he’s likely to be released this offseason. It’s a tough pill to swallow for fans who bought those jerseys, but the NFL is a "what have you done for me lately" business.
The Dolphins actually took a flyer on Quinn Ewers in the 7th round last year. He was supposed to be a low-risk project, but let’s be honest, he hasn't shown enough to be "The Guy" just yet. Because of that, everyone is mock-drafting a quarterback at the 11th overall pick. But is that what Sullivan does? Not necessarily.
In Green Bay, they weren't afraid to let a guy sit. Or, they’d focus on the trenches first. If a guy like Carson Beck or Fernando Mendoza isn't staring them in the face, don't be shocked if they go defense.
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Why the 11th Pick is the Most Stressed Spot in Florida
Miami is locked into the No. 11 pick. No lottery luck here. The roster is currently a sieve, especially after trading Jaelan Phillips to the Eagles last November. That move left a gaping hole on the edge that Bradley Chubb—who’s a potential cap cut himself—can't fill alone.
If you look at the 2026 landscape, the draft picks for Miami Dolphins need to address the following:
- Edge Rusher: Chop Robinson regressed in his second year. That hurts.
- Secondary: Rasul Douglas and Jack Jones are hitting free agency. The cupboard is bare.
- Offensive Line: Jonah Savaiinaea, the 2025 second-rounder, was a disaster at guard, giving up eight sacks. He needs help or a position change.
Most experts are pointing toward David Bailey out of Texas Tech at 11. He’s a speed-to-power guy who lived in opposing backfields last year. Another name popping up is Caleb Downs, the Ohio State safety. Imagine pairing him with Minkah Fitzpatrick (yeah, the trade hindsight still stings). Sullivan loves impactful defensive backs.
Breaking Down the 2026 Draft Capital
Miami isn't exactly flush with picks, but they have enough to be dangerous. They picked up an extra 3rd-rounder from the Eagles in that Phillips trade and another 3rd from the Texans.
- Round 1 (Pick 11): Likely Edge or Secondary.
- Round 2 (Pick 43): Best Interior Lineman or Cornerback.
- Round 3 (Three Picks): This is where the depth is built. Think big-bodied WRs like Elijah Sarratt to replace the likely departing Tyreek Hill.
The "Tyreek Hill" Sized Hole
Speaking of Tyreek, the whispers about him being a cap casualty are getting louder. He’s still elite (82.1 PFF grade), but the contract is a monster. If he goes, Jaylen Waddle is the only reliable target left.
The draft picks for Miami Dolphins in the mid-rounds have to find a "X" receiver. Someone like Sarratt from Indiana—a guy who can actually block and win contested catches. The "Speed Only" offense Mike McDaniel built is getting figured out by defensive coordinators. They need some bulk.
What Most Fans Are Getting Wrong
The biggest misconception? That Miami is just "one playmaker away."
They’re not.
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The 2025 draft class was... okay? Kenneth Grant (the Michigan DT) was average. He’s a space-eater, but he isn't Christian Wilkins. Jordan Phillips (the Maryland version) was actually a bright spot as a 5th-rounder, which is sort of a win. But the failure of Savaiinaea at guard basically ruined the interior run game.
Sullivan isn't going to fix this with a 4.2-speed receiver. He’s going to fix it by drafting Keith Abney from Arizona State to stop the bleeding in the secondary. Or by taking Blake Miller (Clemson) in the 3rd to finally provide a succession plan for Austin Jackson.
Actionable Steps for the 2026 Offseason
If you’re a Fins fan trying to track how this goes, keep your eyes on these three things:
- Watch the Combine Bench Press and 10-Yard Split: Sullivan’s history with the Packers suggests he values "trench explosions" over long-distance speed. If a defensive tackle or guard puts up elite numbers here, put them on your radar for Miami.
- Monitor the Cap Casualties: If Bradley Chubb or Tyreek Hill are cut before the draft, that tells you exactly which direction the first two rounds are going.
- The "Miami-to-Miami" Pipeline: Keep an eye on Akheem Mesidor. The Dolphins need edge help, and the local product is a polished pass rusher who fits the "heavy-handed" mold Sullivan likes.
The 2026 draft isn't just about picking players; it's about pivoting away from the "all-in" era of Chris Grier and building something that doesn't collapse the moment the temperature drops below 40 degrees. It might not be as "sexy" as a track-team offense, but it's the only way this team stops being a first-round exit. Or worse.