The Miami Dolphins enter the 2026 NFL Draft with clarity and purpose — two things that have been in short supply for the franchise in recent years. With new head coach Jeff Hafley at the helm, a fresh quarterback in Malik Willis installed as the centerpiece of the offense, and two first-round picks in hand, Miami is positioned to make a statement. But this draft isn’t just about talent acquisition; it’s about laying the foundation for a new era in South Florida.
The Willis Era Begins
The Dolphins made waves this offseason by signing Malik Willis to a three-year deal, effectively naming him their starting quarterback for the 2026 campaign. His arrival signals a shift in philosophy for Miami, as they embrace a more dynamic, mobile style of play at a position that has been a revolving door for years.
Willis, who held his first press conference in March, has already generated optimism within the organization. His athleticism and ability to extend plays offer a dimension the Dolphins haven’t had under center in recent memory. But the success of the Willis experiment hinges on one critical factor: how well Miami builds around him.
This draft is about more than just Malik Willis. It’s about putting him in a position to succeed — whether that means bolstering the offensive line, adding playmakers on the outside, or reinforcing the defense to keep games manageable. Every decision Miami makes in Pittsburgh will shape the early trajectory of the Willis era.
Spencer Fano: The Anchor Miami Needs
If there’s one name that continues to surface in connection with Miami’s No. 11 pick, it’s Spencer Fano, the standout offensive tackle from Utah. For a team desperate to protect its new quarterback, Fano might be the perfect fit.
Scouting Report:
- Athleticism: Fano’s quick feet and fluid hips allow him to mirror even the fastest edge rushers, a rare trait for a lineman of his size.
- Run Blocking: He thrives in space, excelling on screens and outside zone concepts — an ideal match for Bobby Slowik’s offense.
- Hands: Powerful and precise, Fano rarely allows defenders to disengage once he locks on.
- Anchor: When faced with bull rushers, Fano consistently holds his ground, using his lower body strength effectively.
NFL Comparison: Jake Matthews — a technically sound, durable starter who can anchor a line for years.
The one knock on Fano? His pass-protection technique requires refinement, particularly against complex NFL-level stunts. But at No. 11, Miami would be drafting a player with elite upside and versatility, someone who could be the cornerstone of their offensive line for the next decade.
Hafley’s First Draft: Culture Over Scheme
The 2026 offseason marks the beginning of Jeff Hafley’s tenure as Miami’s head coach, and his approach to the draft will be shaped by the culture reset he’s already begun implementing.
Hafley’s first team meeting set the tone for what’s to come. Leadership, accountability, and commitment to “the standard” were emphasized as non-negotiable pillars of the program. His nine-week offseason plan is designed to instill these values while giving players a full runway to adapt to his system ahead of training camp.
While Hafley’s defensive pedigree is well-known — he’s a former Ohio State defensive backs coach and Boston College head coach — his hire of Bobby Slowik as offensive coordinator signals a balanced approach to roster construction. Expect the Dolphins to use their draft capital to address needs on both sides of the ball: protecting Willis, bolstering the secondary, and adding offensive weapons.
Miami’s Draft Capital
The Dolphins have a rare luxury this year: two first-round picks. Here’s a snapshot of their draft capital heading into next week:
| Pick | Round | Priority Target |
|---|---|---|
| No. 11 | Round 1 | Offensive tackle (Fano?), wide receiver, or cornerback |
| No. 30 | Round 1 | Best player available or trade-back candidate |
| No. 43 | Round 2 | Early Day 2 value — depth or scheme fit |
The No. 11 pick is widely expected to address the offensive line or secondary, but No. 30 gives Miami flexibility. They could target another immediate starter or trade back to stockpile picks — a strategy that aligns with Sullivan’s “younger and cheaper” philosophy.
The Bottom Line
The Dolphins’ 2026 draft isn’t just another weekend in April — it’s a critical moment for a franchise trying to turn the page. Malik Willis represents hope, but hope alone doesn’t win football games. Miami needs to protect him, surround him with talent, and trust that Jeff Hafley’s culture-first approach can lay the groundwork for sustained success.
This draft is about three things: building around Willis, trusting Spencer Fano to anchor the offensive line, and buying into Hafley’s vision for the future. All three converge next week in Pittsburgh, where the Dolphins will shape their identity for years to come.
The pieces are there. Now comes the hard part — putting them together.
