By: Jake Boals | Date: April 26, 2026
PITTSBURGH – The Miami Dolphins entered the 2026 NFL Draft with two glaring roster needs — a franchise offensive tackle and a lockdown cornerback — and walked out of Night 1 having nailed both. Through three days of calculated trades, decisive picks, and a philosophy-driven approach that left little doubt about the direction of this franchise, GM Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley assembled 13 players in what is shaping up as one of the most purposeful drafts in Miami’s recent history. For Dolphins fans, excitement isn’t just warranted — it’s required.
DAY 1 RECAP: Two First-Round Statements
Pick #12 — Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
The Dolphins kicked off their draft by trading down one spot, moving from #11 to #12 in a deal with the Dallas Cowboys. The move netted two extra fifth-round picks (177 and 180), and Miami still landed their guy — Kadyn Proctor, the most physically imposing tackle in the draft.
At 6’7″, 352 pounds, Proctor started all 15 games at left tackle for Alabama last season, earning a spot as a Lombardi Award finalist. The Dolphins see him as a versatile piece capable of playing either tackle or guard, giving their offensive line the flexibility it desperately needs to protect new QB Malik Willis. With Patrick Paul locked in at left tackle, Proctor will likely cross-train at guard and right tackle — filling a genuine hole at right guard in his rookie year.
“There just aren’t a lot of humans that move like Proctor does at 6-foot-7 and 352 pounds.” — Palm Beach Post
But Proctor’s selection wasn’t without controversy. Former Alabama coach Nick Saban appeared on The Pat McAfee Show the day before the draft and described Proctor as “not really a self-starter” — a rare public knock on a prospect from his college coach. Managing Proctor’s development will be a key task for Miami’s new coaching staff.
Pick #27 — Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State
Miami wasn’t done making waves in Round 1. After trading up from #30 to #27 — sending #30 and #90 to San Francisco while receiving #27 and a late fourth-rounder (#138) back — the Dolphins used their second first-round pick on Chris Johnson, the most complete cornerback available.
Johnson’s 2025 numbers speak for themselves: four interceptions (two returned for touchdowns), 13 passes defended, one forced fumble, and an elite 16.1 passer rating allowed when targeted. His combination of size, athleticism, and football IQ makes him a plug-and-play starter in Miami’s secondary. Sullivan believes Johnson can play any defensive back position, and it would be a surprise if he doesn’t start from Day 1.
“Scheme-versatile with ideal size for outside cornerback, great vision, and NFL-caliber athleticism. Fluid hips to keep in position at all times.” — Ayrton Ostly, USA TODAY
With Johnson, Miami didn’t just fill a need — they may have landed a cornerstone for their secondary for years to come.
DAY 2 RECAP: Four Picks, Four Needs Addressed
Friday night brought four more picks across Rounds 2 and 3, each addressing a critical roster gap with surgical precision.
Round 2, Pick #43 — Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech
The Dolphins opened Day 2 by returning to their roots, selecting Jacob Rodriguez from Texas Tech — the same program that produced franchise legend Zach Thomas. A converted quarterback turned elite linebacker, Rodriguez is a high-motor inside linebacker who pairs instincts with leadership, giving Miami a much-needed boost at a position of concern.
His 2025 stat line was extraordinary: FBS-leading seven forced fumbles and four interceptions. Dolphins assistant GM Kyle Smith could barely contain his excitement post-pick:
“We’re buzzing in [the draft room]. Go down the list of every single attribute you want in an inside linebacker and that’s what this guy is.” — Kyle Smith, Dolphins AGM
Rodriguez will slot in alongside veteran Jordyn Brooks to form one of the most intriguing young linebacker tandems in the AFC East.
Round 3, Pick #75 — Caleb Douglas, WR, Texas Tech
With Tyreek Hill gone and Jaylen Waddle traded, Miami’s wide receiver room was one of the thinnest in the league heading into the draft. Caleb Douglas was the first answer to that problem.
At 6’3″, Douglas brings size and physicality to a receiver corps that has lacked a true jump-ball target for years. He gives Malik Willis a red-zone weapon and a reliable presence on contested catches, complementing first-year OC Bobby Slowik’s offense.
“Addressing a need that was sorely needed in this Dolphins receiver room.” — The Phinsider
Round 3, Pick #87 — Will Kacmarek, TE, Ohio State
Considered by ESPN the best blocking tight end in the entire draft, Kacmarek immediately fills a glaring gap in Miami’s run-game infrastructure.
The Dolphins publicly committed to running the ball in 2026 all offseason — Kacmarek is the personnel proof. He’ll be a road-paver for De’Von Achane and should see the field from Day 1 of training camp.
Round 3, Pick #94 — Chris Bell, WR, Louisville
The potential steal of the entire draft. Bell was a legitimate first-round talent before tearing his ACL in November — Miami got him in the third round with one of the picks received back in the Waddle trade.
At 6’2″, 220 lbs, Bell combines size, explosiveness, and yards-after-catch ability to a thin receiver room. Training camp opens roughly eight months post-surgery, and his path to playing time is wide open.
“The chance to develop into the Dolphins’ best receiver.” — The Phinsider
DAY 3 RECAP: Seven More Picks, Three Longhorns & a Philosophy Sealed
Saturday’s final four rounds gave Sullivan and Hafley the opportunity to reinforce every level of the roster — and they did exactly that, drafting seven players to bring the class to 13 total. Miami’s three selections out of Texas were the most players drafted from the same college program in a single Dolphins draft since taking three Gators in 2013.
Round 4, Pick #131 — Trey Moore, Edge, Texas
Miami tapped into the edge rusher market with their first Day 3 pick, selecting the former AAC Defensive Player of the Year. Moore recorded 14 sacks at UTSA in 2023 before transferring to Texas, where he helped the Longhorns reach back-to-back College Football Playoff appearances. His career totals: 30.5 sacks and 50.0 TFL across 57 games.
Round 7, Pick #238 — Max Llewellyn, Edge, Iowa
Miami doubled up on edge rushers to close the draft, selecting the Iowa product known for his length, edge-setting ability, and a notable spin move in his pass-rush arsenal. Llewellyn should compete for a roster spot this summer.
Complete Miami Dolphins 2026 Draft Class
| Rd | Pick | Player | Pos | School |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | #12 | Kadyn Proctor | OT | Alabama |
| 1 | #27 | Chris Johnson | CB | San Diego State |
| 2 | #43 | Jacob Rodriguez | LB | Texas Tech |
| 3 | #75 | Caleb Douglas | WR | Texas Tech |
| … |
Miami Dolphins 2026 NFL Draft: 3 Days of Bold Moves, Big Talent & Clarity
By: Jake Boals | Date: April 26, 2026
PITTSBURGH – The Miami Dolphins entered the 2026 NFL Draft with two glaring roster needs — a franchise offensive tackle and a lockdown cornerback — and walked out of Night 1 having nailed both. Through three days of calculated trades, decisive picks, and a philosophy-driven approach that left little doubt about the direction of this franchise, GM Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley assembled 13 players in what is shaping up as one of the most purposeful drafts in Miami’s recent history. For Dolphins fans, excitement isn’t just warranted — it’s required.
DAY 1 RECAP: Two First-Round Statements
Pick #12 — Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
Miami kicked off its draft by trading down one spot, moving from #11 to #12 in a deal with the Dallas Cowboys. The move netted two extra fifth-round picks (177 and 180), and the Dolphins still landed their guy — Kadyn Proctor, the most physically imposing tackle in the draft.
At 6’7″, 352 pounds, Proctor started all 15 games at left tackle for Alabama last season, earning a spot as a Lombardi Award finalist. The Dolphins see him as a versatile piece capable of playing either tackle or guard, giving their offensive line the flexibility it desperately needs to protect new QB Malik Willis. With Patrick Paul locked in at left tackle, Proctor will likely cross-train at guard and right tackle — filling a genuine hole at right guard in his rookie year.
“There just aren’t a lot of humans that move like Proctor does at 6-foot-7 and 352 pounds.” — Palm Beach Post
But Proctor’s selection wasn’t without controversy. Former Alabama coach Nick Saban appeared on The Pat McAfee Show the day before the draft and described Proctor as “not really a self-starter” — a rare public knock on a prospect from his college coach. Managing Proctor’s development will be a key task for Miami’s new coaching staff.
Pick #27 — Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State
Miami wasn’t done making waves in Round 1. After trading up from #30 to #27 — sending #30 and #90 to San Francisco while receiving #27 and a late fourth-rounder (#138) back — the Dolphins used their second first-round pick on Chris Johnson, the most complete cornerback available.
Johnson’s 2025 numbers speak for themselves: four interceptions (two returned for touchdowns), 13 passes defended, one forced fumble, and an elite 16.1 passer rating allowed when targeted. His combination of size, athleticism, and football IQ makes him a plug-and-play starter in Miami’s secondary. Sullivan believes Johnson can play any defensive back position, and it would be a surprise if he doesn’t start from Day 1.
“Scheme-versatile with ideal size for outside cornerback, great vision, and NFL-caliber athleticism. Fluid hips to keep in position at all times.” — Ayrton Ostly, USA TODAY
With Johnson, Miami didn’t just fill a need — they may have landed a cornerstone for their secondary for years to come.
DAY 2 RECAP: Four Picks, Four Needs Addressed
Friday night brought four more picks across Rounds 2 and 3, each addressing a critical roster gap with precision.
Round 2, Pick #43 — Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech
The Dolphins opened Day 2 by returning to their roots, selecting Jacob Rodriguez from Texas Tech — the same program that produced franchise legend Zach Thomas. A converted quarterback turned elite linebacker, Rodriguez is a high-motor inside linebacker who pairs instincts with leadership, giving Miami a much-needed boost at a position of concern.
His 2025 stat line was extraordinary: FBS-leading seven forced fumbles and four interceptions. Dolphins assistant GM Kyle Smith could barely contain his excitement post-pick:
“We’re buzzing in [the draft room]. Go down the list of every single attribute you want in an inside linebacker and that’s what this guy is.” — Kyle Smith, Dolphins AGM
Rodriguez will slot in alongside veteran Jordyn Brooks to form one of the most intriguing young linebacker tandems in the AFC East.
Round 3, Pick #75 — Caleb Douglas, WR, Texas Tech
With Tyreek Hill gone and Jaylen Waddle traded, Miami’s wide receiver room was one of the thinnest in the league heading into the draft. Caleb Douglas was the first answer to that problem.
At 6’3″, Douglas brings size and physicality to a receiver corps that has lacked a true jump-ball target for years. He gives Malik Willis a red-zone weapon and a reliable presence on contested catches, complementing first-year OC Bobby Slowik’s offense.
“Addressing a need that was sorely needed in this Dolphins receiver room.” — The Phinsider
Round 3, Pick #87 — Will Kacmarek, TE, Ohio State
Considered by ESPN the best blocking tight end in the entire draft, Kacmarek isn’t flashy, but his run-blocking ability will give Miami a critical edge in establishing the ground game.
The Dolphins publicly committed to running the ball in 2026 all offseason — Kacmarek is the personnel proof. He’ll be a road-paver for De’Von Achane and should see the field from Day 1 of training camp.
Round 3, Pick #94 — Chris Bell, WR, Louisville
Miami saved its most exciting Day 2 pick for last, snagging Chris Bell in the third round with one of the picks received back in the Waddle trade. Bell was widely considered a first-round talent before tearing his ACL in November, and the Dolphins are betting on his recovery and high ceiling.
At 6’2″, 220 lbs, Bell combines size, explosiveness, and yards-after-catch ability to a thin receiver room. Training camp opens roughly eight months post-surgery, and his path to playing time is wide open.
“The chance to develop into the Dolphins’ best receiver.” — The Phinsider
DAY 3 RECAP: Seven More Picks, Three Longhorns & a Philosophy Sealed
Saturday’s final four rounds gave Sullivan and Hafley the opportunity to reinforce every level of the roster — and they did exactly that, drafting seven players to bring the class to 13 total. Miami’s three selections out of Texas were the most players drafted from the same college program in a single Dolphins draft since taking three Gators in 2013.
Round 4, Pick #131 — Trey Moore, Edge, Texas
Miami tapped into the edge rusher market with their first Day 3 pick, selecting the former American Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year. Moore recorded 14 sacks at UTSA in 2023 (AAC Defensive Player of the Year), then transferred to Texas, where he helped the Longhorns reach back-to-back College Football Playoff appearances. His career totals are staggering: 30.5 sacks and 50.0 TFL across 57 games.
Round 7, Pick #238 — Max Llewellyn, Edge, Iowa
Miami doubled up on edge rushers to close the draft, selecting the Iowa product known for his length, edge-setting ability, and a notable spin move in his pass-rush arsenal. Llewellyn should compete for a roster spot this summer.
Complete Miami Dolphins 2026 Draft Class
| Rd | Pick | Player | Pos | School |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | #12 | Kadyn Proctor | OT | Alabama |
| 1 | #27 | Chris Johnson | CB | San Diego State |
| 2 | #43 | Jacob Rodriguez | LB | Texas Tech |
| 3 | #75 | Caleb Douglas | WR | Texas Tech |
| 3 | #87 | Will Kacmarek | TE | Ohio State |
| 3 | #94 | Chris Bell | WR | Louisville |
| 4 | #131 | Trey Moore | Edge | Texas |
| 4 | #138 | Kyle Louis | LB | Pittsburgh |
| 5 | #158 | Michael Taaffe | S | Texas |
| 5 | #177 | Kevin Coleman Jr. | WR | Missouri |
| 5 | #180 | Seydou Traore | TE | Mississippi State |
| 6 | #200 | DJ Campbell | G | Texas |
| 7 | #238 | Max Llewellyn | Edge | Iowa |
13 picks. 5 from Texas schools. 3 wide receivers. 2 tight ends. 2 linebackers. 2 edge rushers.
🎯 The Big Picture: What Sullivan & Hafley Built
Three days in, the blueprint for this Dolphins regime is unmistakable. The Phinsider awarded the class a “B” grade, and the consensus across analysts reflects a coherent, philosophy-driven haul executed with rare clarity for a first-year GM.
Identity:
- Protect Malik Willis: Proctor and Campbell address both tackle depth and the right guard hole from Day 1.
- Rebuild the Secondary: Johnson (R1) and Taaffe (R5) give Miami a cornerback and safety with genuine starting potential.
- Revamp the Receiver Room: Douglas, Bell, and Coleman replace the Hill-Waddle production pipeline with three distinct archetypes.
- Physical Defense: Rodriguez, Louis, Moore, and Llewellyn reflect a team that intends to be hard-nosed, physical, and disruptive.
- Run Game Identity: Kacmarek and Traore give Miami a two-tight-end run-blocking infrastructure that simply didn’t exist before this weekend.
Day 1 was about bold moves. Day 2 was about addressing needs with precision. Day 3 was about sealing a culture. The 2026 Miami Dolphins draft class is complete — and the rebuild has a face.
Fins UP!
