The Miami Dolphins have a lot of room to grow before they can even pretend to be playoff contenders. Since everybody’s posting their mock drafts, here’s who Miami should take in the 2026 NFL Draft.
#11: Caleb Downs, Safety
If you remember from my earlier post, I said the Dolphins should invest in their secondary. Who better to take than Safety Caleb Downs from Ohio State.
Downs is a playmaker, no doubt. But what he brings most to the table? Good instincts.
Instinct can’t be taught, but it can be developed. He’s already got the raw talent. We’ll see if Hafley and Co. can turn Caleb Downs into an All-Pro caliber safety–much like Minkah Fitzpatrick was.
Someone remind me why we traded him?

#30: Kadyn Proctor
If arthritis is chronic, the Miami Dolphins’ offensive line woes are eternal.
Seriously–there’s a reason Tua Tagovailoa’s in Atlanta. Regression played a part in it, sure, but concussions played a part in his regression. I firmly believe good teams are built thru the trenches and Proctor’d be a key addition.
Austin Jackson’s time in Miami’s been marred with injuries. He’s been switched to guard to compensate for his lack of consistent pass blocking ability. But when you’re drafted as a pass-blocking tackle, been in the league six years and still haven’t developed consistency?
Yeah big guy, it’s time to move on.
Pairing Proctor up with Patrick Paul (like the alliteration?) means Miami could have two elite tackles in a couple of years. The problem with Proctor? His weight. If Miami can cut him down a few pounds–shouldn’t be hard to do in the humid summer–his longevity as a blindside or lead blocker could be drastically extended.
#43: Kevin Concepcion
Look I know releasing Tyreek Hill was a necessary evil, but we can’t expect Malik Willis to throw to De’Von Achane and him alone.
Trading Waddle was also necessary as painful as it was. Who better to replace Waddle than Concepcion.
“KC” does everything. Returns punts, hauls in touchdowns–you might as well call him YACkity YAC for how much yards after the catch he had at Texas A&M. You can line him up in the slot, outside–hell put him at running back, for all I care. Concepcion’s a do-it all kinda guy and we desperately need those players.
He needs to work on his drops, concentration and consistency, but should he do all that? Look out.
Miami’s Third Rounders: O-Line & Offense

Look I don’t mean to beat a dead horse about the Dolphins, but it needs to be said. Both have been porous or inconsistent or both for the past decade and a half.
Miami’s got a gang of third round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft–picks 75, 87, 90 and 94. My opinion? Go all-in on offensive line and secondary.
Logan Jones from Iowa could be a solid guard if Jonah Savaiinaea doesn’t pan out or goes down with injury. But, like Jackson, Miami needs to work on Jones’ pass-blocking abilities.
That still leaves two picks to work with. The Dolphins need more depth at receiver; why not Deion Burks from Oklahoma? He does need more route discipline but lining him up beside KC would be a lethal threat. Both are YAC machines that could help Malik Willis in the passing game. Joshua Josephs from Tennessee could help Chop Robinson develop or outright take his place. Possibilities are endless here.
The Dolphins’ Final Four Picks: Depth Pieces

Round 4, #131: Oscar Delp is a tight end from Georgia–Darren Waller’s not getting any younger and Delp could develop into a solid option at TE for the Dolphins.
Round 5, #151: Carson Beck’s a local; if he falls that far? I see no reason why Miami wouldn’t take him. Jon-Eric Sullivan said the Dolphins would invest in a quarterback “every year” if they had to. Why not start this year?
Round 7, #227 and #238: EDGE Logan Fano from Utah’s got promise; he plays with heart and speed. Both him and EDGE Marvin Jones Jr. are on ESPN’s mock draft and I think they’re solid options.
End Of My Miami Dolphins Rant
Miami’s got options this year–can they make the most of their opportunities? Let’s pray the Jaylen Waddle pick doesn’t come back to bite them. But like all things, only time’ll tell.