The Miami Dolphins approached the 2026 NFL Draft with a clear identity: get tougher, get smarter on defense, and reshape an offense built to support quarterback Malik Willis. By the time the seven rounds concluded, Miami had assembled one of the more intriguing and balanced draft classes in the league—headlined by playmakers, versatility, and a heavy emphasis on physicality.
Round 2, No. 43: Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech
Miami’s second-round selection may ultimately define this class. Jacob Rodriguez arrives as one of college football’s most disruptive defenders, bringing elite instincts and production to the middle of the field.
A former quarterback, Rodriguez processes offenses at a high level—something that showed up in his four interceptions and FBS-leading seven forced fumbles last season. Pairing him with Jordyn Brooks gives Miami two aggressive, downhill linebackers capable of creating chaos.
Assistant GM Kyle Smith called Rodriguez “the perfect linebacker,” and it’s easy to see why. He fills gaps quickly, thrives in zone coverage, and has a nose for the football—everything Miami lacked defensively in 2025.
Round 3, No. 75: Caleb Douglas, WR, Texas Tech
After addressing protection earlier in the draft, the Dolphins turned to weapons for Willis. Caleb Douglas offers a rare combination of size, speed, and catch radius—traits Miami’s receiver room desperately needed.
With a new offensive system under coordinator Bobby Slowik, the depth chart is wide open. Douglas may not have been projected this high, but Miami clearly believes in his upside as a field-stretcher who complements Willis’ strong arm.
Round 3, No. 87: Will Kacmarek, TE, Ohio State
The Dolphins have been vocal about wanting to run the football—and this pick reinforces that commitment. Will Kacmarek is widely regarded as one of the best blocking tight ends in the draft.
His arrival should immediately benefit explosive back De’Von Achane, giving Miami a true edge-setter in the run game. With limited competition at the position, Kacmarek could carve out a starting role early.
Round 3, No. 94: Chris Bell, WR, Louisville
Chris Bell could be the steal of Miami’s draft. Once viewed as a potential first-round talent, his slide was due to a late-season ACL injury.
At 6-foot-2, 220 pounds, Bell brings physicality and yards-after-catch ability. If he returns to form, he has WR1 upside in a wide-open receiver room—especially one still adjusting after the departure of Jaylen Waddle.
Round 4, No. 130: Trey Moore, Edge, Texas
Miami continued to reinforce its defense by adding Trey Moore, a former Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year. After posting 14 sacks at UTSA, Moore transferred to Texas, where his production dipped—but his pass-rush toolkit remains impressive.
He enters a rotation with a legitimate chance to earn snaps early thanks to his versatility and refined moves.
Round 4, No. 138: Kyle Louis, LB, Pittsburgh
Kyle Louis may be one of the more creative picks in this class. While many projected him as a safety, Miami envisions a hybrid linebacker role—particularly in passing situations.
His coverage ability should immediately help a defense that struggled against the pass last season, giving the Dolphins flexibility on third downs.
Round 5, No. 158: Michael Taaffe, S, Texas
Continuing the Texas pipeline, Miami selected instinctive safety Michael Taaffe. Though slightly undersized, his football IQ and awareness stand out.
With a thin safety room, Taaffe has a legitimate opportunity to compete for playing time as a rookie.
Round 5, No. 177: Kevin Coleman Jr., WR, Missouri
The Dolphins doubled—and then tripled—down at wide receiver. Kevin Coleman Jr. adds quickness and route precision from the slot, along with value as a return specialist.
Like Douglas and Bell, he benefits from minimal established competition, giving him a clear path to early snaps.
Round 5, No. 180: Seydou Traore, TE, Mississippi State
A late bloomer with international roots, Seydou Traore brings intriguing upside. After developing at the college level, he showed flashes at Mississippi State with 35 catches, 369 yards, and five touchdowns last season.
Miami views him as a “dynamic” tight end who can contribute both as a receiver and blocker—adding depth behind Kacmarek.
Round 6, No. 200: DJ Campbell, G, Texas
Offensive line depth became a priority late in the draft. DJ Campbell, a three-year starter at Texas, offers positional flexibility with the ability to cross-train at guard, center, and tackle.
His length and experience make him a valuable developmental piece for Miami’s offensive front.
Round 7, No. 238: Max Llewellyn, Edge, Iowa
Miami closed its draft by adding another edge rusher in Max Llewellyn. Known for his length and ability to set the edge, he also flashes a polished spin move as a pass rusher.
He’ll enter training camp competing for a roster spot, but his traits give him a real shot to stick.
Draft Takeaways: Identity Established
This draft class tells a clear story about where the Dolphins are headed:
- Defense First: Rodriguez, Moore, Louis, Taaffe, and Llewellyn all address a unit that needed playmakers and toughness.
- Offensive Reset: Three wide receivers and two tight ends signal a complete overhaul of Miami’s pass-catching group.
- Commitment to the Run: Kacmarek’s selection highlights a philosophical shift toward a more physical offense built around the ground game.
Most importantly, this class is built around supporting Malik Willis—giving him protection, weapons, and a defense capable of getting the ball back.
If even a handful of these picks hit their ceiling, the Dolphins could emerge from this draft not just improved—but redefined.
