The Miami Dolphins brought in a slew of rookies in the 2026 NFL draft, including Texas safety Michael Taaffe, whom they took in the fifth round at pick No. 158 overall.
Taaffe went from walk-on to starter during his five years at Texas, totaling 222 tackles, 14 passes defensed, seven interceptions, three sacks, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery in 53 games.
The NFL recently released a video highlighting Taaffe’s journey to the league, and in that video, Denver Broncos first-round pick Jahdae Barron really hypes up his former college teammate.
“He’s one of one,” Barron said. “Whether I messed up on a play, or whether I did it right, (Michael) just continued to push us. Me and Drew (Makuba), we wouldn’t be sitting here today without (him).”
Those are some strong words from Denver’s first-round pick in last year’s draft.
Miami has a thin safety room, so if Taaffe plays well throughout organized team activities, training camp and the preseason, he could earn a significant role with the Dolphins as a rookie.
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This article originally appeared on Dolphins Wire: 2025 first-round pick says Dolphins rookie DB is ‘one-of-one’
Reporting by Mike Masala, Dolphins Wire / Dolphins Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Mike Masala, Dolphins Wire | USA TODAY Network
