The Miami Dolphins went with their third defensive player of Day 3 at pick No. 158, taking Texas safety Michael Taaffe. Excelling in coverage with very good speed, he’s an instinctual player with outstanding leadership. He plays well in zone and can be an extension of head coach Jeff Hafley on the field.
Taafe can read a quarterback as well as routes very well and essentially can be a captain within the secondary, calling out pre-snap reads and getting his teammates prepared for the play. He can also handle multiple areas of the field, including deep as a free safety, in the slot to check tight ends and underneath targets, as well as up in the box. He can also be an immediate factor on special teams and a potential ace/gunner.
Taaffe played 53 for Texas in his four seasons and totaled 222 combined tackles (9.5 for loss), three sacks, seven interceptions, 14 passes defensed, a forced fumble and a recovery. He also had a blocked punt on special teams. He had an excellent 2024 season, registering 10 passes defensed, a pair of interceptions, two sacks and 5.5 tackles for loss to go with his 78 total tackles. In 2025, he was a third-team All-American and earned First-Team All-SEC honors as well.
He’s a hard worker and actually was a finalist for the Burlsworth Trophy, given to the nation’s top player to make a roster as a walk-on. A great person and community man, winner of the Wuerffel Trophy for his community service, something very valued in the Dolphins organization.
Taaffe was named to the AFCA Allstate Good Works Team for his efforts in this area. Taaffe could prove to be an excellent steal of a pick, and a gem on the field and off for the Dolphins.
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This article originally appeared on Dolphins Wire: Instant analysis on the Dolphins drafting DB Michael Taaffe at No. 158
Reporting by Jason Sarney, Dolphins Wire / Dolphins Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
