With the NFL combine in the rearview, the new Miami Dolphins brass is back home and preparing for the 2026 NFL draft. It’s one that’s sure to be highly scrutinized as the first-year coach and GM combo of Jeff Hafley and Jon-Eric Sullivan looks to revamp the struggling team.
Miami had high hopes under Mike McDaniel, but two straight playoff appearances gave way to two straight losing seasons, leading to big changes heading into 2026. The biggest stars on the offense, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and receiver Tyreek Hill, are expected to be gone (Hill already has been released). The defense improved over the course of the 7-10 season, but it still finished 24th in points allowed and will be led by Sean Duggan, brought over by Sullivan and Hafley from Green Bay to replace Anthony Weaver.
The Dolphins are expected to be players for free agent QB Malik Willis, another former Packer. But the core of the rebuild will come from April’s NFL draft, where Miami has eight picks, including at No. 11 overall. It would be easier to list the positions the Fins don’t need to address. Will they add to the offensive line, building around second-team All-Pro center Aaron Brewer? Will they beef up the pass rush with 2024 first-round pick Chop Robinson? Will they fill out the secondary, something the previous administration failed to do in the 2025 draft?
Miami took defensive tackle Kenneth Grant out of Michigan with their first of eight picks in 2025. Here’s what to know about the Dolphins’ 2026 NFL draft needs.
Dolphins draft picks
The exact number and placement of picks will be finalized after the free agency signing period, which determines teams’ compensatory picks starting in the third round.
*- projections by Tankathon
Dolphins mock draft
Miami is staring down a complete rebuild with needs at just about every position on offense (save running back and center) and along the defensive line and secondary. With the No. 11 overall pick, the Dolphins would be in prime position to take a lockdown cornerback with someone like LSU’s Mansoor Delane or Tennessee’s Jermod McCoy, both of whom could be Day 1 starters.
Shoring up the offensive line is vital, as well, and it would be hard to pass up a hometown hero like former Hurricanes tackle Francis Mauigoa (or star defensive end Rueben Bain if his arm-length measurements lead to him dropping this far). Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson or Ohio State’s Carnell Tate would be intriguing options too if the Dolphins feel like locking in a top-end wide receiver to replace the departed Tyreek Hill. Here’s who Joe Schad picked in his latest mock draft.
When is NFL draft 2026?
The NFL draft begins Thursday, April 23 with Round 1. The second and third rounds will take place Friday, April 24, and things wrap up Saturday, April 25 with Rounds 4-7. The draft will take place in Pittsburgh and be broadcast on ESPN and NFL Network, with streaming options including Fubo, which carries both channels and offers a free trial for new subscribers.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: When do Dolphins pick in 2026 NFL draft? Round-by-round picks list
Reporting by Dan Rorabaugh, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Palm Beach Post
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
