Where Dolphins will pick in first round and players in that range. Schedule set
The Dolphins’ embarrassing 38-10 loss to the Patriots in their regular-season finale on Sunday didn’t even improve their draft situation.
Miami ended up with the 11th overall pick in the first round — the precise spot it stood entering the day.
The Dolphins (7-10) could have moved up to as high as eighth with a loss and with wins by the Bengals, Saints and Chiefs.
But Cincinnati lost to Cleveland, New Orleans lost to Atlanta and Kansas City lost at Las Vegas, which left the Bengals, Saints and Chiefs at 6-11. A 60-yard field goal by the Raiders’ Daniel Carlson gave Las Vegas the win against the Chiefs in the final seconds.
If the Dolphins had won Sunday, they would have dropped below Dallas to the 12th spot.
Instead, they will pick 11th for the second time this century. Miami selected Minkah Fitzpatrick with the 11th pick in 2018.
If the Dolphins don’t trade up, their options at 11 potentially could include UM defensive end Rueben Bain Jr., Texas Tech outside linebacker David Bailey, Arizona State receiver Jordyn Tyson, Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq, Ohio State receiver Carnell Tate, USC receiver Makai Lemon, Ohio State safety Caleb Downs, Auburn edge player Keldric Faulk and Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy, among others.
All of those players have not said if they’re turning pro except Bailey, who is out of eligibility.
The best players selected 11th overall this century include J.J. Watt, Ben Roethlisberger, Dwight Freeney, DeMarcus Ware, Fitzpatrick, Patrick Willis and Taylor Lewan.
The Dolphins have one pick in the second round and three selections in the third round (their own, Houston’s and Philadelphia’s). They also have single picks in the fourth, fifth and seventh rounds.
Also Sunday, the Dolphins’ 2026 schedule was fully set. The Rams’ win against Arizona means the Dolphins (who finished third in the AFC East) will play at the 49ers, who finished third in the NFC West. Miami would have played at the Rams instead next season if Los Angeles had lost Sunday.
Besides the 49ers, the Dolphins also will play road games in 2026 against Buffalo, New England, the Jets, Denver, Indianapolis, Green Bay, Las Vegas and Minnesota.
Miami will play home games in 2026 against Buffalo, New England, the New York Jets, Kansas City, the Los Angeles Chargers, Cincinnati, Chicago and Detroit.
The dates and times of all NFL games are expected to be announced in May.
Here’s what Mike McDaniel said after the game.
This story was originally published January 4, 2026 at 7:28 PM.
