Who’s being mocked to Miami: A look at players linked to Dolphins pick at No. 11
It’s late January and temperatures are dipping, so it must not only be winter, but also NFL mock draft season.
Here’s a sampling of the players projected to go to the Dolphins at No. 11 in the first round, with the obligatory caveat that everything is fluid:
▪ ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. -- Auburn edge player Keldric Faulk:
Kiper’s rationale: “We don’t know if Tua Tagovailoa will still be Miami’s quarterback next season, but either way, it’s probably too early for Alabama’s Ty Simpson [at 11]. We do know the defense could use some work, though, and Jeff Hafley’s background is on that side of the ball. I thought about cornerback here, and Tennessee’s Jermod McCoy might make sense, but I just wasn’t ready to pull the first CB off the board.
“Miami could use this pick to reload on the edge. The Dolphins traded Jaelan Phillips at the deadline, and Bradley Chubb could be a cap-saving release this offseason, since he has no guaranteed money left on his deal. Mixing Chop Robinson’s burst with Faulk’s power could be a long-term solution.”
Among the players that Kiper has the Dolphins bypassing: Ohio State inside linebacker Sonny Styles, Tennessee’s McCoy, Southern California receiver Makai Lemon, Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq, Simpson (whom he slots to the Jets at 16), and LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane.
▪ NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah -- Ohio State safety Caleb Downs:
Jeremiah said “Downs has the versatility to play multiple spots, much like his teammate -- in this scenario – Minkah Fitzpatrick. Downs’ football intelligence and leadership are off the charts. Miami has to improve a defense that ranked 24th in scoring and 32nd in opponent completion percentage.”
Jeremiah has Miami picking Downs ahead of receivers Carnell Tate (Ohio State) and Jordyn Tyson (Arizona State), as well as UM edge rusher Akheem Mesidor, whom he slots 17th, and fellow edge players Faulk (whom he mocks 20th) and Texas A&M’s Cashius Howell (15th).
▪ NFL Network’s Bucky Brooks -- Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq:
Brooks’ thinking: With Darren Waller’s‘s contract up, the Dolphins could prioritize tight end in the draft. Sadiq is a mismatch creator with the potential to give defensive coordinators headaches as they try to keep up with Miami’s speed and explosiveness on the perimeter.”
▪ The Athletic’s Dane Brugler -- Tennessee cornerback McCoy:
Brugler’s rationale: “The Dolphins aren’t starting over from scratch, but with new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan… it feels like anything is on the table in the draft. Considering that Sullivan came up through the Green Bay scouting system, Auburn’s Keldric Faulk fits the mold. An offensive weapon (Makai Lemon or Kenyon Sadiq) also makes sense. But cornerback has been a problem spot on this team for some time.”
Brugler has Miami taking McCoy over Ohio State linebacker Styles, LSU cornerback Delane, Faulk, Lemon, Sadiq and Alabama’s Simpson, whom he slotted 21st.
▪ ESPN’s Jordan Reid -- Utah offensive tackle Spencer Fano:
Reid explained that “Patrick Paul, Miami’s second-round pick in 2024, has developed into a foundation player at left tackle. But with 2020 first-round pick Austin Jackson struggling to stay healthy and heading to free agency after next season, the Dolphins need help at the other tackle spot...
“At 6-foot-6, 302 pounds, Fano needs to add bulk to his frame, but his 1.1% pressure rate tied with {UM’s] Francis Mauigoa for the second-lowest allowed by an offensive tackle in the FBS this season.”
Reid mocks Styles, Lemon, Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods, Faulk and Ohio State defensive tackle Kayden McDonald coming off the board immediately after Miami’s pick.
▪ Pro Football Focus -- LSU cornerback Delane:
He held players in his coverage area to a 26.7 passer rating against last season.
PFF says “Miami has a wide range of needs, but the cornerback unit in particular lacks high-end talent. LSU’s Mansoor Delane finished the season with the third-best coverage grade among qualified FBS cornerbacks and also ranked third in man-coverage grade. That skill set should appeal to Jeff Hafley’s aggressive defensive approach.”
PFF has Styles, McCoy, Penn State guard Olaivavega Ioane, Howell and Lemon going with the next five picks.
▪ CBS Sports -- LSU cornerback Delane:
CBS’ rationale with this pick: “Mansoor Delane was arguably the nation’s best corner and one of the top defensive players in the country. He’s been an eraser in coverage with suddenness and change-of-direction. Delane has good speed and competitiveness at the catch point, and he should transition well despite lacking elite measurables.”
CBS has Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, Simpson, McDonald, Howell and Lomu as the next five off the board.
▪ Yahoo -- Tennessee cornerback McCoy:
Yahoo’s explanation with this pick:
“McCoy is still in the running to be the first cornerback selected despite not playing this season due to a knee injury. The Dolphins could draft any position and it would make sense, but they could use a young cornerback with some pedigree. While quarterback and other position groups (like non-Jaylen Waddle wide receivers) are still question marks, McCoy would help new head coach Jeff Hafley have a reasonable answer at every position on his defense that will be tasked with carrying games during his maiden season in Miami.”
▪ The Ringer -- UM edge player Rueben Bain:
The explanation: “Bain’s arm length is a concern, but there are too many other things to like for the Dolphins to pass on him here. The former Hurricanes star can play all across the defensive line and brings an intensity-raising style. Alongside Chop Robinson, Bradley Chubb, and 2025 first-rounder Kenneth Grant, Bain gives the Dolphins some pass rushing juice up front.
“The former Hurricanes star has a burly, high-cut, and muscular build with a massive, powerful lower half. Bain played primarily on the edge in his college career, but also saw snaps on the interior. He has a relatively small tackle radius, and missed tackles have been a concern, with a 20 percent career missed tackle rate, per PFF.”
Some have Bain coming off the board before No. 11.
▪ Fox’s Rob Rang -- UM right tackle Mauigoa:
Most have him going well before 11.
Rang: “Miami should consider an upgrade at right tackle, where former first-round pick Austin Jackson has struggled with durability and is due a massive raise. With arguably the draft’s top blocker, Mauigoa, starring so close, the Dolphins shouldn’t let him leave town.”
This story was originally published January 29, 2026 at 1:58 PM.
