Draft D-line Focus: Miami shouldn’t pass up on value picks at this position
The Miami Dolphins added an actual ton of beef to the defensive front in last year’s draft, and for half a season there seemed to be buyer’s remorse.
Kenneth Grant, Miami’s first-round pick in 2025, Jordan Phillips and Zeek Biggers, two third-day selections, all struggled early with their transition to the NFL. They lacked the technique, strength and stamina to consistently challenge NFL offensive linemen.
But when the rookie defensive linemen became more consistent with their technique and gained a little confidence, the Dolphins defense tightened.
Now the hope is that all three, who collectively produced 87 tackles and 3.5 sacks, will take a massive step forward in their second seasons and become more consistent players. However, a change to a 4-3 scheme could present some challenges to each, which is the reason Miami might continue to add to this unit in the 2026 NFL draft.
Top 5 Prospects
Ohio State’s Kayden McDonald: His brute strength can provide instant pressure, commanding a double-team. He’s effective against the run, but needs to develop more than one move as a pass rusher.
Clemson’s Peter Woods: Woods is a high-effort player whose nonstop motor jumps off the film. However, he has technique deficiencies that an NFL coach needs to polish.
Georgia’s Christen Miller: Miller has physical tools and a quick first step that allows him to fire off the ball. But his lack of pass-rushing productivityy (four sacks in 43 games) raises some concerns for this high-floor talent.
Florida’s Caleb Banks: He’s not a finished product yet because his pass-rushing technique needs work, but his rare size (6-foot-6, 330 pounds) and physical traits makes him a strong fit in any scheme.
Texas Tech’s Lee Hunter: Hunter consistently blows up running plays, ripping right through the interior of college offensive lines. His first step is explosive, but he needs to become more consistent as a pass rusher.
Best of the Rest: Iowa State’s Dominique Orange, who is nicknamed “Big Citrus,” has a massive frame (6-foot-4, 325 pounds) that demands double-team blocks in the run game. Oklahoma’s Gracen Halton, who recorded 8.5 sacks in 47 collegiate games, has an explosive first step, but needs to improve his upper-body technique. Texas A&M’s Tyler Onydedim and Albert Regis were one of college football’s better D-line duos. They can each line up in multiple spots. Penn State’s Zane Durant is a bit undersized (6-foot-1, 287 pounds) but his explosive first step makes him scheme versatile.
Most years it’s a challenge to find a true nose tackle, which is needed to run a 3-4 defense properly. But this year, if you’re looking for beef inside there are a couple of options in this class. There are 28 defensive linemen who have a draftable grade, which makes this a healthy class. Expect teams that don’t need a defensive tackle to add one because there’s value in developing a lineman for a season or two.
Class Grade: B-minus
Teams in need: Raiders, Saints, Bengals, Ravens, Lions, Chargers, Bears, Texans, Broncos, Patriots, Falcons, Packers, Colts and Jaguars
Dolphins focus: The Dolphins signed Zach Sieler to a three-year extension last offseason, and despite a slow start the 30-year-old picked up his production in the second half of the season, recording 47 tackles and 5.5 sacks. Part of his early issues were a result of playing alongside three rookies — Grant, Phillips and Biggers — who all struggled early, but played decently late. After spending a substantial amount of resources on the defensive line last offseason, it isn’t a pressing need. But Miami adapting to a new scheme could lead to a third-day selection or two.
