Kelly: Eleven ideal first round picks for Dolphins | Opinion
The Miami Dolphins plan to lean heavily on the 2026 NFL Draft to not only supplement the roster, but build a new foundation for South Florida’s rebuilding NFL franchise.
Whether Miami’s new circle of trust — general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley — will be successful with this approach depends on how astute they are at evaluating talent, how cunning they can be at navigating the draft board and trade offers and how efficient Hafley and his staff are at developing young talent.
It doesn’t hurt that Miami enters the draft, which will be held April 23-25, with 11 selections, which includes two first-round picks (No. 11 and No. 30), and seven of Miami’s draft picks are among the draft’s top 100 selections.
In honor of Miami’s first first-round selection, here are 11 ideal first-round picks Miami might, or should target.
Miami OT Francis Mauigoa
Mauigoa has an amazing blend of size (6-foot-6, 330 pounds), strength, athleticism and speed, which hints that he will become a Day 1 starter at right tackle. This American Somoan plays with an athleticism and toughness that reminds evaluators of Detroit’s Penei Sewell. However, some evaluators believe the 20-year-old might be better suited to play guard. With Austin Jackson around for at least one more season it would be wise for the Dolphins to find a right tackle for the future.
LSU CB Mansoor Delane
The best man coverage corner would open up press-man coverage for the Dolphins, and the fact he has pulled down eight interceptions in his four collegiate seasons proves he possesses ball skills. His understanding of leverage and timing allows him to play in multiple schemes, which is what Hafley plans to use. His toughness also extends to the run game, which will probably motivate teams to make him the first defensive back selected in this talent-rich cornerback class.
Miami Edge Rueben Bain Jr.
Bain is a strong, violent player who controlled the point of attack with his stout lower body. His nonstop effort and quickness off the ball helped him produce 20.5 sacks in three seasons. There is concern that his short 30 ⅞-inch arms, which are three inches shorter than the average NFL pass rusher, could lead to a slide out of the first half of the first round. Bain would likely struggle in a 3-4 scheme, but would best be utilized in a wide-9 scheme, which Miami could potentially run.
Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles
This converted safety brings rare size (6-foot-5, 243 pounds) for an off-ball linebacker. He shows elite instincts, and diagnoses plays well. He’s still getting comfortable at the position, but has the ability to transform a defense as a playmaker and leader. Most view Styles as a top-10 selection because of his unique athleticism, but he could slide because inside linebacker isn’t a priority position for NFL teams.
Tennessee CB Jermod McCoy
McCoy’s athletic traits, footwork, instincts and two seasons of college productivity (six interceptions in 25 games) should ensure he’s taken in the first round. If McCoy had not sustained a torn ACL during offseason training last January and missed the entire 2025 season he would probably be universally viewed as a top-10 selection based on his 2024 film. Miami needs to be comfortable with his medical report to draft him at 11, but he’s a no-brainer at 30.
Utah OT Spencer Fano
The Outland Trophy winner in 2025 is a punishing run blocker who plays behind his pads. This 6-foot-4, 300-pounder plays with the athleticism of a tight end and has the footwork needed to mirror speed rushers. His technique at right tackle is spectacular, but he does have the skill set to play left tackle. Because he’s a tad on the light side stronger players could potentially push him into the pocket, which makes Fano succeeding at guard unlikely.
Ohio State receiver Carnell Tate
Tate is a long-limbed deep threat who possesses impressive body control and sensational hands. At 6-3, he brings ideal height to the table, but lacks the physicality needed to get off press coverage quickly. He reminds me a lot of Ted Ginn Jr. While he might be the latest in a line of accomplished pass catchers coming out of Columbus, that doesn’t guarantee quick and sustained NFL success.
Ohio State safety Caleb Downs
Downs is a chess piece who can win on multiple levels of the defense. He’s a powerful hitter, but also has the footwork and coverage skills to play the nickel/star spot. But he’s at his best when utilized closer to the line of scrimmage. While he’s a polished prospect, most of his tape comes in two-high shell, which creates some questions about his range. It doesn’t help that there isn’t a recorded 40-yard dash time for Downs.
USC receiver Makai Lemon
Lemon might be less than 6 feet and weigh less than 200 pounds, but he plays with a tenacity and toughness that reminds me of Steve Smith, who shined with the Carolina Panthers and Baltimore Ravens. He’s a big-play producer, whether it’s stretching the field vertically or exploding away from would-be tacklers after the catch. His football intelligence allows him to exploit blind spots in coverages, and he’s a willing blocker.
Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq
This Oregon product has the athleticism and top-end speed needed to run by defenders on any level of a defense. He’s a versatile route runner who has phenomenal body control. He’s willing to get his hands dirty in the run game, but is far from a polished blocker, which means the 6-3, 245-pounder might be subbed out game on running downs. Sadiq shouldn’t be an option at 11, but must be considered at 30.
Penn State OG Vega Ioane
He’s the prototypical power guard who would excel in a power-based scheme because of how aggressive he is, and how he punishes defenders in the run game. While he needs pass pro refinement, he’s a Day 1 starter at a nonpriority position, which means he’ll likely be selected in the second half of the first round. Ioane should be viewed as the safest first round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
