Draft Edge Focus: Miami must load up on pass rushers
The Miami Dolphins have had an uncomfortable, and probably unhealthy relationship with drafting pass rushers in the NFL Draft for more than a decade.
While there have been three success stories, which were the 2021 first-round selection of Jaelan Phillips, Andrew Van Ginkel’s fifth-round selection in 2019 and Olivier Vernon’s third-round selection in 2012, South Florida’s NFL franchise has suffered through twice as many misses when it comes to selecting players who are supposed to pressure quarterbacks and stop the run.
No matter the scheme, or who is in charge of the selection, whiffs like the drafting of Phillip Merling (taken 32nd in 2008), Dion Jordan (taken third overall in 2013), Charles Harris (22nd overall in 2017), maybe even 2024 first-round pick Chop Robinson, whom the jury is still out on, have contributed to the consistent mismanagement of the franchise’s resources.
And that doesn’t even include the handful of third-day selections not even worth mentioning because they either spent a cup of coffee with the Dolphins or were relegated to special teams work for the duration of their careers.
But the one thing the Dolphins’ dismal edge rushing draft history does teach us is that if Miami waits to select a pass rusher it will likely leave the draft empty-handed.
And that’s why we should expect Miami to select an edge player, or defensive end in the first two days of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Top Five Prospects
Ohio State’s Arvell Reese: This versatile athlete can wreak havoc from anywhere on a defense’s front seven, and actually transitioned from off-ball linebacker to edge player. He has an impressive first step, but has only produced seven sacks in his collegiate career. Whoever drafts him is taking him because of his upside.
Miami’s Rueben Bain Jr.: Bain is a wide-nine edge rusher who has a phenomenal blend of explosiveness and power. He has a strong lower body, which helps him excel against the run. But his short arms (30 ½ inches) will scare off some teams. However, he’s still a top-15 talent.
Texas Tech’s David Bailey: Bailey has an explosive first step and can effectively convert speed to power as a rusher. But his lack of bulk and struggles defending the run might make him a risky first-round pick if the expectations are for him to become an immediate starter.
Auburn’s Keldric Faulk: Faulk is a big-body edge player who has the ability to play in any scheme, at multiple spots considering he’s 6-foot-5, 280 pounds. However, his lack of production as a pass rusher (10 sacks in 37 games) is concerning.
Miami’s Akheem Mesidor: Mesidor has the physical traits, intelligence and motor to become a productive starter in the NFL in time. He sets a strong edge and has produced 35.5 sacks in 65 college games. The problem is he has battled some injuries consistently, and he recently turned 25.
Best of the Rest: Clemson’s T.J. Parker lacks high-end athleticism, but he’s a safe pick for a team employing a four-man front. Missouri’s Zion Young has violent hands and uses his length extremely well. Off-field baggage will likely drop him a round or two. Texas A&M’s Cashius Howell is explosive off the ball, which explains how he produced 27 sacks in 56 games. But his run defense needs work. Alabama’s LT Overton is big and versatile. He has the frame and power to set strong edges, but only produced seven sacks in 49 collegiate games.
This year’s class of edge rushers and edge setters lacks the elite prospects the college ranks delivered in past years. There is no consensus top pass rusher, and most of the prospects can either rush the passer or stop the run but not both aspects of that position’s job description.
Class Grade: C-plus
Teams in need: Jets, Cardinals, Titans, Commanders, Saints, Chiefs, Bengals, Dolphins, Cowboys, Ravens, Buccaneers, Lions, Chargers, Eagles, Bears, 49ers, Texans, Patriots, Seahawks, Falcons, Packers and Colts
Dolphins focus: Because the Dolphins only have two pass rushers — Robinson, and Josh Uche — who have proven they belong in the NFL don’t be shocked if Miami drafts multiple pass rushers/edge players. And since Robinson and Uche are third-down, pass rushing specialists, don’t be surprised if the Dolphins target someone who excels at setting the edge on first and second down. A team that can’t stop the run will sparingly get opportunities to rush the quarterback.
