Draft WR-TE Focus: Dolphins must find playmakers on offense
The Miami Dolphins persuaded Malik Willis to join the franchise’s rebuild, getting his first legitimate opportunity to become an NFL starting quarterback, and then stripped him of all but one (tailback De’Von Achane) proven weapon.
This spring’s trade that sent Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos for a first and third-round pick and a swap of fourth-round selections gutted a receiver core that struggled plenty last season when Tyreek Hill sustained his season-ending knee injury.
What’s left is a third-year slot receiver who has established himself mainly as an NFL return specialist (Malik Washington), a second-year player (Theo Wease Jr.) who showed flashes last season as an undrafted rookie and three receivers the Dolphins signed for the NFL minimum in Tutu Atwell, Jalen Tolbert and Terrace Marshall Jr.
And tight end isn’t much better considering Greg Dulcich, who was re-signed this offseason to Miami’s second-largest deal of 2026, is the most accomplished player in that unit. And keep in mind this 26-year veteran, who has started 13 games in his four seasons, began 2025 on Miami’s practice squad.
That leaves the Dolphins in a spot of desperation at two of the three skill positions on offense.
Top 5 prospects
USC receiver Makai Lemon: Lemon’s football IQ, playmaking skills and overall toughness makes evaluators overlook his small stature (5-foot-11, 195 pounds). His body control and deceptive suddenness should allow him to exploit zone coverages consistently.
Ohio State receiver Carnell Tate: Tate is a well-rounded pass catcher who comes from a program (Ohio State) that has pumped out game-changing receivers the past decade-plus. His diverse game and reliable hands should translate to immediate success in the NFL.
Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq: Sadiq is a rare athlete who will become an immediate downfield weapon for whatever team drafts him. While he’s willing to get his hands dirty in the run game, that’s not an area of strength for the 6-foot-3, 245-pounder.
Arizona State receiver Jordyn Tyson: Tyson breaks in and out of his routes with fluidity, and can bring down contested catches, even when blanketed in coverage. A hamstring injury slowed his progress in 2025, and there are concerns about his durability moving forward.
Texas A&M receiver K.C. Concepcion: Concepcion is a big play waiting to happen. He plays with a ton of toughness and physicality for his size (5-11, 190 pounds). He’s a sharp route runner with the speed to take the top off a defense. He is also a dynamic return specialist.
Best of the Rest: Indiana’s Omar Cooper Jr. is a sure-handed target that possesses impressive short area burst. Washington’s Denzel Boston has the size (6-4, 210 pounds) NFL teams crave, but lacks top-end speed. Tennessee’s Chris Brazzell has a towering frame (6-5, 200 pounds), but is coming from a gimmicky offense. Indiana’s Elijah Sarratt has superb hand-eye coordination, and his size (6-2, 213 pounds) is adequate to handle press coverage on the next level. Georgia State’s Ted Hurst tracks the ball well downfield and has impressive body control.
Ohio State’s Max Klare is a big target for quarterbacks, but he lacks the strength and technique to be an effective in-line blocker as a rookie. Vanderbilt’s Eli Stowers is a consistent big play threat who is dangerous after the catch. Drops have been his biggest issue, Cincinnati’s Joe Royer’s athletic profile makes him a dangerous chess piece, but he needs to develop as a blocker. Georgia’s Oscar Delp is an ideal day three target because he possesses potential as a route-runner and a blocker.
Class Grade
Receiver is one of the best positions in the 2026 Draft, with top-to-bottom depth, and a variety that resumes an ice cream parlor. NFL teams can find whatever flavor of receiver they like, whether it be a big receiver, someone to stretch the field, or a run after catch weapon.
Class Grade: A-minus
At tight end there’s more depth than there is star power, or players with elite production. While many players seem like they can contribute, and blossom into NFL starters, in time it’s unlikely anyone in this crop is headed to the Hall of Fame.
Class Grade: C-plus
Teams in need: Receiver - Raiders, Jets, Titans, Giants, Browns, Commanders, Saints, Chiefs, Dolphins, Rams, Ravens, Vikings, Panthers, Steelers, Bills, 49ers, Patriots, Seahawks, Falcons and Colts
Tight end - Commanders, Saints, Dolphins, Buccaneers, Panthers, Eagles, Texans, Broncos and Patriots
Dolphins focus: Dulcich had a promising second half of the 2025 seasons, but he hasn’t established himself as an NFL starter, and hasn’t proven he can consistently do the in-line work the position requires. The rest of the tight ends on Miami’s roster are barely NFL journeymen. Expect Miami to add a tight end in day three of the draft.
At receiver, the Dolphins have a couple complimentary pieces, and a few young receivers who could develop in time. But Miami lacks size, and experience in the receiver room. It’s critical for the Dolphins to find a couple of playmakers who can grow with Willis for the next few seasons. Don’t be surprised if Miami uses at least one of the team’s seven top 100 selections on a receiver.
