Kelly: Miami Dolphins have plenty of needs draft can fill | Opinion
They say never go to the grocery store hungry because you will likely end up with far more items in your cart than intended.
Well, the Miami Dolphins enter the start of the 2026 NFL Draft starving for talent because of how new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley deconstructed the roster they inherited, releasing and trading many of the team’s top players, and letting most of the team’s free agents depart.
Take a look at where the Dolphins stack up at every position on offensive and defense heading into this week’s NFL draft.
Quarterback: Despite signing Malik Willis to a three-year deal that guarantees him $45 million during the first two seasons, the Dolphins would benefit from drafting a quarterback to compete with the inexperienced former Packers backup and Quinn Ewers, a 2025 seventh-round pick who started three games last season. With 11 selections in 2026 there’s no better time to select a quarterback early and slow cook him Green Bay-style for a couple of seasons. Miami could need that rookie immediately if Willis, who is a scrambler, sustains an injury during the season.
Tailback: If the Dolphins can’t get an extension done with De’Von Achane — $35 million in guaranteed money is my breaking point — it’s possible that Miami’s decision-makers would use the franchise tag to retain him in 2027. That’s not ideal for either side, but will likely be a break in case of an emergency situation. Ollie Gordon II, who gained 199 yards on 70 carries and scored four touchdowns last season, should make a significant jump now that he’s no longer a rookie. Jaylen Wright started 2026 slowed by a knee injury, but eventually turned up the volume on his production, contributing 288 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns on 70 carries. Miami needs a fourth tailback to make it through training camp.
Receiver: The Dolphins have a couple of complementary players in Tutu Atwell, Jalen Tolbert, who were both added in free agency, and a few young receivers (Malik Washington and Theo Wease Jr.) who could develop in time. But Miami lacks size and experience in the receiver room. But size isn’t the only thing this unit needs. It’s critical for the Dolphins to find a couple of playmakers who can make defenders miss.
Tight end: Greg Dulcich had a promising second half of the 2025 season, contributing 335 receiving yards in 26 receptions in the season’s final nine games. However, he hasn’t established himself as an NFL starter, and has not proven he can consistently do the in-line work the position requires. Ben Sims, who has 11 career receptions, has played 497 offensive snaps the past three seasons. Cole Turner pulled down 14 receptions in his three previous seasons in the NFL. Miami must find a tight end who can handle in-line, fullback and H-back work.
Offensive line: The right side of Miami’s starting offensive line needs to be rebuilt because James Daniels was cut and Cole Strange departed as a free agent. Austin Jackson is playing out the final season of his contract, and needs to stay healthy to extend his career. There’s no guarantee that Jonah Savaiinaea, who was one of the NFL’s worst starting guards last season, takes a step forward as Miami’s starting left guard, so it’s possible he could be replaced. Center Aaron Brewer had his best NFL season last year. He’s playing in the final year of his contract, so planning for the future is ideal. Miami has a capable backup center in Andrew Meyer.
Edge rusher: Because the Dolphins currently have only two pass rushers — Chop 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, expect Miami to target a defensive end who excels at setting the edge, which is critical for success on first and second down. A team that can’t stop the run will sparingly get opportunities to rush the quarterback.
Defensive tackle: 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. But Miami needs more from Sieler. Part of his early issues were a result of playing alongside three rookies — Kenneth Grant, Jordan Phillips and Zeek Biggers — who all struggled early, but played decently late. After spending a substantial amount of resources on the defensive line last offseason, this position isn’t a pressing need. And it also might be the weakest group of this draft.
Linebacker: Jordyn Brooks, Tyrel Dodson and Willie Gay make up a solid trio of inside linebackers. They each bring versatility and flexibility to the middle of Miami’s defense. However, all three are entering the final year of their contract, and the Dolphins would benefit from adding a young, instinctive, physical linebacker who could eventually become a starter in a season or two.
Cornerback: At this point Juju Brents, Darrell Baker, Storm Duck, Jason Marshall Jr. and Ethan Bonner are Miami’s top five cornerbacks, and none has a solid footing in the NFL. This unit features a lot of bodies, but no proven NFL playmaker. Brents might have the most talent, but hasn’t stayed healthy his entire NFL career. The Dolphins would benefit from adding a player who would thrive working inside at the nickel spot.
Safety: Dante Trader Jr., who has a solid rookie season contributing 48 tackles, and Lonnie Johnson Jr., a former second-round pick who developed into a career special teamer, are projected as the team’s starters before Miami adds to the position in the draft. The Dolphins need to find an intelligent, athletic safety who could serve as the leader of the secondary. And since depth is an issue here it would be ideal for the Dolphins to add more than one.
