Possible Day 2 draft targets for Miami Dolphins in 2026
Day 2 of the NFL Draft is where the better evaluators separate themselves from their peers.
In rounds two and three teams are still picking from the upper echelon talent in the draft, therefore the players should be capable of handling a starting role immediately, if not in a year or two.
That means the Miami Dolphins, which will make four selections today — Pick No. 43, 75, 87 and 94 — will have four changes to find contributing rookies.
In Day 1 the Dolphins added two premium positions, selecting Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor with the 12th pick and San Diego State cornerback Chris Johnson with pick No. 27. Now the focus will likely be turned to some of the team’s other needs.
Here is a look at some of the better talent still available in Day 2, where we should expect a run on edge rushers, receivers and safeties, which are all positions of need for the Dolphins.
EDGE RUSHERS
Clemson DE T.J. Parker lacks high-end athleticism, but he’s a safe pick for a team employing a four-man front. In college he produced 21.5 sacks in 39 games.
Missouri DE Zion Young has violent hands and uses his length extremely well. Off-field baggage will likely drop him a round or two. But the talent shined at the Senior Bowl.
Texas A&M DE Cashius Howell is explosive off the ball, which explains how he produced 27 sacks in 56 games. But his run defense needs work.
Alabama DE 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.
INSIDE LINEBACKERS
Texas Tech LB Jacob Rodriguez has clear athletic limitations. But nobody in this draft has his kind of instincts, which allows him to play behind the line of scrimmage.
Texas LB Anthony Hill Jr. is an impressive athlete with good size (6-foot-3, 238 pounds) and sideline-to-sideline range.
Georgia LB C.J. Allen plays with a fluidity when changing directions, and has a high football intellect, which allows him to diagnose quickly.
Missouri LB Josiah Trotter makes quick reads, and with some improvements in coverage he can develop into a solid NFL starter.
CORNERBACK
If Tennessee’s Jermod McCoy had not torn an ACL during offseason training last January and missed the entire 2025 season he would have likely been a first-round selection because of how technically sound he is. However, a degenerative knee issue has his stock dropping to day two,
Indiana CB D’Angelo Ponds is an undersized (5-9, 173 pounds), but physical cornerback who will likely exceed expectations.
Clemson CB Avieon Terrell is a feisty, physical cover cornerback who keeps his coverage tight. He needs work against the run, but that could be because of his lack of size (5-11, 190 pounds).
South Carolina CB Brandon Cisse is better in press coverage, and when given 1-on-1 assignments. But his spatial awareness needs improvement in zone coverage.
Tennessee CB Colton Hood is a press-man specialist who is able to derail receivers, and fights for the ball at the catch point.
SAFETY
Toledo S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren is a twitchy big safety (6-2, 202 pounds) who can play every position in the secondary. He has a knack for creating big plays (nine forced fumbles, and five interceptions).
LSU S A.J. Haulcy has the ideal combination of size, athleticism and physicality, and his awareness makes him an ideal safety for a zone-based scheme.
Arizona S Treydan Stukes has size (6-2, 200 pounds) and big-play ability (seven interceptions in 52 games). He’s a disruptive defensive back who can play cornerback or safety. Age and durability issues might push him into the third day of the draft.
South Carolina S Jalon Kilgore is a heavy hitter who brings the hammer at contact. He needs a ton of technique, but does have ball skills (eight interceptions in 36 games).
TCU S Bud Clark is a quick, athletic ball hawk (15 interceptions in 61 games) who is inconsistent as a tackler. He will also turn 24 by the time the season starts.
DEFENSIVE TACKLE
Ohio State DT Kayden McDonald has brute strength that 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.
Georgia DT Christen Miller has physical tools, and a quick first step that allows him to fire off the ball. But his lack of pass rushing productively (four sacks in 43 games) raises some concerns for this high floor talent.
Texas Tech DT Lee 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.
RECEIVER
Washington WR Denzel Boston has the size (6-4, 210 pounds) NFL teams crave, but lacks top-end speed. He scored 20 touchdowns in his 43 collegiate games.
Tennessee WR Chris Brazzell has a towering frame (6-5, 200 pounds), but is coming from a gimmicky offense. Last year was his only 1,000-yard receiving season.
Indiana WR 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 WR Ted Hurst tracks the ball well downfield and has impressive body control.
Louisville WR Chris Bell would have likley been a first-round pick if he hadn’t sustained a knee injury in November. Before the injury this 6-2, 220 pound receiver was a physical, explosive playmaker.
Notre Dame’s Malachi Fields is 6-4, 222 pounds, which explains why he plays the game like a power forward. He’s forced to rely on his size and athleticism in most situations because he lacks elite speed.
TIGHT END
Ohio State TE 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 TE Eli Stowers is a consistent big play threat who is dangerous after the catch. Drops have been his biggest issue.
Cincinnati TE Joe Royer’s athletic profile makes him a dangerous chess piece, but he needs to develop as a blocker.
Georgia TE Oscar Delp is an ideal day three target because he possesses potential as a route-runner and a blocker.
