2026 Miami Dolphins Mock Draft: 7-Round Projection
Draft Capital: 8 picks | Overall Grade: B Last Updated: December 30, 2025Executive Summary
Miami Dolphins enter the 2026 NFL Draft with 8 selections and critical needs at Wide Receiver, Cornerback, Quarterback. This mock has them addressing their biggest weaknesses while maintaining draft value.
Complete Draft Class:---
Complete Pick-by-Pick Analysis
Pick #11 - Miami Dolphins: Francis Mauigoa, Offensive Tackle, Miami (FL)
Rank: #11 overall | Grade: A- | Need Match: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Why This Pick:Los Angeles addresses their top need by selecting Ty Simpson, a first-year starter whose poise and processing have catapulted him into first-round consideration. Simpson's 25 touchdowns to just four interceptions and his ability to lead Alabama to wins at Georgia and Missouri showcase the clutch gene that makes quarterbacks special. The Rams are betting his elite two-minute efficiency—1.27 EPA per play in final drives—translates to Sean McVay's system.
The Fit:Simpson's quick processing and feathery touch layering passes over second-level defenders fit perfectly in the Rams' timing-based offense. His pocket awareness and mobility compensate for arm strength that's functional rather than elite, while his ice-cold demeanor in pressure situations suggests he won't shrink from the bright lights. The deep-ball struggles are concerning—historically worst among recent first-round quarterbacks—but his Brock Purdy-like efficiency could still lead to wins.
Scouting Report:If Francis Mauigoa was off the board, Miami Dolphins could target similar Offensive Tackles in the first round range.
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Pick #45 - Miami Dolphins: Germie Bernard, Wide Receiver, Alabama
Rank: #46 overall | Grade: B | Need Match: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Why This Pick:New York continues building their defense by selecting Dillon Thieneman, the Big Ten Defensive Freshman of the Year who transferred from Purdue to Oregon and emerged as the second-best safety in this class behind Caleb Downs. Thieneman's throwback style—equally comfortable in run support and coverage—provides the versatility modern coordinators demand from the position. The Jets are betting his elite processing speed and tireless effort compensate for his lack of prototypical size.
The Fit:Thieneman's alignment versatility from single-high to nickel to two-high gives New York's defensive coordinator endless pre-snap disguises. His willingness to trigger downhill with impact and his ball skills to attack the catch point add dimensions on every snap, while his Daxton Hill-like instincts and range project to an every-down role. The pursuit angles when triggering on runs need refinement, but his elite diagnostic abilities should accelerate that development.
Scouting Report:If Germie Bernard was off the board, Miami Dolphins could target similar Wide Receivers in the second round range.
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Pick #76 - Miami Dolphins: Carson Beck, Quarterback, Miami (FL)
Rank: #87 overall | Grade: C+ | Need Match: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Why This Pick:Atlanta doubles down on receiver by taking Zachariah Branch, whose elite twitchiness and change-of-direction ability make him a threat as both a slot weapon and return specialist. Branch's transfer from USC to Georgia represents an opportunity to resurrect his draft stock by producing against SEC competition, and his dynamic playmaking after the catch has scouts excited about his yards-after-catch ability. The Falcons are adding an explosive chess piece.
The Fit:Branch's ability to turn short completions into explosive gains through acceleration and elusiveness gives Atlanta a manufactured-touch player who can work on jet sweeps and screens. His elite return skills—capable of taking punts to the house—provide immediate special teams value while his offensive role develops. The severely undersized 5-10, 180-pound frame raises durability questions and limits him to slot-only work, but his gadget-player upside fits as a change-of-pace weapon.
Scouting Report:If Carson Beck was off the board, Miami Dolphins could target similar Quarterbacks in the Day 2-3 range.
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Pick #89 - Miami Dolphins: Darrell Jackson Jr, Defensive Line, Florida State
Rank: #90 overall | Grade: C+ | Need Match: ⭐⭐⭐ Why This Pick:San Francisco addresses their second-ranked need with Omar Cooper Jr, a developing Indiana receiver whose Most Improved Player recognition in 2024 suggests the type of growth trajectory that coaching staffs can continue accelerating. Cooper's adequate size at 6-0, 201 pounds and improving route consistency give him a foundation to build upon in Kyle Shanahan's system. The 49ers are prioritizing work ethic and coachability over immediate production.
The Fit:Cooper's willingness to block and compete fits San Francisco's physical receiver philosophy that demands contribution beyond catching passes. His growth trajectory from Indiana's productive offensive system suggests he can continue developing under quality NFL coaching, even if his separation ability and route tree need significant refinement. The limited production compared to top prospects means developmental patience is required, but his work ethic indicators project to roster stick potential.
Scouting Report:If Darrell Jackson Jr was off the board, Miami Dolphins could target similar Defensive Lines in the Day 2-3 range.
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Pick #90 - Miami Dolphins: Eli Stowers, Tight End, Vanderbilt
Rank: #94 overall | Grade: C+ | Need Match: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Why This Pick:Los Angeles addresses their fifth-ranked need with Taurean York, an undersized Texas A&M linebacker whose 156 tackles and 18 TFLs over his first two seasons proved that three-star recruits can outwork their ratings through sheer will and football instinct. York's season-long captain status as a sophomore and constant pre-snap communication taking command of defensive alignment signal the leadership traits teams covet. The Rams are betting on his processing speed and lateral movement to overcome size limitations.
The Fit:York's ability to quickly read keys and diagnose run plays post-snap gives Los Angeles a linebacker who triggers downhill with decisive aggression. His lateral movement skills to mirror running backs on zone runs and capability to shoot gaps with quickness add impact, while his quick landmarks in zone coverage provide passing-down versatility. The undersized frame and struggles disengaging from blocks against bigger linemen are real concerns, but his instincts and effort compensate on every snap.
Scouting Report:If Eli Stowers was off the board, Miami Dolphins could target similar Tight Ends in the Day 2-3 range.
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Pick #111: Daylen Everette (Cornerback, Georgia) - Grade C. Day 3 value pick. Depth addition with special teams potential. Pick #151: Kelley Jones (Cornerback, Mississippi State) - Grade C-. Day 3 value pick. Depth addition with special teams potential. Pick #227: Jahiem Lawson (Edge Rusher, Clemson) - Grade C-. Day 3 value pick. Depth addition with special teams potential.---
Miami Dolphins Draft Class Summary
Overall Grade: B What Went Right:---
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