A casual Dolphins fan's guide to the 2026 NFL draft
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This week's draft should reveal a lot about new Dolphins GM Jon-Eric Sullivan's vision for the team's future. Photo: Cooper Neill/Getty Images
The new-look Miami Dolphins enter this week's NFL Draft with plenty of needs and a new braintrust picking the players.
Why it matters: This draft, the first for general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley, comes as the Dolphins roster is in flux.
- Gone are quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, former coach Mike McDaniel and star receivers Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill.
- The fate of newly signed quarterback Malik Willis could depend on how much talent Miami can surround him with.
State of play: The Fins have 11 picks, including two in Thursday night's first round (Nos. 11 and 30 overall).
- Their top needs include receivers and edge rushers, both positions at which this draft is considered to be well-stocked.
Names to know: Many have speculated the Dolphins will use their first pick on a receiver, like the University of Southern California's Makai Lemon.
- But receivers Denzel Boston, from the University of Washington, or K.C. Concepcion of Texas A&M could still be available at No. 30.
- Other possibilities at No. 11 include Auburn edge rusher Keldric Faulk and University of Miami offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa.
Friction point: Miami's decision to trade Waddle after signing Willis led some to question whether the team was undercutting its new QB.
- At least Willis was reportedly "given a heads up" before the trade.
How to watch: The draft starts Thursday at 8pm. Rounds 2 and 3 air at 7pm Friday, with the remaining four rounds airing Saturday, starting at noon.
- There are a ton of places to watch: ESPN, ABC (for Round 1), Disney+, NFL Network and the ESPN App.