Perhaps one of the benefits of cleaning house in any given offseason is that it gives your draft selections an air of mystery that might not have otherwise been present.
The Miami Dolphins are one such case. After initiating what has essentially been a full-roster rebuild this past offseason, Miami will have the luxury of more or less going with the best player available when they first get on the clock with the 11th overall pick.
Of course, there is always the possibility that they choose to move up in the draft – an eventuality that draft analysts predict will be abundant throughout the first half of the first round on Thurdsay April 23.
However, if they do decide to stick and consolidate the already numerous draft capital they have in 2026, there are a few names that the team will be crossing their fingers may be still on the board when it comes their turn to make their first pick.
And the “ideal” player for the Dolphins at the #11 spot, according to Bleacher Report’s Brent Sobleski, is Louisiana State University alum Mansoor Delane.
LSU DB The Dolphins’ ‘Ideal’ First Draft Pick – Sobleski
“Two options [for the team’s “ideal” first draft pick] jump to the forefront.” Sobleski wrote on April 17.
“Caleb Downs is an obvious choice, though he’s not likely to make it past the New Orleans Saints or Cincinnati Bengals. The same can’t be said of LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane. Though he’s in play for those two squads, he may be available depending on how the board falls, particularly since the Saints may be looking to address wide receiver.”
Sobleski points to Jeff Hafley’s coaching background, as well as the fact that two of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, Josh Allen and Drake Maye, reside within the division, as key factors behind the decision.
“Delane can immediately provide the Dolphins with a sticky option as their new CB1, which should thrill head coach Jeff Hafley, whose previous background as a coordinator began as a secondary coach.” Sobleski continued. “When facing Josh Allen and Drake Maye twice per season, the Dolphins would be fortunate to land the class’ top corner and help slow those opposing passing attacks.”
Will the Dolphins Definitely Take A Corner At No.11?
This is not to say that corner is the necessarily the most realistic option for Miami, as Sobleski notes that the Dolphins’ needs span the length of the entire roster.
“On paper, the Miami Dolphins have the league’s worst roster heading into the NFL draft…Multiple areas require drastic overhauls. A wide receiver or offensive lineman would be logical additions in order to build around Malik Willis after the organization singed him as its new QB1.”
6’0, 187 LB Defensive Back Named Dolphins’ ‘Ideal’ First Draft Pick