The Miami Dolphins are about to enter what appears to be the most important NFL draft the team has had in recent memory. Over the last couple of years, the Dolphins have not had large draft capital as Miami’s previous front office traded away a large number of draft picks in order to land proven veteran talent.
While that strategy did lead to back-to-back playoff appearances in 2022 and 2023, the team ultimately declined in the previous two seasons. Now, with a diminished roster, the team has seven selections inside of the first 100 draft picks, and they are tasked with the difficult job of replenishing the roster.
During a press conference prior to the NFL Draft, general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan revealed what his philosophy was in terms of the team’s No. 11 selection. Sullivan said, “I worked in Green Bay with a guy that used to always say, ‘Be careful about trying to hit the home run and make sure you just hit the double off the wall.’ In other words, I think you take everything into consideration, but what you can’t do is swing and miss, so the character is a huge piece of the pie.”
Insider Reveals Miami Dolphins Selection
While speaking on The Dolphins Collective, Miami Herald writer Omar Kelly said regarding Miami’s No. 11 selection and what Sullivan will do, “He’s going to hit his double and draft Vega (Olaivavega Ioane). That’s what’s going to happen, I promise you. And, it’s not a bad move”
Ioane is seen as one of the safest players in this year’s draft class, as he is rated as the top interior offensive lineman in the draft. He is currently the No. 11 prospect on NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah’s big board.
Regarding Ionae, Jeremiah wrote:
“Ioane was a dominant presence at left guard for the Nittany Lions. He has a thick, proportioned build and plays with outstanding strength/power. In the passing game, he can bend his knees, redirect and stay attached to defenders. He will occasionally take a loss against speed, but he handles power with ease. He is aware on stunts and games. In the run game, he latches on, runs his feet and always looks to finish. He had an epic battle against Oregon DL A’Mauri Washington in Penn State’s double-overtime loss to the Ducks last season. Ioane has tremendous upper torque to toss defenders out of the hole. He takes proper angles to the second level and can adjust in space. Overall, I love Ioane’s temperament, toughness and ability to anchor. He’ll be an impact starter from Day 1.”
Fit With Dolphins
The Dolphins currently have a need at both guard positions. The Dolphins started rookie Jonah Savaiinaea for 17 games last season, where he graded out as the worst guard in the NFL, according to Pro Football Focus. Meanwhile, the other guard position was held by Cole Strange, who left the Dolphins in free agency.
Regarding how Ioane would fit with the Dolphins, Dolphins on SI’s Zach Duarte wrote:
“He also brings added versatility, having taken snaps at every position along the offensive line during his career. That flexibility could be valuable for a Miami Dolphins unit still sorting out its best combination up front. If Miami were to invest a premium pick here, it also could open the door to shifting Jonah Savaiinaea back to the right side, where he saw most of his work in college.”
Insider Reveals Miami Dolphins First Pick in 2026 NFL Draft