The Miami Dolphins entered the 2026 NFL Draft with plenty of work to do after parting ways with a large portion of their 2025 roster this offseason. As a result, Miami’s cap space became mostly allocated to players who were no longer a part of the team, which added significance to this year’s draft class.
Miami ended the draft by addressing eight different positions with their 13 selections in what may have been the finishing touches this offseason of a roster overhaul. Of course, with the draft, one never really knows whether the picks will be the right ones or if the players will flame out in the NFL.
Most recently in Miami, the lack of success under general manager Chris Grier with their draft picks is what put them in the position that they had to undergo the roster overhaul. Dolphins fans will hope that this year’s draft class lays the foundation to a sustainable winning roster, and it appears that may be the case according to an NFL executive.
Miami Dolphins Get 3-Word Message from NFC Executive
ESPN reporter Jeremy Fowler gathered information around what teams discussed regarding other team’s draft classes and offseason moves. Regarding the Dolphins, Fowler wrote:
“First-year GM Jon-Eric Sullivan earned high marks in league circles for his first draft. “They killed it,” an NFC executive said. “They got a mix of talent and culture guys, and all of the moves made sense.” Among the notable additions were fourth-round linebacker Kyle Louis out of Pitt (“He’ll be a good starter in the league,” the exec said) and Louisville receiver Chris Bell as a third-round steal.
The team considers first-round cornerback Chris Johnson (San Diego State) and second-round linebacker Jacob Rodriguez (Texas Tech) to be culture-builders. And No. 12 pick Kadyn Proctor, the massive Alabama left tackle, is widely considered a top five talent in the draft, though questions persist about whether he’ll maximize it. It’s up to the Dolphins to help him do so.”
Regarding Proctor, Miami’s general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan seemed confident in the pick, as he opted to draft him over Ohio State safety Caleb Downs and Miami Hurricanes edge defender Reuben Bain. Sullivan said Proctor was the best player available on Miami’s board.
Dolphins Draft Grade
CBS Sports analyst Pete Prisco seems to agree with the NFC executive who said the Dolphins “killed it”, as Prisco gave the Dolphins an “A” grade for this year’s class. Regarding Miami’s draft in general, Prisco wrote:
“Best Pick: Second-round linebacker Jacob Rodriguez from Texas Tech will prove to be a big-time player on their defense. He has the ball instincts you love for the position.
Worst Pick: Third-round tight end Will Kacmarek is a good blocker, not a great one, but is limited in terms of his receiving skills.
The Skinny: Jon-Eric Sullivan had a heck of a draft. I loved the pick of tackle/guard Kadyn Proctor in the first round. They then loaded up on a bunch of good players with their remaining picks. Receiver Caleb Douglas will prove to be a steal.”
Dolphins Get Strong 3-Word Message from NFL Executive After 2026 NFL Draft