The Miami Dolphins lack skilled playmakers heading into the 2026 NFL Draft. After free agency, the team has lost Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle and tight end Darren Waller. The Dolphins made the decision to part ways with the previously named players due to salary, age and, in the case of Jaylen Waddle, a desire to prioritize draft capital.
As things stand, the Dolphins wide receiver room is currently filled with unproven players who have never been asked to be at the top of a team’s depth chart. In fact, none of the Dolphins receivers totaled more receiving yards than running back De’Von Achane had last season.
Unfortunately, the status of Pro Bowl running back De’Von Achane is also now up in the air. Achane, who is hoping to get a contract extension with the team, skipped out on voluntary workouts and a new report indicated that a contract extension seems far away. As a result, Miami may explore the running back position in the NFL Draft; however, one analyst has urged the Dolphins to avoid a running back that has been compared to Detroit Lions star Jahmyr Gibbs by NFL Draft analyst Lance Zierlein.
Miami Dolphins Urged to Avoid Star Running Back
Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love has been widely viewed as one of the top overall prospects and the top running back in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. However, A to Z Sports NFL writer Kyle Crabbs listed Love as a player the Dolphins should avoid in the first round of the upcoming draft.
Crabbs wrote:
“This is no shade at all to Love, who is one of the best players eligible for this year’s NFL Draft. And, in a different timeline, he’d be a compelling option for the Miami Dolphins IF he made it to pick No. 11. The key wording there is “different timeline”.
The Miami Dolphins appear to be on the cusp of extending RB De’Von Achane this offseason. With the other holes on the roster, a double dip at running back is a tough sell. Even if the Dolphins didn’t appear to be intent on paying Achane, this is still a tough fit for the 2026 Dolphins.
Trading Achane could yield a strong return. Using the marquee asset to draft a running back? This team needs to “build infrastructure”, as GM Jon-Eric Sullivan put it. That means trenches. Pass rushers. Corners. And that makes a running back in the top-12 a no-go for me. No matter the intentions with Achane.”
Miami Dolphins First Round Plans
As Crabbs mentioned, the Dolphins should probably prioritize players at premium positions with their first selection. A recent mock draft by CBS Sports analyst Mike Renner predicted that the Dolphins would draft LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane with the No. 11 selection. Renner said, “The Dolphins arguably have the worst secondary on paper in the NFL. Delane is a high-floor corner with the kind of scheme versatility new head coach Jeff Hafley will love.”
Delane is currently ranked as the eight-best prospect according to NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah. He wrote:
“Delane is one of the most consistent players in this draft class. He makes everything look easy in coverage as a corner who is extremely loose and fluid in his change of direction. He is adept at press coverage, possessing the ability to re-route and mirror all over the field. In zone, he plays with instincts and awareness. He goes long stretches without getting challenged because of his tight coverage. When he is attacked, he can locate and make plays on the ball. He always looks to get involved in run defense, closing space in a hurry and operating as a physical, reliable tackler. He ran well at his pro day, alleviating any concerns about his speed. Overall, Delane has the tools to match up with every style of receiver. He can run with the vertical weapons and play physical with the bigger ones.”
Dolphins Urged to Avoid Adding New Jahmyr Gibbs as De’Von Achane Replacement