The Miami Dolphins will begin adding pieces they hope will eventually take them back to the playoffs under new head coach Jeff Hafley. The team could potentially add a massive piece — in the literal sense — in offensive tackle Markel Bell.
NFL insider Aaron Wilson reported this week the Dolphins were one of a few teams to host Bell for a pre-draft visit.
Standing at 6-foot-9 and 346 pounds, Bell is one of the biggest tackles in the 2026 NFL Draft class.
He’s a local prospect too. Bell played college football for the Miami Hurricanes.
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein projected Bell to be a slightly later pick than Wilson did. Zierlein slotted him as a a third or fourth-round selection. But Zierlein raved about Bell’s physical traits.
“Mountainous tackle with rare physical attributes that work both in his favor and against him depending on the situation,” wrote Zierlein. “He has Day 3 value but might have a firm ceiling on his upside.”
Dolphins Host Markel Bell for Pre-Draft Visit: Report
GettyNFL insider Aaron Wilson reported the Miami Dolphins hosted Miami OT Markel Bell for a pre-draft visit.
In addition to the Dolphins, the Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns also hosted Bell for a pre-draft visit. Miami held the advantage of the offensive tackle not counting as an official visit because he’s a local prospect.
From Bell’s perspective, his visit to the Dolphins was the same as the other teams. But the visit didn’t count toward the 30 Miami is allowed before the 2026 NFL Draft.
Bell started his college career at Holmes Community College in Mississippi. He transferred to Miami before the 2024 season.
Over two campaigns, he started 21 games at left tackle, including 16 during 2025. The Hurricanes earned a trip to the national championship game last season.
NFL draft analysts are universally impressed with his size this spring. But his height is also a disadvantage.
“Premier length. Bell has gotten progressively better at weaponizing his length with independent strikes that keep him in-phase against counter-moves,” wrote Bleacher Report’s Brandon Thorn.
“Height and upright playing style make him vulnerable to the forklift technique from defenders working underneath his pads to pry him open, thus negating his size advantage.”
How Bell Could Fit With Jeff Hafley’s First Roster
GettyNFL.com’s Lance Zierlein projected Miami OT Markel Bell to be a third or fourth round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Dolphins may have solidified left tackle with 2024 second-round pick Patrick Paul last season. Paul played 975 snaps at left tackle and scored a good grade from Pro Football Focus.
Paul was particularly strong in pass blocking, which will be key in 2026 with the Dolphins transitioning from a southpaw to right-handed quarterback.
At right tackle, though, Miami will have to replace starter Larry Borom, who signed with the Detroit Lions in NFL free agency.
That responsibility could fall to Austin Jackson. He started six games for the Dolphins last season and posted similar PFF grades as Paul in a smaller sample.
Bell, though, isn’t expected to start immediately at the NFL level anyway. Should the Dolphins select him, he could provide depth at potentially both tackle positions and develop behind the team’s other young tackles.
If Bell reaches his potential, Miami would have a massive tackle with local ties.
The Dolphins have five selections in the third and fourth rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft. That will likely be the team’s best opportunity to grab Bell.
Miami possesses four picks from No. 75-94 in the third round.
Dolphins Show Interest in ‘Mountainous’ OT With ‘Rare’ Traits in 2026 NFL Draft