With their first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Miami Dolphins had an opportunity to address one of the team’s many glaring holes on the roster.
The board had apparently fallen their way as Reuben Bain Jr., who was the consensus No. 3 edge rusher, and top-ranked safety Caleb Downs were both on the board at the time of Miami’s No. 11 selection. Instead, the Dolphins opted to trade down one spot and address the offensive line by drafting tackle Kadyn Proctor, who will begin his career in Miami as a guard.
Despite safety and edge both likely being weaker positions in terms of talent on the Dolphins roster, general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan went with Proctor, who he believed was the best player available. In doing so, Sullivan deviated from consensus as Proctor ranked No. 18 on the consensus board while Downs and Bain were both in the top 10.
As a result, the Dolphins still have a need at the edge position. The team added some talent later in the draft and after the draft. Most recently, they signed a player who recorded 13 sacks during his college football career.
Miami Dolphins Sign Mason Reiger
NFL insider Jordan Schulz reported the Miami Dolphins signed Wisconsin edge Mason Reiger, who was named the Shrine Bowl defensive MVP earlier this year.
Regarding the signing, DolphinsTalk’s Julian Dieni wrote:
“Mason Reiger, an EDGE rusher out of Wisconsin, hit the ground running after his senior year. He dominated the 2026 Shrine Bowl practices and went on to win defensive MVP of the game. He has a powerful frame but lacks ideal pass-rush moves, likely contributing to his undrafted status. Miami has already taken 2 edge rushers, but with Trey Moore a hybrid player, Reiger has a shot at making the roster. The Dolphins were very interested in him prior to the draft, so it was no surprise he was one of the first announced UDFA signings across the entire league.”
USA Today’s Ryan Harings said of the addition:
“The Dolphins added Reiger after he boosted his profile during the all-star circuit, where he earned Shrine Bowl MVP honors. That recognition gave him a late pre-draft spotlight and reinforced the traits that make him an intriguing developmental edge player for Miami: off-ball energy, disruptive potential, and a willingness to do the dirty work that often keeps undrafted players alive through camp.”
Miami Dolphins Edge Rushers
Entering the 2025 season, the Dolphins appeared to have plenty of depth at the edge position. The team featured Jaelan Phillips, Bradley Chubb, Matthew Judon, and Chop Robinson, who was fresh off a strong end to his rookie campaign. Unfortunately, the room did not pan out as Miami had hoped as Phillips was traded at the deadline, Judon was released during the season, and Chubb was released in a move that created cap space.
Robinson, who remains with the team, had an underwhelming sophomore season. Fortunately, Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan appears to not have lost faith in Robinson as he said, “He has a responsibility, has to be intentional about his business… I have a lot of confidence in [coach Jeff Hafley], his staff and their ability to teach and develop young players. Chop has a lot of natural talent. We have a lot of really good coaches in the building. I think it will be a good marriage. We will get the most out of Chop.”
Dolphins Add 13-Sack Defender After 2026 NFL Draft