ClutchPoints
As the Miami Dolphins look ahead to the 2026 NFL Draft, their priorities are becoming increasingly clear. After a 2025 offseason defined by stopgap signings in the secondary and uncertainty surrounding cornerstone defenders, Miami’s front office must start identifying elite draft prospects who could anchor their next defensive core. With the likely departure of Jalen Ramsey and a host of one-year contracts at both safety and cornerback, the Dolphins are poised to make the secondary a focal point in 2026. Here are three prospects, each with the potential to reshape Miami’s defense, who demand close monitoring throughout the upcoming college football season.
No player embodies the modern NFL safety prototype better than Caleb Downs. After a standout freshman season at Alabama, Downs transferred to Ohio State and immediately became the most valuable safety in college football, according to advanced metrics. His 91.7 PFF grade over the past two seasons is second among all FBS safeties, and his 91.2 coverage grade ranks third. Downs’ versatility is his calling card, he’s equally effective at free safety, in the box, or covering the slot, and he’s also a dynamic punt returner.
Downs’ production is matched by his football pedigree, he’s the son of former NFL running back Gary Downs and the nephew of two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Dre Bly. His resume includes leading Alabama in tackles as a freshman, a rare feat that speaks to his instincts and physicality. At Ohio State, he continued to shine, earning unanimous All-American honors and playing a pivotal role in the Buckeyes’ championship run.
For Miami, Downs represents a rare opportunity to secure a true difference-maker on the back end paired with Minkah Fitzpatrick. His ability to erase mistakes, create turnovers, and contribute in run support would immediately elevate a unit that has struggled to find consistency and playmaking since the departures of Jevon Holland and Brandon Jones. While safeties often slide in the draft due to positional value, Downs’ all-around impact could push him into the top half of the first round, precisely where the Dolphins may be picking if their secondary woes persist.
With the Dolphins facing an uncertain future at cornerback, especially with Jalen Ramsey’s exit via trade with Pittsburgh, Jermod McCoy is a prospect who should be at the top of Miami’s watchlist. After transferring from Oregon State, McCoy quickly established himself as one of the SEC’s premier cover men. His 89.6 coverage grade in 2024 was second among all returning Power Four corners, and his four interceptions tied for second in that group.
Jermod McCoy: the best CB in college football when healthy. pic.twitter.com/YJwXif1smt
— William Herman (@_williamherman) June 24, 2025
McCoy’s athletic profile is elite, he boasts a near-perfect 99.9 in PFF’s game athleticism score, showcasing the movement skills and ball-tracking ability that define shutdown NFL corners. His tape reveals a player comfortable in press coverage, with the length and physicality to match up against top receivers....
