ClutchPoints
For the Miami Dolphins, the 2026 NFL Draft represents more than roster building. It’s a referendum on direction. After an uneven 2025 season, Miami enters the draft cycle at a crossroads. With cap space tight and expectations still high inside the building, the Dolphins must rely on the draft to stabilize key positions and define what comes next. Using the PFF mock draft simulator, this three-round haul reflects a franchise attempting to balance urgency with sustainability.
The Dolphins’ 2025 season was a roller coaster that never quite reached the summit. A disastrous 1–6 start prompted the midseason dismissal of general manager Chris Grier. That signaled a full organizational reset. What followed, though, was an impressive rebound. Miami won five of its next six games. They leaned heavily on a punishing ground attack powered by De’Von Achane. His explosiveness gave the offense a much-needed identity.
Still, the margin for error proved too thin. A Week 15 loss to the Steelers officially eliminated Miami from playoff contention for the second straight year. Things grew murkier in Week 16. That was when quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was benched following another inconsistent outing. The coaching staff turned to Quinn Ewers in a last-ditch evaluation move. Entering the final two weeks at 6–9, the Dolphins found themselves once again staring at an offseason defined by unanswered questions, most notably at quarterback.
Miami’s 2026 draft priorities are dictated as much by economics as performance. They are ranked near the bottom of the league in projected cap space. With that, the Dolphins cannot afford to patch holes with veteran stopgaps. The draft must supply immediate contributors on cost-controlled contracts.
Quarterback tops the list, though they may not be high enough to get any of the marquee names. Tagovailoa’s benching speaks volumes. Sure, Ewers offers intrigue. However, he has yet to claim the job long-term. Miami may ultimately need to chase a franchise passer via the draft or trade. Beyond quarterback, edge rusher, cornerback, and safety remain thin. Meanwhile, the interior offensive line and wide receiver room face uncertainty with pending free agents and possible cap casualties.
Here we’ll try to look at and discuss the Dolphins’ 3-round mock draft based on the PFF 2026 NFL mock draft simulator.
Carnell Tate fits Miami’s offense the way a glove fits a hand. The Ohio State product is the latest in a long line of Buckeyes wideouts ready to transition from secondary option to primary NFL target. Tate brings size, length, and elite ball skills. Those traits can immediately make life easier for any quarterback.
Tate excels at extending the catch point and tracking the ball downfield. His ability to climb the ladder against tight coverage stands out on tape. Yes, he has thrived as a WR2 in Columbus. Still, his skill set screams scalability. With 48 receptions for 838 yards and nine touchdowns this season, Tate proved he doesn’t need volume to impact...
