Miami Dolphins 2026 NFL Draft: Picks by round, biggest needs, best fits

Apr 23, 2026 - 07:30

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Miami Dolphins 2026 NFL Draft: Picks by round, biggest needs, best fits

The 2026 NFL Draft kicks off live from Pittsburgh on Thursday, April 23 and the latest crop of rookies will be hearing their names called all weekend long. For the Miami Dolphins, the biggest need is an obvious one: Wide receiver.

The Dolphins went on a fire sale this offseason. Wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle are both gone. New quarterback Malik Willis has Malik Washington as WR1 right now. Look for the Dolphins to target a wide receiver early in this year's draft.

Here's everything you need to know about the Miami Dolphins for this year's draft, including a round-by-round look at picks and a potential trade candidate already on the roster.

Miami Dolphins NFL Draft best prospect fit: S Caleb Downs, Ohio State

Per USA TODAY's Ayrton Ostly:

Jeff Hafley oversaw a defensive improvement in Green Bay and got the most out of free agent acquisition Xavier McKinney at safety. The Dolphins' secondary needs a lot of help, and while one player alone can't do it, Downs could come close. The Buckeyes' product is a versatile piece who would lift the floor of the entire secondary and bring the Dolphins' defense closer to league-average.

Miami Dolphins NFL Draft trade candidate: RB De'Von Achane

Per USA TODAY's Jack McKessy:

Miami has stripped down its entire roster this offseason under the leadership of new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is gone, wide receiver Tyreek Hill was released, fellow wideout Jaylen Waddle is in Denver after a trade, safety Minkah Fitzpatrick was shipped to the Jets, edge rusher Bradley Chubb was released. At this point, why not just complete the overhaul by trading away the last remaining star player for even more draft picks? Load up the roster with young players around new quarterback Malik Willis and see what you've got.