The Dolphins’ 2026 NFL Draft assets are formally locking in to place and it underscores one major objective this offseason
The Dolphins’ top assets are officially locked in.
The Miami Dolphins‘ 2025 season was many things. ‘Fun’ would generally not be one of my first words of choice. ‘Over’ is a word we can definitely use — as the Dolphins’ season has finished with a major flop. The Dolphins were smothered offensively after a few promising possessions and the defense was woeful against the run against the Patriots. A 38-10 final score isn’t as bad as things actually were.
It all sets the stage for the Dolphins to pick up the pieces and start pressing forward into a new chapter. Their 2026 NFL Draft effort will likely be the primary source of talent collection as the team rebalances their salary cap. With the regular season now done, many of Miami’s top assets are officially locked in. Here’s what they’re working with.
The Dolphins’ top draft choices are officially locked in to the order
Miami’s first-round draft choice will be 11th overall in the order. The Dolphins got no help from the rest of the league on Sunday, as Cincinnati, Kansas City, and New Orleans all lost by three points or less. Had each of those three teams won, Miami’s pick would have landed 8th overall in the queue. As is, Miami will pick 11th for the first time since 2018 and in the top-12 for the fourth time in the last decade.
Miami’s full breakdown of scheduled draft choices is as follows:
– 11th overall (first round)
– 43rd overall (second round)
– 75th overall (third round)
– 87th overall (third round, via Philadelphia Eagles)
– 91st overall (third round, via Houston Texans)
– 111th overall (fourth round)
– 149th overall (fifth round)
– 227th overall (seventh round)
*The Eagles & Texans third-round picks are subject to change via playoff results
Miami Dolphins’ most recent draft selections
in the top-12
- 2026: TBD (11th overall)
- 2021: WR Jaylen Waddle (6th overall)
- 2020: QB Tua Tagovailoa (5th overall)
- 2018: SAF Minkah Fitzpatrick (11th overall)
- 2013: EDGE Dion Jordan (3rd overall)
Three picks in the top-75 is a great foundation for a draft class. Miami’s third pick in the 2025 NFL Draft was scheduled for 98th overall but, after trades, the Dolphins did not make their third pick this past April until the 143rd overall pick. Six picks will come before that slot in 2026 if nothing else changes. A seventh will come just six picks later in the fifth round.
All of this underscores the importance of the Dolphins’ general manager hire. The NFL Draft is a lifeblood for many successful franchises across the league. If the Dolphins want to be among them, they’ll need to hit on their front office hire. At least we know they’ll have the ammunition to load up if they do.
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