If Dolphins want to mull moving up from 11th overall pick of 2026 NFL Draft, recent history outlines the cost

Two recent trades showcase the cost to move up from pick No. 11 in the NFL Draft.

Kyle Crabbs — NFL National Writer
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Apr 25, 2024; Detroit, MI, USA; The 2024 NFL Draft logo on the Draft Theater stage at Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

We’ve heard plenty of talk about the Miami Dolphins insistence on trying to add more 2026 NFL Draft capital to their haul this spring.

By and large, that venture has been a success. The Dolphins enter this year’s draft with the second-most draft capital of any team in the league and double-digit picks — a rarity for Miami in the last quarter century. But what happens if all that draft capital suddenly gives new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan the courage to start thinking the other way…a trading up? Here’s a look at the recent historical precedent for the last few trades up the board on draft weekend from the 11th overall pick.

Two recent trades up from the 11th overall pick in the NFL Draft

Jan 4, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) warms up prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Jan 4, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) warms up prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

The Vikings move up one spot to secure quarterback JJ McCarthy in 2024

Vikings receive: 10th overall pick, 203rd overall pick
Jets receive: 11th overall pick, 129th overall pick, 157th overall pick

This trade offers ideal conditions for a non-quarterback hungry team — someone is hoping to come up and get their guy at quarterback. Even if “their guy” ends up being a questionable decision. The Vikings ended up trading a fourth-round pick and trading down from the fifth-round into the sixth-round for a right to swap one spot with the Jets and get their man.

Nov 3, 2019; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Lane Johnson (65) blocks Chicago Bears outside linebacker Leonard Floyd (94) at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 3, 2019; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Lane Johnson (65) blocks Chicago Bears outside linebacker Leonard Floyd (94) at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

The Bears trade up two spots to draft EDGE/linebacker Leonard Floyd in 2016

Bears receive: 9th overall pick
Buccaneers receive: 11th overall pick, 106th overall pick

This one requires a little less imagination to process. The Bears, back in 2016, traded a fourth round pick outright to move up two spots into the top-10 and draft a pass rusher of their choice: Leonard Floyd. This one is a little more of a true reflection of what it would cost for the Dolphins, who would presumably be looking to move up ahead of the Bengals (at a minimum) for a player. The Dolphins have the 130th pick in the fourth-round, so the cost may be more aggressive than this if Miami wanted to try to trade up with the Chiefs, who own the 9th overall pick, in 2026.

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