One of the Miami Dolphins’ many rookie defenders gets a rave review from a former teammate and first-round draft choice
One of the Miami Dolphins’ many 2026 NFL Draft selections got a glowing endorsement from a former teammate — and first-round draft pick.
The Miami Dolphins‘ rookie draft class is officially all on the books. Miami is set to roll into the final week of their offseason program with all 13 draft selections signed. The Dolphins saw to all that business last week.
The play time opportunities for rookies this fall with be plentiful. Things are wide open on the depth chart at many positions. And, if Jon-Eric Sullivan and his team’s assessments are correct, all of these players are wired in such a way that they’ll be ready if their number is called. But as far as intangibles go, it seems one of the Dolphins’ rookies stands apart. Safety Michael Taaffe is hailed as a culture guy. But don’t take our word for it, as in a new 2026 NFL Draft spotlight, Taaffe’s own teammate from Texas laid out what kind of teammate he is.
Denver Broncos defensive back Jahdae Barron praises Miami Dolphins safety Michael Taaffe
“To describe Michael Taaffe, I would say he is one of one. Just his personality and the things he can do on the field. Just the love that he has for everybody. He has real, genuine love for everyone…When we all played at Texas every day, you (Michael) pushed us. Whether I messed up on a play, whether I did right, you just continued to push us both so. Me and Drew (Mukuba) wouldn’t be sitting here, we wouldn’t be who we are today without you. So (we) appreciate you.”
— Denver Broncos defensive back Jahdae Barron on new Miami Dolphins DB Michael Taaffe
Barron is a 2025 first-round pick by the Denver Broncos. It was cool to see both him and Philadelphia Eagles 2025 second-round draft choice Andrew Mukuba show out for Taaffe’s big day on Day 3 of this year’s draft. Current Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning also made a cameo appearance, so the Texas program was well represented at his draft party. Perhaps it’s a little too ‘Draft Day’ (the movie) to note teammates showing up for a draft party? If so, forget I said anything…but don’t forget what Barron said about Taaffe!
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