The latest 2026 Miami Dolphins projection is going to test even the biggest pessimists
ESPN’s analytics have the Miami Dolphins claiming something that only some fans will be excited about.
The Miami Dolphins‘ 2026 season is one that seemingly has the whole world stacked against them.
The list of established talents is short. And, as a result, a casual look at the Dolphins’ roster will generate plenty of skepticism. It’s a natural byproduct of a team that’s said farewell to names like Tagovailoa, Hill, Waddle, Chubb, and more. But the latest numbers from ESPN’s analytics department takes things to a whole new level. They believe the Miami Dolphins have a one-in-five chance to be the worst team in football this season.
ESPN tabs the Miami Dolphins as the favorite to land the 2027 NFL Draft’s first overall pick
20.1%. That’s the percentage that ESPN Analytics tabs the Miami Dolphins to have the No. 1 overall pick in the 2027 NFL Draft. No one has a higher number attached to their name. It’s a sobering projection — although it’s not one that defines Miami this season. Sure, the schedule is unforgiving. But if Miami’s young collective of talent gels throughout the course of this season, the Dolphins can (hopefully) be playing their best football by the end of the year.
That, paired with a pair of games against the New York Jets, a season-opening contest against last year’s No. 1 overall pick holder (the Raiders), and the upside of Miami’s young talent on offense? You can consider me surprised if we end up seeing the Miami Dolphins finish with the No. 1 overall pick.
ESPN Analytics thinks Miami has the best (worst?) odds at the top draft pick. I’ll take them to have a better season than the Arizona Cardinals, who play in a tougher division while also drawing the AFC West (like Miami) and the NFC East. Better days are ahead for Miami and yes, absolutely, this year is about little victories just as much as it is the overall win column. But the best chance at the top pick? I don’t know about that.
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