The Miami Dolphins‘ 2026 offseason is all about setting themselves up for the future.

As a result, Miami’s approach to every facet of the roster is likely to be rooted in a long-term vision. That will include the kinds of players they covet, but also how they address certain talents on the roster. We’ve already seen clues on that front with the development that safety Minkah Fitzpatrick is a part of trade discussions. What if they trade him? What could they get? And how could that effect the approach to building the roster and what pieces get prioritized by general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley? Here’s a fresh 7-round mock Miami Dolphins 2026 NFL draft to explore the domino effect.

Miami Dolphins 2026 7-round NFL mock draft scores another pick via a hypothetical Minkah Fitzpatrick trade

Round 1, pick 11 – Olaviavega Ioane, OG, Penn State

Sullivan told us they intend to build this team from the inside out. Here’s there chance to prove it. Dolphins fans who have grown weary of leaky pass protection on the inside of the offensive line should rejoice at this selection. Ioane is a prolific pass protector with enough mass and power to create displacement in the run game, too. He’s got a stout anchor and enough mobility to stay attached to bodies once he’s rolled defenders back on their heels. Consider him a scheme-diverse talent with the raw ability to be a top starter in the league at guard.

Round 2, pick 43 – Blake Miller, OT, Clemson

Right tackle Austin Jackson feels not for long in Miami for a couple of reasons: starting with his status as a contract year player in 2026 and durability concerns. That 1-2 punch leaves Miami, at a minimum, seeking a long-term successor despite Jackson’s youth. Miller is four-year starter at Clemson and while he may not wow you with his athleticism, he’s a tough, gritty, smart tackle with good size and excellent strain.

Round 3, pick 75 – Genesis Smith, SAF, Arizona

The safety room in Miami, with a hypothetical Minkah Fizpatrick trade happening, comes down to second-year player Dante Trader Jr. and, well, that’s about it. Smith is a big safety with the same kind of play diversity that is a common thread amongst impactful starters. He’s got some issues to clean up, particularly with his tackling, but the size, length and coverage versatility would give a defense a lot to work with.

Round 3, pick 87 – Malachi Lawrence, EDGE, UCF

Lawrence was a standout performer at this year’s Shrine Bowl and offers some big-time juice off the edge. He’s not a “big” but he’s got a big-time first step. Lawrence pairs that stress off the edge with a number of rush counters, good cornering ability to flatten to the quarterback, and some room to grow onto his frame, as well. Miami will need a veteran signing or two on the edge but Lawrence and third-year end Chop Robinson on the field on long & late downs would give the Dolphins a hell of a speed rush combo.

Round 3, pick 90 – Kyle Louis, LB/S, Pittsburgh

The Minkah Fitzpatrick effect! (Hypothetically) trading Fitzpatrick leaves the Dolphins vulnerable not only on the back end but also in the nickel. The earlier pick, Genesis Smith, would give Miami a deep coverage player who can roll down. Louis gives them a second-level hybrid who can take coverage assignments like a defensive back while still, theoretically, being a linebacker. Louis isn’t quite big enough to be a full-time player in the box but holy smokes…the coverage ability is elite. Louis feels like a sub-package coverage defender early in his career but player development could get him to a place where you can’t take him off the field down the road.

Round 4, pick 111 – Ted Hurst, WR, Georgia State

The Dolphins need some size at wide receiver. Getting more diversity into this pass catching room would go a long way in helping not just in the red one but also in the run game. Hurst is a productive, small school talent who had himself a nice week at the 2026 Senior Bowl. It seems like fellow big receiver Malachi Fields is getting all the buzz out of that event, leaving Hurst as an “also-ran” in the event. But I like how he attacks the football, he has some downfield ability, and his size is undeniable for a sorely needed different body type for the Dolphins.

(TRADE) Round 5, pick 149 – Riley Nowakowski, TE/FB, Indiana

DALLAS RECEIVES: SAF Minkah Fitzpatrick
MIAMI RECEIVES: 2026 5th-round pick (149th overall)

In a perfect world, I think the Dolphins could ultimately net a pick in the fourth round but this trade scenario comes in a little lower. How teams will covet a safety needing a new deal with new commitments is fair to question. Sending Fitzpatrick to Dallas in this scenario still nets the Dolphins a top-150 pick, which is promptly used on perhaps my favorite overall player in the draft. Nowakowski is a former linebacker who offers elite technique and strain as a blocker. The Dolphins have seen a revolving door at tight end in recent years and young veteran Julian Hill is an expiring contract. This dude could also be a legitimate replacement for FB Alec Ingold, he’s that diverse.

Round 5, pick 150 – Taylen Green, QB, Arkansas

It’s hard to imagine the Dolphins not taking a swing on a quarterback somewhere in this draft. Green has connections to Miami’s new quarterbacks coach, Bush Hamdan, who served as Boise State’s offensive coordinator while Green was with the Broncos program. Green has all the physical tools: a prolific arm, plus athleticism, prototypical size. Can he put it together to be an NFL starter, though? That’s a major question and a big reason why Green is projected to go in this area of the draft.

Round 7, pick 227 – Chase Roberts, WR, BYU

We mentioned how Miami needs some more size at wide receiver, right? Roberts will have a good chance to make this roster as a special teamer in 2026. He’s been a productive player for the Cougars but his upside as an NFL pass catcher is no sure thing. He has the right stuff to contribute to the team in the third phase as he tries to catch on as an offensive weapon.

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