Grading the pick: The Miami Dolphins draft TE Will Kacmarek at No. 87 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft
With the 87th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Miami Dolphins have selected TE Will Kacmarek.
With the No. 87 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft, the Miami Dolphins have selected Ohio State tight end Will Kacmarek. The Miami Dolphins fuel their offensive skill group with another big-bodied player. It’s been the trend of the Dolphins all week so far — Miami is trying to get bigger. And Kacmarek is one of the most physical blockers in this year’s tight end class.
Here’s what you need to know about the pick and how Kacmarek projects to the Miami Dolphins.
What to know about TE Will Kacmarek
Age: 23
A to Z Sports Draft Projection: Eventually Average Starter
Career Projection:
“Last year’s in-line tight end darling was Jackson Hawes — who ended up landing in Buffalo and was a valuable addition for his physicality and blocking ability. The Kacmarek arc should aspire to follow the same script. He’s a transfer from Ohio who was not charged with a receiving role with the Buckeyes over the last two seasons. But what he was charged with was instead serving as the Y-tight end and creating creases in the run game or collapsing the edge.
At 6-foot-5 and 261 pounds, Kacmarek was quite effective in both roles. He plays with great strain and effort. As a pass catcher, he’ll most likely serve as a zone buster underneath and get open air yardage. But a lofty target projection is unlikely.”
Kyle Crabbs
A to Z Sports NFL
Grading the Dolphins selection of TE Will Kacmarek
This isn’t a sexy pick by any means. But given the presence of Greg Dulcich and the team’s need for a true in-line player at tight end, Kacmarek is an exciting tonality pick. The value of ‘Y’ tight ends feels reduced in today’s game but it is worth noting the good ones command somewhere around $7 million annually on veteran contracts. Kacmarek has a lot of ground to cover before he gets to that phase of his career.
But I do believe he brings a lot of nasty and violence to the edges for a team that in past years has charged diminutive receivers with sealing edges too often. Kacmarek should seize a TE2 role quickly with Miami and be a snap taker in with a valuable role on what is quickly developing into a run-first offense.
Grade: B
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