Miami Dolphins are on brink of imploding, and target a rebuild to get this franchise back on track in latest 2026 NFL mock draft
The Miami Dolphins probably have a regime change on the horizon. Their roster needs a lot more talent, and the 2026 NFL Draft offers a big opportunity.
The Miami Dolphins are off to a tough start to the 2025 NFL season, and it feels like only a matter of time until Mike McDaniel is relieved of his head coaching duties. Whenever that does happen, it’s time for a massive rebuild for the Dolphins. This is a roster depleted of talent and a real identity.
The 2026 NFL Draft could be a huge opportunity for this team to upgrade talent, and set the table for the next coaching regime. The big positive for the Dolphins is that they have a lot of needs so mock drafting for them is very easy.
They got quite the haul in this recent 7-rounder.
Round 1, Pick 3: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
If the Dolphins end up picking this high, and make a regime change, then that probably means that the Tua Tagovailoa era might also be coming to an end. They probably need a new face under center. Mendoza is a much different player, possessing better size and natural arm strength. He would quickly become the face of the franchise for Miami.
Round 2, Pick 34: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
Delane was a great player at Virginia Tech, but not enough people appreciated him enough for playing for a bad team. He is a sticky man cover player who also plays with good instincts. There is also upside from a versatility perspective, allowing Delane to play outside and in.
Round 3, Pick 65: Austin Barber, OT, Florida
The Miami Dolphins need to continue strengthening their offensive line no matter who the coach is moving forward. Barber is a massive offensive lineman with really powerful hands. Barber is a little bit stiff, which could limit his upside on the outside.
Round 3, Pick 72: Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt
A former top ranked quarterback for the Texas A&M Aggies, Stowers has slowly developed into one of the best tight ends in college football with New Mexico State and now Vanderbilt. He’s a lighter H-back type of player, but is a killer after the catch. There is a lot to like about him as a mismatch passing game weapon.
Round 4, Pick 110: Amare Ferrell, S, Indiana
Ferrell is one of the best kept secrets in all of college football, possessing an appealing blend of size, explosiveness, and versatility. There’s a chance he could be selected earlier than this, but he’s available, it would be a tremendous selection. Ferrell has definite starter upside. He probably won’t be a secret for now.
Round 4, Pick 139: Fa’alili Fa’amoe, OT, Wake Forest
With a season of injury in 2024, most people forget how good Fa’amoe was while at Washington State. He followed head coach Jake Dickert to Winston Salem, and has become a mainstay at right tackle. Fa’amoe has the requisite foot quickness and length to stay outside, but also has the power to move inside as well. That versatility is a huge selling point.
Round 5, Pick 149: Bryce Lance, WR, North Dakota State
The younger brother of Trey Lance, he is a talented athlete who is very springy when elevating for the football. There are some natural skills to work with here, but the technical side is a major work in progress for Lance. His release package needs to be improved mightily, but should at least be able to bring some special teams value while he develops.
Round 7, Pick 222: Rahsul Faison, RB, South Carolina
Faison has had a fascinating college journey so far, going from JUCO standout to a star at Utah State recently. The talented runner opted to utilize the new eligibility rule and return in 2025 while transferring to South Carolina. He is a good short area runner who is able to make players miss in tight spaces. This could be the late round running back to want this year.
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