Miami Dolphins Post-2026 NFL Draft 53-man roster projection: Good luck counting up all these rookies
The 2026 NFL Draft is in the books — what will the Miami Dolphins’ roster look like come September after Jon-Eric Sullivan made all these picks?
The Miami Dolphins‘ 2026 season outlook is coming into view. With more than a dozen rookies now in their clutches, the Dolphins are going to start to transition their eyes to a highly competitive training camp. Spots are open for the taking all over the roster. Those who rise to the occasion will benefit greatly with extended auditions for the future.
So what will this roster look like come September? Here’s a post-53 man roster projection to explore where this roster could be starting from when the season rolls around.
Miami Dolphins 2026 post-NFL Draft 53-man roster projection
Quarterback (3)
In: Malik Willis, Quinn Ewers, Cam Miller
Out: Mark Gronowski (R)
The skinny: This one feels pretty cut and dry in the top-2 slots. The Dolphins signed Willis to be their hopeful future at the position, while Ewers showed flashes during his limited playing time as a rookie. Miller versus Gronowski is the battle to watch; as both are new additions this offseason. Miami could, in theory, keep two quarterbacks on the 53-man but I’ll give them three for the time being.
Running back (3)
In: De’Von Achane, Ollie Gordon II, Jaylen Wright
Out: Donovan Edwards
Achane is expected to receive a contract extension sooner rather than later. Ollie Gordon II was effective in the first half of 2025 as a short-yardage hammer — he’s got more potential than that, too. And Jaylen Wright’s game has not yet come together but he’s a physically gifted player.
Wide Receiver (6)
In: Chris Bell (R), Jalen Tolbert, Malik Washington, Tutu Atwell, Caleb Douglas (R), Kevin Coleman Jr. (R)
Out: AJ Henning, Tahj Washington, Terrace Marshall Jr., Theo Wease
Meet the new Miami Dolphins wide receivers, not to be confused with the old Miami Dolphins wide receivers. Gone are names like Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. Malik Washington is the only holdover to make this early projection for the top-6 pass catchers and Miami’s suddenly added size in names like Bell, Douglas, and Tolbert.
Tight End (4)
In: Greg Dulcich, Ben Sims, Will Kacmarek (R), Seydou Traore (R)
Out: Zach Kuntz, Cole Turner, Jalin Conyers
Traore is a firm bubble player and, depending on how fast Kacmarek assimilates to the pro game, Sims could be a bubble guy, too. But I’ll give the Miami Dolphins’ second rookie tight end a nod over names like Kuntz, Turner, and Conyers for the benefits of a four-year rookie contract.
Offensive line (9)
In: Patrick Paul, Aaron Brewer, Austin Jackson, Kadyn Proctor (R), Jonah Savaiinaea, Jamaree Salyer, DJ Campbell (R), Charlies Heck, Andrew Meyer
Out: Josh Priebe, Braeden Daniels, Kion Smith
The top-8 of this group is fairly compelling, especially if you’re willing to imagine Jonah Savaiinaea taking a step forward this season and Kadyn Proctor being the asset this franchise seems to think he will be. If both things happen (if!), then Salyer becomes a valuable swing piece and Andrew Meyer can serve as the backup center. We may be onto something here with the Miami Dolphins’ offensive line, gang.
Defensive End (5)
In: Chop Robinson, Josh Uche, Robert Beal Jr., Trey Moore (R), Max Llewellyn (R)
Out: David Ojabo, Derrick McLendon, Cam Goode, Seth Coleman
Ojabo was a tough cut. But the Ravens’ defensive front desperately needed a boost last season and he wasn’t able to have that much-needed career breakthrough. Spotrac says he has no guaranteed salary on his deal — but a $187.5k roster bonus due Week 1. Miami could move on there now that they’ve secured a pair of EDGE defenders in the draft.
Interior Defensive Line (5)
In: Zach Sieler, Kenneth Grant, Jordan Phillips, Zeek Biggers, Rene Konga (R)
Out: Matthew Butler, Alex Huntley
Call me a sick puppy but I think undrafted rookie Rene Konga (a reported signing) makes this football team. He ran 4.82s in the 40-yard dash and jumped 37″ in the vert at his Pro Day. Miami’s current group is missing a rush specialist and I think Konga may have the physical ability to to seize a passing down role. I’d like to see them find out.
Linebacker (5)
In: Jordyn Brooks, Tyrel Dodson, Jacob Rodriguez (R), Willie Gay Jr., Kyle Louis (R)
Don’t look now but this group looks pretty darn good, too. Miami now has a group of players with the ability to thrive in space and the duo of rookies could end up being transformative opposite Jordyn Brooks. Dodson will have something to say about who starts but based on the point of emphasis of this regime on athletic defenders, I wouldn’t be surprised if Rodriguez grabs that spot quickly.
Cornerback (6)
In: Chris Johnson (R), JuJu Brents, Darrell Baker Jr., Jason Marshall Jr, Alex Austin, Marco Wilson
Out: Ethan Bonner, Storm Duck, Miles Bryant, Ethan Robinson, Isaiah Johnson
Chris Johnson ends up being the guy to set the room around. Jeff Hafley called him one of his favorite players in the class. The battle opposite him between Darrell Baker Jr., JuJu Brents, and others could be one of the best battles of camp. Brents is superbly gifted. Baker Jr. has had strong flashes in play that seem to mirror what Hafley wants.
Safety (4)
In: Dante Trader Jr., Lonnie Johnson Jr., Zayne Anderson, Michael Taaffe (R)
Out: Omar Brown, Jordan Colbert
This group will be one to watch. I think this group could out-perform expectations this season thanks to the athleticism now playing in front of them at linebacker. But the Miami Dolphins probably need one more piece to tie it together. The budget may not call for it and I’m sure they’re hopeful Taaffe seizes the moment as a fifth-round pick.
Specialists (3)
In: Zane Gonzalez (K), Bradley Pinion (P), Tucker Addington (LS)
Out: Riley Patterson (K), Taybor Pepper (LS), Seth Vernon (P)
Coin-tosses all around. That is except for Pinion, who has a guarantee north of $1 million this season. I think that pushes him into the punter spot.
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