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FOXBOROUGH, MA – JANUARY 04: Quinn Ewers 14 of the Miami Dolphins calls a play during a game between the New England Patriots and the Miami Dolphins on January 4, 2026, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA JAN 04 Dolphins at Patriots EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon482260104138
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FOXBOROUGH, MA – JANUARY 04: Quinn Ewers 14 of the Miami Dolphins calls a play during a game between the New England Patriots and the Miami Dolphins on January 4, 2026, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA JAN 04 Dolphins at Patriots EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon482260104138
Essentials Inside The Story
- Miami Dolphins lack a premier shutdown cornerback and have struggled with depth at safety
- Miami's offensive line is criticized by league insiders for being soft
- Miami's wide receiver room faces size deficit and health concerns, specifically around Tyreek Hill's recovery
For the Miami Dolphins‘ new front office, the offseason isn’t just about the future of Tua Tagovailoa; it’s about fundamentally rebuilding a roster with holes on both sides of the ball, a task that begins with the NFL Draft. And while the QB position dominates headlines, the team’s most critical vulnerabilities lie elsewhere. EssentiallySports’ new mock draft suggests the path to improvement starts not under center, but in a secondary desperate for a true shutdown presence.
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Team Needs
Secondary
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July 23, 2025, Miami Gardens, Fl, USA: Miami Dolphins cornerback Ethan Bonner 27 and safety Minkah Fitzpatrick 29 on the practice field at Miami Dolphins Training Camp in Miami Gardens, Florida, on Wednesday, July 23, 2025. Miami Gardens USA – ZUMAm67_ 20250723_zaf_m67_016 Copyright: xAlxDiazx Miami Gardens USA – ZUMA0827 20250723_zaf_m67_016 Copyright: xIMAGO/AlxDiazx
Help is needed at both cornerback and safety, as the Dolphins’ defensive backfield is rife with college free agents and misfits. They have no true shutdown corner and were forced to reacquire safety Minkah Fitzpatrick from the Steelers after trading him away to Pittsburgh several years ago.
Offensive Line
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INGLEWOOD, CA – NOVEMBER 11: Miami Dolphins guard Aaron Brewer 55 runs off of the field during the NFL, American Football Herren, USA game between the Miami Dolphins and the Los Angeles Rams on November 11, 2024 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA. Photo by Jordon Kelly/Icon Sportswire NFL: NOV 11 Dolphins at Rams EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon241111179
The Dolphins’ offensive line has been chided for being soft and poor run blockers by league insiders. Center Aaron Brewer was a terrific find in free agency, yet more help is needed on the interior of the offensive line, and the team needs to decide on 2020 first-round pick Austin Jackson, who has one year left on his contract.
Wide Receiver
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NFL, American Football Herren, USA 2024: Dolphins vs Texans DEC 15 December 15, 2024: Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill 10 prior to a game between the Miami Dolphins and the Houston Texans in Houston, TX. ..Trask Smith/CSM Credit Image: Trask Smith/Cal Media EDITORIAL USE ONLY Copyright: xx ZUMA-20241215_zma_c04_346.jpg TraskxSmithx csmphotothree333765
If Tagovailoa is released or traded in the offseason, then quarterback immediately becomes a pressing need, but he’s still on the roster. The offense needs big-bodied receivers, and the future of Tyreek Hill remains in question after his devastating knee injury.
MOCK DRAFT
ROUND 1: Mansoor Delane/CB/LSU
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NCAA, College League, USA Football: Florida at Louisiana State Sep 13, 2025 Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA LSU Tigers cornerback Mansoor Delane 4 reacts to Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway not pictured making an incomplete pass during the first half at Tiger Stadium. Baton Rouge Tiger Stadium Louisiana USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xStephenxLewx 20250913_lbm_la1_191
Mansoor Delane is the No. 1 cornerback in the draft and immediately becomes the top player at the position for the Dolphins if Miami drafts him. He doesn’t pass the eyeball test, yet Delane is a skilled cover man who can play in press or zone.
ROUND 2: Chase Bisontis/G/Texas A&M
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October 18, 2025, Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA: Texas A&M Aggies offensive lineman CHASE BISONTIS 71 blocks for running back EJ SMITH 22 during Texas A&M s win over Arkansas at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Fayetteville USA – ZUMAs199 20251018_znp_s199_022 Copyright: xBrentxSoulex
Jonah Savaiinaea, a second-round selection in 2025, has been a horrible disappointment to date. Chase Bisontis is a pure guard who dominates as a run blocker while showing a lot of athleticism and upside in his game.
ROUND 3: Genesis Smith/S/Arizona
While I expect Dante Trader, a fifth-round pick from last year’s draft, to get the opportunity to win the starting job in 2026, Genesis Smith is more complete and has a much better range in center field.
ROUND 3: Max Iheanachor/T/Arizona State
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September 20, 2025 Arizona State Sun Devils offensive lineman Max Iheanachor 58 blocks Baylor Bears defensive lineman Trent Thomas 92 during the 2nd half the NCAA, College League, USA Football game between the Arizona State Sun Devils and Baylor Bears at McLane Stadium in Waco, Texas. /CSM Waco US – ZUMAc04_ 20250920_zma_c04_1235 Copyright: xMatthewxLynchx
The Sun Devils’ right tackle, Max Iheanachor, is a large, mobile blocker who overpowers opponents in run blocking while also showing a lot of ability in pass protection. He’ll be starting early in his rookie season.
ROUND 3: De’Zhaun Stribling/WR/Mississippi
De’Zhaun Stribling was a bit disappointing this season after scouts graded him as a top-60 prospect last summer. He’s a big possession wideout with reliable hands who made several big plays for Mississippi during the College Football Playoff.
