The Miami Dolphins entered the 2025 season with high hopes, but things unraveled quickly. The partnership between quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and head coach Mike McDaniel completely fell apart, and both are now with new teams. That leaves the Dolphins at square one, rebuilding from the ground up.
Knowing they needed a major infusion of talent, Miami went all-in on the 2026 NFL Draft, making more selections than even the Bills' 10 picks. That's a clear sign that this franchise is ready to turn the page and build for the future.
Their first-round haul was impressive. With their opening pick, they landed Kelvin Banks Jr., a massive left tackle who was a top recruit coming out of high school. Banks has the size and movement skills to become a franchise cornerstone, capable of handling any pass rusher thrown his way. While some fans wanted them to grab an edge rusher here, you can't fault Miami for prioritizing a player who could anchor their offensive line for a decade.
Later in the first round, the Dolphins snagged cornerback Xavier Johnson. He might have flown under the radar during the pre-draft hype cycle, but his film tells a different story. Johnson was incredibly productive, tested like an elite athlete, and looks like a legitimate first-round talent. This was a steal.
In the second round, Miami addressed a glaring weakness at linebacker by drafting Carson Rodriguez. He's not a perfect prospect—his tackling in space can be inconsistent, and he'll turn 24 early in his rookie season—but after watching their linebacker group get shredded last year, the Dolphins needed a reliable coverage presence. Rodriguez fits that need.
Wide receiver Marvin Douglas Jr. came off the board next. He's a well-rounded player with good size, though he doesn't have any one standout trait. Still, with the growing importance of wide receiver depth across the league, this was a sensible addition to the offense.
The Dolphins also joined a curious Day 2 trend of drafting run-blocking tight ends, selecting Jake Kacmarek. While teams like the Rams, Seahawks, and Bills have started using two and three tight end sets effectively, Kacmarek is more of a blocker than a dynamic pass catcher. It's a pick that raises some eyebrows, but it shows Miami is committed to building a balanced, physical offense.
Overall, the Dolphins came away with a solid draft class that addresses multiple needs. For Bills fans, this means Miami is reloading with young talent—and that should make the AFC East rivalry even more interesting in the years to come.