Dolphins' draft pick Michael Taafe honors lost former teammate with jersey number originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Miami Dolphins have been making a ton of draft picks during the 2026 NFL Draft as they've reshaped their roster.

While they've added some offensive help, the Dolphins' defense has undergone some major overhauling. Jeff Hafley's defense is getting a ton of help, including a fifth-round safety out of Texas.

As NFL insider Aaron Wilson reports, the Dolphins selected Texas Longhorns safety Michael Taaffe. The new Dolphins draft pick wears No. 16, and there's a very special reason for that number.

As Danny Davis of statesman.com shared, Taaffe's decision to wear No. 16 revolves around his desire to honor his friend and teammate, Jackson Coker.

"Jackson Coker was one of my best friends. When he passed away, every single day that I've lived continuing forward, I've just tried to embrace what he did on this planet," Taaffe said. "He was such a loving guy. His faith was so important to him, he loved Jesus Christ more than anybody ... I try to wake up every single day representing Jackson and trying to do my best."

Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian let Taaffe change his No. 36 jersey to a No. 16 jersey to honor Coker, Taaffe's friend, who sadly passed away in 2021.

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The current Dolphins roster doesn't have anyone wearing No. 16, and it's also not a jersey for the Dolphins, with only Nos. 12, 13, and 39 retired for Miami.

Taaffe, the new Dolphins safety and draft pick, wears No. 16 for an important reason, honoring his former teammate who passed away back in 2021.

And with the number open on the Dolphins roster, Taaffe will have the chance to continue to honor Coker when he enters the NFL.

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