A new era is dawning in Miami. For the first time since 2016, the Dolphins will enter an NFL draft without Chris Grier as general manager, marking a significant shift in the team's front office leadership. With Jon-Eric Sullivan now at the helm as GM and Jeff Hafley taking over as head coach, a pressing question emerges for the 2026 draft: who ultimately makes the call when the Dolphins are on the clock?

Is it the new GM, the new head coach, or owner Stephen Ross? Sullivan wasted no time in providing clarity during a recent media session, firmly establishing the chain of command. "Stephen is as supportive of an owner as you can be. Obviously, he's the owner of the team and that speaks for itself. It's my call," Sullivan stated, leaving no doubt about where the final authority rests.

However, Sullivan emphasized that his decision-making process will be a collaborative one. He values the critical input of the coaching staff, acknowledging their deep involvement in player evaluation. "The coaches are incredibly important to what we do... I appreciate their feedback, I appreciate their vision, and it's important to me," he explained. This balance between collaboration and ultimate accountability is a classic dynamic in successful NFL franchises.

Yet, when push comes to shove, Sullivan accepts the full weight of the responsibility. "I have a responsibility to do what I feel is best for the Miami Dolphins... Ultimately, the final decision comes down to me." This will be Sullivan's first time running the draft room, and the pressure is on immediately. With two valuable first-round picks in 2026, his early choices could define the Dolphins' trajectory for the next decade—a challenge he is clearly ready to embrace.