The Miami Dolphins went all-in on wide receivers in the 2026 NFL draft, selecting three pass-catchers—and one of them might be the steal of the class. Fifth-round pick Kevin Coleman Jr., out of Missouri, has all the tools to see the field sooner than most late-round selections.
Coleman, taken 177th overall, is a natural slot receiver with the versatility to return punts. That dual-threat ability alone could get him on the field early for a Dolphins team that loves speed and playmaking. During Senior Bowl practices in January, Coleman turned heads with his ability to separate from defenders—a skill that translates immediately to the NFL level.
His numbers back it up. Last season at Missouri, Coleman averaged 5.7 yards after the catch and forced 18 missed tackles. He dropped just seven passes out of 271 collegiate targets, showcasing reliable hands. Whether finding soft spots in zone coverage or turning short passes into big gains, Coleman has the instincts to make an impact.
What’s even more impressive? His adaptability. Coleman played at four different colleges over four seasons—Jackson State, Louisville, Mississippi State, and Missouri—and earned a starting role at every stop. That kind of resilience and ability to learn new systems is a major plus for a rookie adjusting to the NFL.
He’ll compete for slot snaps with third-year receiver Malik Washington and veteran free agent Tutu Atwell. But don’t be surprised if Coleman leads this rookie class in targets and receptions. In his senior season, he hauled in 66 catches for 732 yards and a touchdown, added 76 rushing yards on nine carries, and averaged 12.6 yards per punt return—including one score.
Coleman himself is confident, telling South Florida reporters he models his game after Antonio Brown—a sixth-round pick who became one of the most productive receivers in NFL history. "He's quick twitch. He's twitchy," Coleman said. "That's how I play."
If Coleman brings even a fraction of that energy to Miami’s offense, the Dolphins may have found a late-round gem ready to shine.