Mel Kiper's Final 2026 NFL Mock Draft Has Dolphins Bolstering Offense and Defense

ESPN analyst projects Miami to address key needs at offensive line, wide receiver, and cornerback in the first two rounds.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 4:37pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting fragmented, overlapping shapes and planes in shades of navy, orange, and green, conceptually representing the strategic decisions and moves of an NFL draft.Kiper's mock draft projects the Dolphins to strategically address key roster needs through the first two rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft.San Diego Today

In his final 2026 NFL Mock Draft, ESPN's Mel Kiper, Jr. has the Miami Dolphins making three picks in the first two rounds. With their first selection at 11th overall, the Dolphins are projected to take Miami offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa to shore up their offensive tackle position. Miami then trades back from 30th overall to 34th, also acquiring the 65th pick from the Arizona Cardinals. With that 34th pick, the Dolphins are projected to select Alabama wide receiver Germie Bernard. In the second round at 43rd overall, Kiper has Miami taking San Diego State cornerback Chris Johnson to address a key need in their secondary.

Why it matters

The Dolphins are looking to continue their rebuild under new leadership, and Kiper's mock draft suggests they will focus on strengthening the offensive line, adding a playmaker at wide receiver, and shoring up the defense in the secondary with their top picks. These selections would help Miami address some of their most pressing needs heading into the 2026 season.

The details

According to Kiper's projections, the Dolphins will use their 11th overall pick on Miami offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa, who he believes could excel at either tackle or guard position and help open up running lanes for the team's mobile quarterback and talented running back. Miami then trades back from 30th overall to 34th, also acquiring the 65th pick from the Arizona Cardinals. With the 34th selection, the Dolphins are projected to take Alabama wide receiver Germie Bernard, who had over 850 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns last season. In the second round at 43rd overall, Kiper has Miami selecting San Diego State cornerback Chris Johnson, who had 4 interceptions and 9 pass breakups in 2025.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is just over a week away (April 24-26, 2026).
  • Mel Kiper, Jr. released his final 2026 NFL Mock Draft on April 15, 2026.

The players

Francis Mauigoa

A Miami offensive lineman who Kiper believes could excel at either tackle or guard position and help open up running lanes for the Dolphins' offense.

Germie Bernard

An Alabama wide receiver who had over 850 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns last season, and could help replace the production lost from Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.

Chris Johnson

A San Diego State cornerback who had 4 interceptions and 9 pass breakups in 2025, addressing a key need in the Dolphins' secondary.

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What they’re saying

“The Dolphins entered this mock draft with 11 total picks, including seven in the first three rounds. They need them as they continue to make big changes under new leadership. One of the key components to a successful rebuild is shoring up the offensive tackle spots.”

— Mel Kiper, Jr., ESPN Analyst

“Bernard has underrated speed (4.48) and superb hands, and new offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik could get creative in how he uses him. Bernard had 862 yards and seven TDs as a pass catcher last season, but he also ran for 101 yards and two scores.”

— Mel Kiper, Jr., ESPN Analyst

“Johnson has 4.4 speed and posted four interceptions and nine pass breakups last season. He is probably going to be my CB3 in the class when my final rankings drop next week, so this could end up being a steal for the Dolphins. They would love to find a starter in the middle of Round 2; they are in particularly rough shape at corner.”

— Mel Kiper, Jr., ESPN Analyst

What’s next

The 2026 NFL Draft will take place from April 24-26, 2026, where the Dolphins will look to execute their picks and potential trades as projected by Mel Kiper, Jr.

The takeaway

Kiper's final 2026 NFL Mock Draft suggests the Dolphins will focus on strengthening their offensive line, adding a dynamic playmaker at wide receiver, and shoring up their secondary with their top picks. These selections would help address some of Miami's most pressing needs as they continue their rebuild under new leadership.