Dolphins Add Offensive Firepower in First Mock Draft

Carnell Tate and Dillon Thieneman projected to Miami in ESPN insider's initial 2023 NFL mock draft

Apr. 7, 2026 at 1:06pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting fragmented football players and draft prospects, conveying the dynamic and complex nature of the NFL draft process.The Dolphins' draft strategy aims to rebuild their offense and defense with a pair of top prospects.Denver Today

In his first 2023 NFL mock draft, ESPN insider Peter Schrager has the Miami Dolphins selecting Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate with the 11th overall pick and Georgia safety Dillon Thieneman with the 30th overall pick (acquired from the Denver Broncos). The Dolphins have seven picks in the first three rounds, the second-most in the NFL, as they look to reload their offense after trading away star receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle this offseason.

Why it matters

The Dolphins are in need of offensive playmakers after parting ways with Hill and Waddle, and Tate and Thieneman could provide an immediate boost. Tate is a highly touted prospect who could thrive in Miami's new-look offense, while Thieneman's versatility would give the Dolphins' defense a valuable piece to build around.

The details

Schrager's mock has the Dolphins selecting Tate, a speedy and explosive receiver from Ohio State, with the 11th overall pick. The Dolphins have strong connections to the Buckeyes program through new head coach Jeff Hafley and GM Jon-Eric Sullivan. Thieneman, a versatile defensive back from Georgia, is projected to go to Miami with the 30th pick, which the team acquired in the Waddle trade with the Broncos. Thieneman impressed at the combine with a 4.35-second 40-yard dash and could fill a need in the Dolphins' secondary.

  • The 2023 NFL Draft will take place from April 27-29.

The players

Carnell Tate

A wide receiver prospect from Ohio State University who is known for his speed and playmaking ability.

Dillon Thieneman

A defensive back prospect from the University of Georgia who impressed at the NFL Combine with his athleticism and versatility.

Tyreek Hill

A former wide receiver for the Miami Dolphins who was traded to the Denver Broncos this offseason.

Jaylen Waddle

A former wide receiver for the Miami Dolphins who was traded to the Denver Broncos this offseason.

Jeff Hafley

The new head coach of the Miami Dolphins, who previously coached at Ohio State University.

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What they’re saying

“I thought about Georgia linebacker CJ Allen here, but I went with one of the fastest players at this year's combine in Thieneman. But he's much more than just that 4.35 speed. His film reveals a versatile player who can cover, tackle and lead a defense. It's a new era in Miami, and Jeff Hafley has expertise in coaching up defensive backs.”

— Peter Schrager, ESPN Insider

What’s next

The 2023 NFL Draft will take place from April 27-29, where the Dolphins will have the opportunity to select Tate, Thieneman, and other prospects to bolster their roster.

The takeaway

The Dolphins are in a unique position with seven picks in the first three rounds of the 2023 NFL Draft, giving them the chance to significantly upgrade their roster on both offense and defense. Selecting Tate and Thieneman with their two first-round picks would provide an immediate injection of talent and athleticism to help the team compete in the AFC East.