Dolphins Bolster Defense in 2026 NFL Mock Draft

CBS Sports' Josh Edwards predicts Miami will focus on shoring up its secondary and pass rush in the upcoming draft.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 2:11am

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In his latest seven-round NFL mock draft, CBS Sports' Josh Edwards has the Miami Dolphins using their 11 total picks, including seven in the top 94, to significantly upgrade their defense. Edwards projects the Dolphins will select LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane in the first round, followed by Missouri edge rusher Zion Young later in the opening frame. The mock also has Miami adding Texas Tech defensive tackle Lee Hunter in the second round and pairing Delane with another cornerback, Hezekiah Masses, in the fourth.

Why it matters

The Dolphins' defense was a weak spot in 2025, and with several high draft picks, they have the opportunity to quickly rebuild that side of the ball. Shoring up the secondary and pass rush are priorities, as Miami looks to challenge the Bills and Patriots in the AFC East.

The details

Edwards' mock has the Dolphins using their first two picks on defensive players, starting with Delane, a rising cornerback prospect, and then Young, an edge rusher who could provide an immediate boost to Miami's pass rush. The selection of Hunter in the second round is a bit of a surprise given the Dolphins' recent investments at defensive tackle, but Edwards believes his size and ability to occupy blockers makes him too good to pass up. Pairing Delane with another cornerback in Masses in the fourth round further solidifies the secondary.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 24-26.

The players

Mansoor Delane

A cornerback prospect from LSU who has seen his draft stock rise in recent months.

Zion Young

An edge rusher from the University of Missouri who could provide an immediate boost to the Dolphins' pass rush.

Lee Hunter

A defensive tackle from Texas Tech who Edwards believes could be a valuable addition to the Dolphins' defensive line, despite the team's recent investments at the position.

Hezekiah Masses

A cornerback prospect from an undisclosed school who the Dolphins could pair with their first-round pick, Mansoor Delane, to further strengthen their secondary.

Jon-Eric Sullivan

The general manager of the Miami Dolphins, who will be tasked with making the team's draft decisions.

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What’s next

The Dolphins will have a chance to address their defensive needs when the 2026 NFL Draft takes place from April 24-26.

The takeaway

The Dolphins have the draft capital to significantly improve their defense in 2026, and Edwards' mock draft suggests they will focus on shoring up the secondary and pass rush. This strategy could help Miami challenge the Bills and Patriots in the AFC East if the team is able to execute effectively on draft day.