Dolphins Aim for Balanced Draft Class in 2026

Alain Poupart outlines realistic goals for Miami's upcoming draft picks

Apr. 19, 2026 at 5:18pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a fragmented, geometric scene of a football game or draft day, with sharp planes of teal, orange, and navy blue colors representing the dynamic action and strategic decisions involved in the Dolphins' upcoming draft.The Dolphins' 2026 draft class will need to be carefully constructed to address key roster needs and build a well-rounded team.Today in Miami

In a pre-draft mailbag, Alain Poupart of SI.com discusses the Miami Dolphins' approach to the 2026 NFL Draft. Poupart suggests the team should target four starters and two impact players with their seven picks in the top 94 selections. He identifies cornerback, safety, wide receiver, guard, and defensive end as key positions of need, with the offensive line and secondary being top priorities.

Why it matters

The Dolphins are in a rebuilding phase and need to maximize their draft capital to build a well-rounded roster. Poupart's insights provide a realistic framework for the team's draft strategy as they look to return to contention in the coming years.

The details

Poupart outlines several positions of need for the Dolphins, including cornerback, safety, wide receiver, guard, and defensive end. He suggests the team should aim to come away with four starters and two impact players from their seven picks in the top 94 selections. The Dolphins' focus will likely be on the offensive line and secondary, though they will also consider the best available talent regardless of position.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in late April.

The players

Jon-Eric Sullivan

The Dolphins' general manager, who is leading the team's rebuilding efforts.

Jeff Hafley

The Dolphins' head coach, who is working to establish a winning culture in Miami.

Laremy Tunsil

A former first-round pick of the Dolphins in 2016 who has proven to be a talented offensive lineman.

Cecil Collins

A running back prospect the Dolphins signed as a non-first-round pick in 1999, who showed promise but had his career derailed by off-field issues.

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What they’re saying

“If I were to rank them, I'd go by positional value and maybe go DE, CB, WR, S and G, but where the Dolphins focus also will depend on which prospects will be available to them.”

— Alain Poupart, Journalist/Reporter

“My goal would be to come out with four players who will become full-time starters and two who will become impact players. It's what the Dolphins need, really.”

— Alain Poupart, Journalist/Reporter

What’s next

The Dolphins will look to execute their draft strategy during the 2026 NFL Draft, which will take place in late April.

The takeaway

The Dolphins are in a rebuilding phase and need to carefully navigate the 2026 draft to assemble a well-rounded roster. Poupart's insights suggest the team should focus on finding starters and impact players at key positions of need, while also remaining flexible to select the best available talent regardless of position.