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By the People, for the People
Dolphins Have 2 First-Round NFL Draft Picks, Experts Weigh In
Miami Dolphins have 11 picks in the 2026 NFL draft after trading away Jaylen Waddle, including two first-rounders.
Mar. 25, 2026 at 10:03am
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The Miami Dolphins have 11 picks in the 2026 NFL draft, including two first-round selections, after trading away wide receiver Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos. With needs at wide receiver, offensive line, edge rusher, cornerback and safety, NFL draft experts weigh in on who the Dolphins could take with their two first-round picks.
Why it matters
The Dolphins are in rebuilding mode after a second straight losing season and missing the playoffs. With new leadership in place, the team has a chance to restock the roster through the draft and set themselves up for future success. The two first-round picks give the Dolphins flexibility to address multiple areas of need.
The details
According to NFL draft experts, the Dolphins could target players like tackle Francis Mauigoa, wide receivers Makai Lemon, Jordyn Tyson and KC Concepcion, edge rusher Rueben Bain, guard Olaivavega Ioane, and cornerbacks Colton Hood and Brandon Sisse with their two first-round picks. The team will have a chance to add impact players on both sides of the ball to complement new quarterback Malik Willis.
- The 2026 NFL draft begins on Thursday, April 23 with Round 1.
- Rounds 2 and 3 will take place on Friday, April 24.
- Rounds 4-7 will wrap up the draft on Saturday, April 25.
The players
Malik Willis
The Dolphins' new starting quarterback after the team acquired him in the offseason.
Jaylen Waddle
The wide receiver the Dolphins traded to the Denver Broncos, leaving them with a need at the position.
Francis Mauigoa
A tackle prospect who several experts predict the Dolphins will select with one of their first-round picks.
Makai Lemon
A wide receiver prospect who could be an option for the Dolphins in the first round.
Rueben Bain
A defensive end prospect from the University of Miami who could be a target for the Dolphins.
What they’re saying
“Mauigoa is a steady, well-built pass protector with raw power and the ability to get to the second level. Right tackle Austin Jackson recently agreed to a reduced and restructured contract that's over after next season, so Mauigoa could slide in there.”
— Field Yates, ESPN
“Wide receiver felt like a big need for the Dolphins even before they dealt Jaylen Waddle to the Broncos. Adding a squeeze of Lemon, who is a strong YAC option, should help new QB Malik Willis.”
— Eric Edholm
What’s next
The Dolphins will have a chance to address their roster needs with their two first-round picks in the 2026 NFL draft, which begins on April 23.
The takeaway
The Dolphins have a chance to reshape their roster through the draft after a disappointing 2025 season. With two first-round picks, the team can target impact players at positions of need to build around new quarterback Malik Willis and set the franchise up for future success.
