Six Dolphins make Matt Miller’s top-100 favorite picks for 2026 NFL Draft
· Yahoo Sports
The 2026 NFL Draft has come and gone, but the conversation surrounding the new players selected by all 32 teams will rage on for quite some time. On Wednesday, Matt Miller of ESPN listed his top-100 favorite selections from the draft based on value, scheme fit, team needs, and on-field productivity — and six Miami Dolphins picks made Miller’s list, underscoring just how successful some think general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan’s first draft with the organization went.
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14. Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Miami Dolphins (Pick 2 – 43)
My final overall ranking: No. 37
Dolphins fans are hoping this Texas Tech linebacker turns out like Hall of Famer Zach Thomas did. This was a fairly even play on value, but the need and scheme fit bump the pick into my top 15 selections. Rodriguez will join Jordyn Brooks (another former Texas Tech player) to form a linebacker duo loaded with playmaking ability. Watching Rodriguez force seven fumbles and intercept four passes last season made him one of my favorite players in the class, and that ability in space and coverage will be welcomed in Miami. And don’t worry, this isn’t the only Dolphins linebacker to make the list.
31. Chris Bell, WR, Miami Dolphins (Pick 3 – 94)
My final overall ranking: No. 57
Bell is an investment pick after he tore an ACL in November. The hope is that he’ll be ready for training camp, but the Dolphins can afford to take it slow. This is a team with a decimated wide receiver depth chart, though, so he’ll have the chance to be WR1 when healthy. Before the injury, Bell was playing like a top-25 pick. He’s a physical runner at 6-2 and 222 pounds with the speed to run away from defenders with the ball in his hands. One of five pass catchers added by Miami in this draft, Bell could be the breakout star of the class once he’s back on the field.
35. Kadyn Proctor, OT, Miami Dolphins (Pick 1 – 12)
My final overall ranking: No. 21
Proctor played at left tackle exclusively in college, but many scouts have discussed moving him to guard or right tackle, where his power in the run game might be more useful. The Dolphins’ offensive line needed plenty of upgrades, but left tackle Patrick Paul has played well and is only 24. Proctor could be an eventual left tackle when Paul’s contract ends in two years, but right guard was the biggest hole on the roster, so Proctor could move there, too. Miami was one of several teams that picked the best offensive lineman on the board first to figure out where to play him later.
38. Chris Johnson, CB, Miami Dolphins (Pick 1 – 27)
My final overall ranking: No. 23
Cornerback was the specialty of Jeff Hafley in his days as a position coach and coordinator, and Johnson was the best fit in the draft for the coach’s press man scheme. At 6-foot and 193 pounds, Johnson has the size to handle outside receivers at the line of scrimmage but also the 4.40 speed to turn and run in-phase or close the gap with the ball in the air. Johnson’s size, speed and technique were so good throughout the predraft process — most notably the Senior Bowl — that he jumped from a Day 2 prospect into the first round. He’ll be thrust into the lineup early with CB1 responsibilities.
40. Kyle Louis, LB, Miami Dolphins (Pick 4 – 138)
My final overall ranking: No. 87
Louis was a consensus top-100 player after elite predraft performances at events such as the Senior Bowl, scouting combine and pro day. The Dolphins halted his fall in Round 4 and will enjoy utilizing his unique talents. Louis is undersized at 6-foot and 220 pounds, but his playmaking ability in coverage and in the run game consistently show up on tape. The fun will be deciding where to play him. He could see snaps as a nickel linebacker or safety depending on the look and matchup each week. But Louis has the skills and heart to outplay his draft positioning very early.
93. Max Llewellyn, Edge, Miami Dolphins (Pick 7 – 237)
My final overall ranking: No. 140
Miami had to add edge rusher depth with Chop Robinson as the lone standout player at the position. Joshua Uche and David Ojabo were added as reclamation projects, but Llewellyn will have a chance to make an early impact as a strongside depth player. At 6-6 and 258 pounds, he has the size and strength the rest of this roster lacks.
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Time will ultimately tell whether or not Sullivan laid the foundation for a successful roster rebuild in Miami with his 2026 NFL Draft class, but when multiple experts are impressed with his first solo attempt, it’s hard to not get excited for what this team could be in short order.