This draft wasn’t like any we’ve seen in a long time
The Miami Dolphins’ 2026 draft class may not guarantee instant glory, but it does signal something important: a clear change in philosophy.
For years under Chris Grier, Miami often felt like a team chasing speed, finesse, and explosive upside. There were hits, but there was also a recurring sense of randomness—talent collected without a fully coherent identity. This draft under John Eric Sullivan felt different. Whether every pick hits or not, there was an obvious blueprint: get bigger, tougher, smarter, and more physical.
That matters.
Draft Reality & Hope
No NFL draft is perfect. If a team gets even 50–60% of a class to become real contributors, that is often considered a strong haul. Fans should resist the temptation to assume all 13 picks will flourish. Some won’t. Some may become role players. A few may miss entirely. That’s the nature of the draft.
But Miami’s attempt deserves respect because it was purposeful.
Round 1: Building the Front
Kadyn Proctor (OT/G) Pros: Massive frame, elite strength, rare movement ability for size, potential tone-setter in the run game. Could become a dominant guard or right tackle. Cons: Weight management and technique consistency remain real questions.
Chris Johnson (CB) Pros: Strong zone fit, intelligent, physical tackler, leadership traits. Cons: May never be an elite shutdown man corner, but appears tailor-made for scheme value.
Round 2: Defensive Identity
Jacob Rodriguez (LB) Pros: Instinctive, vocal leader, aggressive downhill player, modern coverage background. Cons: Slightly undersized by old-school standards.
Rodriguez may become the symbolic face of what Sullivan wants this defense to be.
Round 3: Skill Pieces with Risk
Caleb Douglas (WR) Pros: Size/speed combo, vertical threat, willing blocker. Cons: Needs refinement and more consistency catching the ball.
Will Kacmarek (TE) Pros: Physical blocker, useful in heavy personnel, complements run-first ideas. Cons: Ceiling may be more “valuable role player” than star.
Chris Bell (WR) Pros: If healthy, potential steal. Strong frame, versatile receiver traits. Cons: Injury history is the obvious concern.
Mid/Late Rounds: Depth with Purpose
Players like Trey Moore, Kyle Louis, Michael Taaffe, Kevin Coleman Jr., DJ Campbell, and Max Llewellyn all fit recurring themes: toughness, football intelligence, special teams value, competitiveness, and physicality.
I will say Kyle Louis, DJ Campbell, and Kevin Coleman Jr. are my favoirites.
Louis is a very hyped player and considered a steal that late. He has all the tools to be a linebacker / Safety hybrid and to shine early. Louis Riddick raves about this kid and thinks he can be special. If he is even 70% the hype, the Phins have hit big.
Colemen learned 4 play books in 4 years, is a sudden player, and is fearless across the middle. This kid could push Tutu Atwell off the team and maybe even challenge Malik Washington. His return talents could be why he stills, but don’t sleep on him earning a roster spot and playing time either.
Campbell is a guy who can handle power, over 34” arms, smart, and has a ton of experience. The talk is the Phins will try him out at center. He could pull it off and I wouldn’t put it past him to be Aaron Brewer backup or eventual replacement. I think a reasonable evaluation is Campbell pushes the guards in camp, forcing some quality competition to make Salyer and Savaiinaea earn their roles, and ends up being depth inside over the next few years.
The Big Picture
You can bet with the best pay per head that this class was less about chasing headlines and more about reshaping Miami’s personality. Sullivan appears to want a team that can survive bad weather, win at the line of scrimmage, run the ball when needed, and tackle with authority.
That doesn’t mean it will work.
Draft philosophy is one thing. Draft evaluation is another.
Sullivan may have the right vision but still must prove the scouting acumen to execute it. That’s where time becomes the judge.
Still, for the first time in a while, Miami’s draft felt like more than a collection of names.
