MIAMI GARDENS — The 2026 NFL draft has begun in Pittsburgh. The three-day event will continue Saturday (noon ET) with Rounds 4-7.
The Miami Dolphins drafted offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor with the No. 12 selection of the first round after trading the 11th pick to the Cowboys. Then, they selected cornerback Chris Johnson No. 27 overall.
A full list of Miami’s selections is below and will be updated with pick-by-pick analysis through the weekend.
Round 1, No. 12: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
My take: There’s no denying Proctor’s on-field presence. At 6-foot-7, 352 pounds, he’s nearly impossible to miss. Consistency will be key for the Bama product, who was viewed as a potential top-five pick entering the 2025 college football season. Miami defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr. was still on the board, and many fans wanted to keep him in South Florida — but Proctor’s upside was too enticing for the Dolphins as they look to rebuild from the inside out.
Will he start as a rookie?: There’s certainly a path for him, but not at his natural position. Patrick Paul is one of the best young left tackles in the league and isn’t losing that job any time soon, but Austin Jackson has struggled to stay available over the past few seasons. Proctor will likely cross-train at guard and tackle; general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan said the team valued versatility on its offensive line and can practice what he preaches with his first pick.
Is this pick a depth pick, or does it fill a hole?: It’s both, actually. If he was drafted as a tackle, he’ll provide insurance for Jackson this season and could operate as Miami’s swing tackle. But the team has a hole at right guard, which Proctor could fill at least for his rookie season.
What we’re hearing about Proctor: Speaking shortly after he was picked, Proctor said he feels comfortable playing any position on the offensive line and believes he can play all 60 minutes of a game as long as he keeps his weight in the 350-pound range. Proctor admitted that his weight ballooned to 400 pounds early in his college career, but he’s since learned how to keep his weight in check.
Round 1, No. 27: Chris Johnson, CB, SDSU
My take: The Dolphins couldn’t leave this weekend without a starting cornerback and got one in Johnson. He’s a plus athlete with the technique and ball skills to match, and he should thrive under coach Jeff Hafley. Miami still needs to add talent to its cornerbacks room, but it’s off to a good start with Johnson and still has 11 picks to play with in the remaining six rounds.
Will he start as a rookie? It would be a surprise if he doesn’t. The Dolphins do not have an established starter at cornerback, and general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan believes Johnson can play any defensive back position. He will have the remainder of the offseason to adjust to the difference in quality between the Mountain West and the NFL, but once he gets his feet wet, he should be penciled in as a starter.
Key stat: Johnson recorded four interceptions, 13 passes defended and a forced fumble in 2025. His ball skills will be a welcome addition to a Dolphins defense that was inconsistent last season at taking the ball away.
What’s next: Two picks down, 11 more to go for Miami. The Dolphins still have needs across the board and can opt for the best available player with their four picks in the second and third rounds. Expect Sullivan to add at least one or two pass catchers on Day 2, as wide receiver is the team’s thinnest position group.
Round 2, No. 43 overall: Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech
My take: The Dolphins need playmakers on defense and get one of college football’s best in Rodriguez. Playing alongside Jordyn Brooks gives Miami two instinctual linebackers capable of shooting gaps and making plays on the ball. As a converted quarterback, he’s also capable of reading offenses in zone coverage and putting himself exactly where he needs to be; Rodriguez intercepted four passes last season to go along with his FBS-leading seven forced fumbles.
What we’re hearing about Rodriguez: Dolphins assistant general manager Kyle Smith could hardly contain his excitement following the pick, and described Rodriguez as essentially the perfect linebacker:
“We’re buzzing in [the draft room],” Smith said. “Go down the list of every, single attribute you want in an inside linebacker and that’s what this guy is.”
Round 3, No. 75 overall: Caleb Douglas, WR, Texas Tech
My take: In the first round, the Dolphins got Malik Willis some protection; in the third, they get him a new target. Douglas brings a blend of size and speed to a receiver room that needed an influx of talent. He wasn’t necessarily expected to go this early in the draft but Miami loved his catch radius, route running and playmaking ability.
Will he start as a rookie? It’s hard to rule anything out at this point in the offseason. Douglas will have to earn his way onto the field but there isn’t much competition ahead of him and the entire room is essentially starting on the same level with first-year offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik and Willis. He should complement Willis’ arm strength well and help stretch the field for Miami’s offense.
Round 3, No. 87: Will Kacmarek, TE, Ohio State
My take: It should be plenty clear by now that the Dolphins want to run the ball in 2026 — they’ve said it publicly all offseason and now have backed it up in the draft. Kacmarek might be the best blocking tight end in the draft and should be a road paver for De’Von Achane and company this season.
When will he be expected to get regular playing time? As soon as he’s fitted for his shoulder pads and helmet. The Dolphins don’t have a blocking tight end on their roster right now and he can solidify his role fairly quickly. The competition shouldn’t be too much of an adjustment for him considering where he played his college ball.
Round 3, No. 94 overall: Chris Bell, WR, Louisville
Remaining picks:
Round 4: No. 130
Round 4: No. 138
Round 5: No. 151
Round 5: No. 177
Round 5: No. 180
Round 7: No. 227
Round 7: No. 238
