The Miami Dolphins' brand new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan has a lot of work to do, and he reportedly already has a plan for how he'll approach his first draft.
According to Miami Herald writer Barry Jackson, “Two people who have spoken to the new Dolphins management said maximizing and collecting draft picks will be a priority for Sullivan and cautioned us not to be surprised if the team trades down in any of the early rounds to accumulate more picks.”
The Dolphins appear to be resetting their roster, and with a challenging year ahead from a salary cap standpoint, the 2026 NFL Draft carries major importance. Miami currently holds eight picks, including No. 11 overall and four more selections in the top 90.
With that strategy in mind, here’s a mock draft built around the philosophy of trading back and accumulating more picks.
Dolphins trade No. 11 overall to Cleveland Browns for Nos. 24 and 39 overall
It'd be tough for Miami to pass up on elite prospects like Caleb Downs and Francis Mauigoa if they fall out of the top 10, it could also mean a team with more draft ammunition is itching to snag a top player. The Browns own two more top 40 picks after the No. 6 overall selection and can package a pair of them to get a second crack at the top tier talent. The Dolphins can slide back and get more bites at the apple.
Round 1, No. 24: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
Although he missed all of 2025 with an ACL tear, McCoy has elite potential and excels in press coverage. His skill set aligns well with Hafley’s preference for disguised coverages.
The upside, combined with the additional top 40 pick acquired in the trade, could represent excellent value for Sullivan. If healthy, McCoy has the talent to be an immediate impact rookie. In his two collegiate seasons, 2023 at Oregon State and 2024 at Tennessee, he recorded six interceptions and 16 passes defended.
Dolphins trade No. 39 overall to Los Angeles Chargers for Nos. 55 and 86 overall
The Browns trade gave Miami flexibility in the second round. After acquiring No. 39, the Dolphins moved back again, trading with the Chargers to slide to No. 55 while adding pick No. 86. Miami now holds seven top 90 selections.
Round 2, No. 43: Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami
Miami’s Akheem Mesidor was a best-player-available selection. He finished 2025 tied as the NCAA’s third-leading sack producer with 12.5 sacks and added 17.5 tackles for loss. He also benefited from coaching by former Miami legend Jason Taylor. Miami will likely need edge help, as veterans Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips won't be on the roster in 2026.
Round 2, No. 55: Gennings Dunker, OL, Iowa
Addressing the offensive line is imperative. At No. 55, Iowa’s Gennings Dunker offers versatility to play tackle or guard at the next level. His power stands out, though limited athleticism may project him more comfortably inside. Miami’s interior line needs dependable starters as they struggled in free agency last season after signing James Daniels, who was injured in Week 1.
Rookie left guard Jonah Savaiinaea also endured a difficult debut season. Dunker would bring toughness and positional flexibility, traits that align with both Sullivan’s philosophy and Green Bay’s recent draft history.
Round 3, No. 75: Keionte Scott, DB, Miami
At No. 75, Sullivan returns to the Hurricanes for versatile defensive back Keionte Scott. He can line up outside as a cornerback, in the slot, or as a safety/linebacker hybrid. Scott plays effectively in both man and zone coverage and is a strong run defender and blitzer.
Miami has needs at defensive back, with multiple veteran free agents at safety, and could even consider trading Minkah Fitzpatrick. If Fitzpatrick remains in South Florida, he could serve as an ideal mentor for Scott, who has the traits to develop into a full-time NFL safety convert.
Round 3, No. 86: Josiah Trotter, LB, Missouri
Thanks to the earlier trades, Miami now holds three picks within a five-selection span at Nos. 86, 87, and 90. Hafley prioritizes run defense, and Missouri linebacker Josiah Trotter brings NFL bloodlines and physicality. He fits the mold of toughness and disciplined tackling that Sullivan and Hafley value. In Hafley’s 4-3 base defense, Trotter could pair well inside with Jordyn Brooks.
Round 3, No. 87: Isaiah World, OT, Oregon
Miami doubles down on the offensive trenches. Oregon’s Isaiah World stands 6'8, 318 pounds an, although he primarily played left tackle in college, he has right-side experience. Miami has also been rumored to consider trading veteran offensive tackle Austin Jackson, who has battled injuries and produced only one consistently strong season in six years. World at tackle and Dunker at guard could solidify the right side for years to come in Miami.
Round 3, No. 90: Ted Hurst, WR, Georgia State
Miami has lacked a true big-bodied target in recent seasons. Georgia State’s Ted Hurst, though from a smaller program, impressed scouts at the Senior Bowl. At 6'3, 207 pounds, Hurst combines size with an explosive first step. He excels in contested-catch situations and on jump balls, making him a potential red-zone weapon. As a polished route runner, he could line up opposite Jaylen Waddle as a viable outside X receiver.
Round 4, No. 111: Michael Trigg, TE, Baylor
Baylor tight end Michael Trigg offers a blend of size and agility that creates mismatches over the middle. He generates yards after the catch, thrives in the red zone, and finds soft spots in zone coverage as a capable route runner. At 6-foot-4 with adequate speed, Trigg projects as a reliable chain mover and seam threat. While his blocking needs refinement, his primary value lies as a pass-catching tight end.
Round 5, No. 149: Drew Allar, QB, Penn State
As Sullivan has indicated, Miami intends to add quarterbacks annually. On Day 3, Allar represents strong value and high upside. He is coming off a broken ankle in 2025, but offers intriguing tools at 6'5 with mobility. Allar would be a developmental option behind Quinn Ewers and any potential veteran free-agent addition Miami may pursue.
Round 7, No. 227: Kaelon Black, RB, Indiana
Closing out this mock draft, Miami takes a flier on a talented running back who averaged 5.6 yards per carry in 2025. Black could compete with Ollie Gordon and Jaylen Wright for complementary snaps behind superstar De'Von Achane. He runs well through contact and holds up in pass protection, making him a well-rounded late-round addition.
This article originally appeared on Dolphins Wire: Dolphins 2026 mock draft: What if Miami makes trading down a priority?