Dolphins addressing defense in initial ESPN 2026 NFL mock draft

[ASFN Admin]

The 2025 NFL draft has come and gone with the Miami Dolphins drafting eight players.

With its first two picks in the 2025 NFL draft, Miami added Michigan defensive tackle Kenneth Grant and Arizona offensive guard Jonah Savaiinaea. After having the NFL's oldest roster in 2024, the Dolphins' 2025 draft class has the youngest average age in the NFL.

As attention starts to build toward the 2025 season itself, that won't stop NFL draft analysts from booting up their first look at the 2026 NFL draft.

In Jordan Reid's initial ESPN first-round mock draft, the Miami Dolphins are picking at No. 14. Reid forecasts the Dolphins to select Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy.

With Jalen Ramsey on the trade block, the Dolphins need young defensive backs. McCoy makes plenty of sense here as an active, physical corner. He exhibits great awareness and has a quick read on routes run in his coverage. He had four interceptions and eight pass breakups last season, so the ball skills are there, too. McCoy could be CB1 next year if his game continues to ascend. - Reid, ESPN.

McCoy was one of the first names that Dolphins Wire listed as defensive backs that Miami should consider in the 2026 NFL draft.

A Jim Thorpe Award semifinalist last season with the Vols, McCoy started all 13 games for Tennessee and tallied 44 tackles, 13 passes defensed, four interceptions and 0.5 tackles for loss.

The Whitehouse, Texas, native was a second-team All-American in 2024 per the Associated Press and Sports Illustrated and he was a first-team All-SEC selection by the AP. McCoy earned an 87.0 overall defensive grade from PFF and an 89.6 coverage grade last year with Tennessee.

This article originally appeared on Dolphins Wire: Dolphins addressing defense in initial ESPN 2026 NFL mock draft

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