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The Miami Dolphins entered rebuild mode after releasing Tyreek Hill, then trading away Tua Tagovailoa and Jaylen Waddle. Though they signed Malik Willis in free agency to become the face of the franchise, everyone knew how important the 2026 NFL draft was to this rebuild.
Throughout the seven rounds and three days, the Dolphins selected high-quality players, but let's focus on their first three picks. The Dolphins took offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor with pick No. 12, cornerback Chris Johnson with pick No. 27 and linebacker Jacob Rodriguez with pick No. 43.
NFL draft analyst Justin Melo re-ranked his top 50 prospects of the 2026 NFL draft, and unsurprisingly, these three Dolphins picks were found on the list.
Melo ranked Chris Johnson at No. 23, Jacob Rodriguez at No. 28 and Kadyn Proctor at No. 31.
Two things instantly jump out when it comes to the pick value: Rodriguez was a steal, and Kadyn Proctor was a reach. Some people will approach it that way, or some would say they balance out. However, ultimately, it's very important to note that the Dolphins did trade back a pick to select Proctor, and he was the best available tackle, a position the Dolphins couldn't pass up.
All things considered, the Dolphins drafted well and have a special rookie class entering the 2026 season.
Here's what Melo had to say about the three:
"We were banging the table for Chris Johnson to be considered more a consensus first-round pick, so we were pleased when the Miami Dolphins selected him at No. 27 overall," Melo wrote. "Johnson is a good-sized cornerback prospect (6-foot-0, 193 pounds) with an athletic profile. He's also versatile enough to specialize in both man and zone coverage approaches. He'll be a good one for the rebuilding Dolphins."
"Jacob Rodriguez is the first second-round pick to make this list," Melo wrote. "The Heisman Trophy candidate deserved more top-32 consideration after registering 128 tackles, seven forced fumbles, six pass breakups, and four interceptions last season. The rebuilding Dolphins are stacking talent for the future, and Rodriguez projects as a keynote building block."
"Kadyn Proctor ranks No. 31 despite being the 12th overall selection," Melo wrote. "Yes, two Dolphins picks made this list before their actual first selection did. The Dolphins are starting Proctor out at guard with plans to eventually move him to tackle in the future (probably to replace Austin Jackson in 2027). The plan is concerning for a prospect that already carried some pre-draft risk."
This article originally appeared on Dolphins Wire: Dolphins top picks in 2026 NFL draft receive early recognition
Continue reading...
Throughout the seven rounds and three days, the Dolphins selected high-quality players, but let's focus on their first three picks. The Dolphins took offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor with pick No. 12, cornerback Chris Johnson with pick No. 27 and linebacker Jacob Rodriguez with pick No. 43.
NFL draft analyst Justin Melo re-ranked his top 50 prospects of the 2026 NFL draft, and unsurprisingly, these three Dolphins picks were found on the list.
Melo ranked Chris Johnson at No. 23, Jacob Rodriguez at No. 28 and Kadyn Proctor at No. 31.
Two things instantly jump out when it comes to the pick value: Rodriguez was a steal, and Kadyn Proctor was a reach. Some people will approach it that way, or some would say they balance out. However, ultimately, it's very important to note that the Dolphins did trade back a pick to select Proctor, and he was the best available tackle, a position the Dolphins couldn't pass up.
All things considered, the Dolphins drafted well and have a special rookie class entering the 2026 season.
Here's what Melo had to say about the three:
CB Chris Johnson
"We were banging the table for Chris Johnson to be considered more a consensus first-round pick, so we were pleased when the Miami Dolphins selected him at No. 27 overall," Melo wrote. "Johnson is a good-sized cornerback prospect (6-foot-0, 193 pounds) with an athletic profile. He's also versatile enough to specialize in both man and zone coverage approaches. He'll be a good one for the rebuilding Dolphins."
LB Jacob Rodriguez
"Jacob Rodriguez is the first second-round pick to make this list," Melo wrote. "The Heisman Trophy candidate deserved more top-32 consideration after registering 128 tackles, seven forced fumbles, six pass breakups, and four interceptions last season. The rebuilding Dolphins are stacking talent for the future, and Rodriguez projects as a keynote building block."
OT Kadyn Proctor
"Kadyn Proctor ranks No. 31 despite being the 12th overall selection," Melo wrote. "Yes, two Dolphins picks made this list before their actual first selection did. The Dolphins are starting Proctor out at guard with plans to eventually move him to tackle in the future (probably to replace Austin Jackson in 2027). The plan is concerning for a prospect that already carried some pre-draft risk."
This article originally appeared on Dolphins Wire: Dolphins top picks in 2026 NFL draft receive early recognition
Continue reading...
