MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Miami Dolphins normal supervisor Jon-Eric Sullivan mentioned Wednesday the workforce expects its incoming draft class to play early and compete for roles straight away because the roster continues to bear important turnover.
Miami is projected to have 11 alternatives within the 2026 NFL draft, together with two first-round picks — Nos. 11 and 30 general — and 4 third-round alternatives.
The Dolphins maintain seven picks within the high 100 following a collection of strikes, together with buying and selling huge receiver Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos.
The roster additionally has seen main adjustments, with departures that embrace huge receivers Tyreek Hill and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa defensive finish Bradley Chubb and security Minkah Fitzpatrick.
Sullivan mentioned the dearth of established veterans creates alternative for rookies to contribute instantly.
“We do not have a ton of established players on this team,” he mentioned. “That’s not to say we don’t like our players, but we have very few established players on this roster, so this draft class will have an opportunity to come in here and play soon, play quick.”
He added that enjoying time shall be primarily based strictly on efficiency.
“We’re going to play the best players,” Sullivan mentioned. “If you give us the best chance to win on Sunday, you’re going to be one of the 11 on the field.”
Sullivan additionally emphasised that roster uncertainty makes flexibility important when evaluating draft technique and trades.
“We’re just not in a situation where we have the flexibility and the luxury to be choosy like that,” he mentioned. “If you’re in the building every day, you can feel it. I’m excited about taking these 11 draft picks and throwing them in the equation with what we already have.”
As of Thursday, the Dolphins’ draft capital contains:
- Round 1: Nos. 11, 30
- Round 2: No. 43
- Round 3: Nos. 75, 87, 90, 94
- Round 4: No. 130
- Round 5: No. 151
- Round 7: Nos. 227, 238
Miami traded its sixth-round decide to the New York Giants in change for tight finish Darren Waller.
Sullivan mentioned the workforce stays open to shifting round within the draft, although he expects extra curiosity in buying and selling down than up.
“I think it probably is fair to say more likely to move back than move up,” he mentioned. “We need all 11 picks, but you never say never.”
He added that whereas the entrance workplace will hear to commerce calls, many discussions within the days main up to the draft lack substance.
“I don’t love playing on the phone the week of the draft,” he mentioned. “A lot of people just like to call and conversations aren’t really of much substance.”
Sullivan additionally mentioned the workforce won’t power aggressive roster strikes after the draft to chase short-term fixes.
“I don’t think we have any tricks up our sleeve,” he mentioned. “We’re going to stay disciplined and try to get back to a healthy cap situation.”
On participant analysis, Sullivan mentioned movie stays crucial issue, however character and background checks are additionally essential elements of the method.
“The film will talk to you and the film doesn’t lie,” he mentioned. “But then you have to take everything into account and make an educated decision.”
He mentioned the group depends closely on scouts and background info from a number of sources.
“You cannot overstate the importance of developing relationships in the school,” Sullivan mentioned. “You’re talking to three, four, five different people who see this player in a different light.”
Sullivan additionally addressed how coaches issue into evaluations, saying their enter is valued however not at all times closing.
“The coaches are incredibly important to what we do,” he mentioned. “But I have a responsibility to do what I feel is best for the Miami Dolphins.”
He added that whereas coaches can strongly advocate for gamers, closing choices finally relaxation with him.
“There will be times when maybe we see things differently,” Sullivan mentioned. “Ultimately, the final decision comes down to me.”
At No. 11 general, Sullivan mentioned the Dolphins will prioritize reliability and match as a lot as upside.
“You want guys that are wired right, guys that are chasing it,” he mentioned. “What you can’t do is swing and miss.”
He in contrast the method to specializing in regular manufacturing over high-risk alternatives.
“I think you take everything into consideration,” Sullivan mentioned. “But what you can’t do is swing and miss, so the character is a huge piece of the pie.”
The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled to happen April 23-25 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
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