Dolphins grab two impactful starters in new mock for 2026 NFL draft

The 2026 NFL draft is just a few weeks away, and mock drafts are a daily exercise lately. Following several college pro days, now is as good a time as any to throw together a full first-round mock draft across the league. The Miami Dolphins currently sit at No.

11, and following the Jaylen Waddle deal with the Denver Broncos last month, improved their draft cache, which included the 30 th overall selection. In this mock draft for Miami, the goal was to try to interpret some of the words from new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and first-year head coach Jeff Hafley to figure out their strategy. While using their experience in the Green Bay Packers organization as a guide, the pair could have their own collective vision, as Sullivan will be the head man in the war room for the first time.

At the moment, Miami owns 11 total picks, and a few teams, like the New York Jets, Dallas Cowboys, Kansas City Chiefs and Cleveland Browns, join the Dolphins in having multiple first-round picks. Pick 1 Las Vegas Raiders – QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana The worst-kept secret in sports is that the Raiders may as well take the picture of National Champion, Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza holding the silver and black jersey. He will be the top overall selection, and with Las Vegas recently signing veteran Kirk Cousins, Mendoza has a perfect on-field mentor, as well as an off-field one in Tom Brady.

Pick 2 New York Jets – LB/EDGE Arvell Reese, Ohio State The Jets need help across the board, and they help their pass rush with LB/EDGE Arvell Reese of Ohio State. The versatile defender who is just 20 years old and has sky-high upside can immediately help head coach Aaron Glenn’s defense, which finished 31 st last season in sacks and dead last in pressures. Pick 3 Arizona Cardinals – EDGE Rueben Bain Jr.