‘They killed it’; Dolphins draft earns high praise in league circles

TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA - NOVEMBER 15: Kadyn Proctor #74 of the Alabama Crimson Tide blocks out during the fourth quarter of a football game against the Oklahoma Sooners at Bryant Denny Stadium on November 15, 2025 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Butch Dill/Getty Images) | Getty Images Newly hired general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan was tasked with rebuilding the Miami Dolphins after the team parted ways with a multitude of players this offseason including quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, wide receivers Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill, pass rusher Bradley Chubb and more. Of course, a total rebuild cannot be completed in one offseason, but according to some around the National Football League, what Sullivan was able to do during the 2026 NFL Draft has laid the foundation for the team’s future quite nicely.

On Wednesday night, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN released an article in which he spoke with coaches, executives and league scouts about each team’s draft class — and high praise was given to what the Dolphins accomplished during the annual selection process. First-year GM Jon-Eric Sullivan earned high marks in league circles for his first draft. “They killed it,” an NFC executive said.

“They got a mix of talent and culture guys, and all of the moves made sense. ” Among the notable additions were fourth-round linebacker Kyle Louis out of Pitt (“He’ll be a good starter in the league,” the exec said) and Louisville receiver Chris Bell as a third-round steal. The team considers first-round cornerback Chris Johnson (San Diego State) and second-round linebacker Jacob Rodriguez (Texas Tech) to be culture-builders.

And No. 12 pick Kadyn Proctor, the massive Alabama left tackle, is widely considered a top five talent in the draft, though questions persist about whether he’ll maximize it. It’s up to the Dolphins to help him do so.