Why Dolphins WR could see the field sooner than most fifth-round picks
The Miami Dolphins took their third wide receiver of the 2026 NFL draft in the fifth round, but he can still make an impact as a rookie.
The Miami Dolphins drafted a trio of wide receivers in the 2026 NFL draft, and one could catch on rather quickly, in Kevin Coleman Jr. of Missouri . Drafted in the fifth round and 177th overall, Coleman is a slot target who could also return punts and should see time on the field immediately.
Coleman has a knack for getting himself separated from defenders and getting open, as he proved during Senior Bowl practices back in January. He can also make things happen with the ball in his hands and averaged 5. 7 yards per reception after the catch last season.
He can make defenders miss tackles and did so 18 times in 2025. He has the ability to find soft spots in coverage and has great hands, dropping just seven of his 271 collegiate targets. Although well-traveled, Coleman proved he can adapt to new coaching and playbooks, playing at four different colleges over the last four seasons.
He started at Jackson State in 2022, then transferred to Louisville in 2023, left for Mississippi State in 2024 and then finished at Missouri in 2025. He was able to earn a starting role at each destination and was productive for each program. Additionally, he's a willing blocker in the run game and can certainly help downfield.