Biggest winners and losers from Dolphins 2026 NFL draft

TL;DR

The Miami Dolphins made 13 picks in the 2026 NFL draft, aiming to enhance their roster under new management. Key players were identified as winners and losers based on the impact of these selections.

Key points

Miami Dolphins had 13 picks in the 2026 NFL draft
New general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley
Focus on adding talented young players to the roster
Impact on existing roster players evaluated
Malik Willis identified as a key winner

Mentioned in this story

Malik Willis

Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins went into the 2026 NFL draft with a plan to add as many talented young players to their roster as possible for their first season under new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley.

After seven rounds and 13 picks, the Dolphins have brought in many players who will compete for starting jobs or important roles throughout the team's offseason program.

How did these selections impact those already on the roster? Let's take a look at some of the biggest winners and losers from Miami's draft.

WINNER: QB Malik Willis

Willis is a winner for a few reasons. First, the Dolphins didn't draft another quarterback, meaning that he's essentially guaranteed the job for at least one season. On top of that, Miami also bolstered their wide receiver and offensive line groups, with three rookies wideouts and two big men up front. This means Willis will have better targets and protection than he was slated to.

LOSER: OT Austin Jackson

Jackson's entering the final year of his contract, and with the Dolphins taking Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor in the first round, this puts a timer on Jackson's job. The rookie will either take a starting tackle spot this year or in 2027, and Jackson will either have to move to guard in 2026 or find a new team the year after.

WINNER: RB De'Von Achane

Achane is in the middle of a contract negotiation, and with the Dolphins not taking a running back in this draft, the team has fewer options to replace him in 2026. Miami will likely give him a new deal to keep him around for the foreseeable future in the coming months.