Can this Dolphins WR break out in 2026 with Malik Willis at QB?

After cutting Tyreek Hill and sending out Jaylen Waddle in trade, the Miami Dolphins are looking for someone to step up as a number-one receiver.

While the Dolphins drafted three wide receivers in the 2026 NFL Draft, there's one guy who seems to be going under the radar - Malik Washington.

Washington spent the first four years of his collegiate career at Northwestern, but it wasn't until he transferred to Virginia for his final year of eligibility that we saw an incredible breakout.

In 12 games in 2023, Washington recorded an FBS-best 110 receptions and 1,426 receiving yards, with nine touchdowns as well. In that one year, he set the UVA single-season record for catches and receiving yards on his way to second-team All-American honors and being a Biletnikoff Award semifinalist.

After the Dolphins took him in the sixth round (No. 184 overall) in the 2024 NFL draft, he recorded 675 yards from scrimmage with Tua Tagovailoa, Tyler Huntley, Tim Boyle and Quinn Ewers under center.

In his first two seasons, Washington hasn't been able to produce at a high level. However, playing with multiple quarterbacks and then sitting behind Hill and Waddle on the depth chart means much fewer opportunities. With taking over as the team's starting quarterback and no legitimate WR1 until proven otherwise, Washington is in the perfect position to deliver.