Dolphins Jeff Hafley has six-pack of rookie defenders to mold in Miami

Following the 2026 NFL draft, Miami Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan drafted a half dozen defensive players, much to head coach Jeff Hafley’s liking for sure.

A defensive-minded coach with emphasis on the secondary, Hafley has several players who could be perfect pieces for his scheme, immediately and in the future.

Scheme-versatile cornerback Chris Johnson was picked No. 27 overall and could be an absolute lockdown cornerback, as he's outstanding in zone coverage. Last season at San Diego State, while in zone, he held quarterbacks to a 20.6 quarterback rating.

While being scheme versatile, which is something Hafley values, Johnson could be a perfect top cornerback for the secondary who could even play the slot in a pinch.

Second-round pick linebacker Jacob Rodriguez could end up being this class' most productive and most valuable player based on his potential and ability. With veteran All-Pro Jordyn Brooks currently manning the inside of the linebacker unit, Rodriguez can play the weak side and eventually take over the middle of the defense as well as earn a “C” on his uniform, as he had at Texas Tech.

Rodriguez is a sound tackler, plays with heart and desire and is a turnover creator, evidenced by his seven forced fumbles and four interceptions last season with the Red Raiders.

If Hafley was looking for a Swiss-Army Knife chess piece, Sullivan provided one in a steal of a fourth-round pick in hybrid linebacker wrapped in safety traits, Kyle Louis of Pittsburgh.

First athletic, when someone who can stop the run and drop back in coverage, Louis can handle a “star” safety role for Hafley, and by that box linebacker in sub-sets that could be perfect for when Hafley mixes things up in his scheme and packages. Another captain in college, leadership and versatility, as well as athleticism, were major attributes Sullivan wanted in his selection, and Louis fits the bill perfectly. He is a chess piece that can be used in a few different ways for a coach who loves flexibility in his defenders.

Speaking of versatility, linebacker Trey Moore from Texas can be a solid rotational pass rusher as an off-ball linebacker or even an edge. Very productive in his years at the University of Texas-San Antonio before transferring in 2024, Moore has a solid bag of pass-rushing moves, including a lethal spin move to help get past blockers and get home to the quarterback.