Instant analysis of Dolphins taking TE Will Kacmarek in NFL draft

TL;DR

The Miami Dolphins selected tight end Will Kacmarek from Ohio State with the 87th overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft. Kacmarek, a national champion, fills a position of need after the team lost two tight ends this offseason.

Key points

Miami Dolphins selected Will Kacmarek in the 2026 NFL draft
Kacmarek played at Ohio State and won a national championship
Dolphins lost tight ends Julian Hill and Darren Waller this offseason
Kacmarek is more of a blocking tight end than a passing threat
Position was a significant need for the Dolphins heading into the draft

Mentioned in this story

Ohio State

Will KacmarekMiami Dolphins

After taking linebacker Jacob Rodriguez with their first pick in the third round of the 2026 NFL draft, the Miami Dolphins used their second pick in the same round (No. 87 overall) on Ohio State tight end Will Kacmarek.

Kacmarek, 23, spent three seasons at Ohio before finishing his career with two years at Ohio State, where he won a national championship with the Buckeyes.

Miami lost Julian Hill and Darren Waller at tight end this offseason, and while they signed veteran Ben Sims in free agency, the position was still a huge need heading into the draft.

While the Dolphins should've grabbed a tight end at some point on Day 2, Kacmarek is more of a blocking tight end than a dynamic weapon in the passing game. That could limit his ability to find a role, considering Sims does essentially the same thing.

However, if Kacmarek shows some pass-catching ability this offseason, he may be able to beat Sims out for the job as the team's TE2 behind Greg Dulcich.

More Dolphins: Dolphins 2026 NFL Draft tracker: Pick-by-pick analysis

This article originally appeared on Dolphins Wire: NFL draft: Instant analysis of Dolphins taking TE Will Kacmarek

Q&A

Who is Will Kacmarek and what did he achieve in college?

Will Kacmarek is a tight end who played at Ohio State and won a national championship during his college career.

Why did the Miami Dolphins draft a tight end in 2026?

The Dolphins drafted a tight end to address a significant need after losing Julian Hill and Darren Waller from their roster.

What are Will Kacmarek's strengths as a tight end?

Kacmarek is primarily known as a blocking tight end, which may limit his role in the Dolphins' passing game.