Jon-Eric Sullivan: Dolphins ‘more likely to move back than move up’ in 2026 NFL Draft

MIAMI GARDENS, FL - JANUARY 22: new Miami Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan answers questions from reporters during the Miami Dolphins press conference on Thursday, January 22, 2026 at Baptist Health Training Center in Miami Gardens, FL. (Photo by Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

We are officially one week away from the start of the 2026 NFL Draft, which means all of the whispers, rumors, conjecture and gossip are at an all-time high regarding what teams may or may not do when it comes time to add to their rosters on April 23rd. The Miami Dolphins are no different.

On Wednesday, new team general manager, Jon-Eric Sullivan, met with the South Florida media to discuss various topics — including his draft day strategy when it comes to trading picks.

Sullivan was asked by a reporter how active he expects to be during the draft talking to other general managers about trades.

“I’m always going to pick up the phone. I think it’s probably fair to say [we’re] more likely to move back than to move up. I think we need all 11 picks, but you never say never… I’m always — whether you’re talking about going up or down — I’m going to pick up the phone and listen to what’s being said on the other side of it… I don’t love playing on the phone the week of the draft. Like, if it’s a real conversation, let’s talk. A lot of people, over the next 10 days, just like to call — and conversations aren’t really of much substance. ‘Hey, you wanna go up? You wanna go down?’ Sure, let’s talk on draft day.”

Currently, Miami holds picks #11 and #30 in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. They also hold pick #43 in the second round, plus four 3rd-round selections. They have the ammunition to move up in the draft to target specific players if they choose to, but from what Sullivan is saying, it sounds like the Dolphins are content to let the board fall to them and possibly take advantage of other organizations’ desire to jump ahead in this year’s draft.