The Miami Dolphins selected at least two immediate starters in the NFL Draft, including offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor and cornerback Chris Johnson. Linebacker Jacob Rodriguez is also expected to start, while tight end Will Kacmarek will serve as the team's top blocking tight end.
Key points
Miami Dolphins added at least two immediate starters in NFL Draft
Kadyn Proctor and Chris Johnson are expected to start
Jacob Rodriguez is a realistic opening day starter
Will Kacmarek will serve as the top blocking tight end
MIAMI GARDENS — The Miami Dolphins added at least two players in the NFL Draft who should be immediate starters.
Offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor and cornerback Chris Johnson will enter the lineup as opening day starters, barring the unexpected.
Linebacker Jacob Rodriguez is also a realistic opening day starter. Tight end Will Kacmarek should be Miami's No. 2 tight and and often on the field as the team's top blocking tight end.
Jacob Rodriguez stands with Joey and Debbie McGuire during Texas Tech's senior day ceremony before a Big 12 Conference football game, Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, at Jones AT&T Stadium.
Jacob Rodriguez lifts the trophy after Texas Tech defeated BYU in the Big 12 Conference championship game, Saturday, Nov. 6, 2025, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
Q&A
Who are the Miami Dolphins' top draft picks for 2026?
The top draft picks for the Miami Dolphins in 2026 include offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor and cornerback Chris Johnson.
What positions did the Miami Dolphins address in the NFL Draft?
The Miami Dolphins addressed the offensive line and cornerback positions in the NFL Draft by selecting Kadyn Proctor and Chris Johnson.
Is Jacob Rodriguez expected to start for the Miami Dolphins?
Yes, linebacker Jacob Rodriguez is considered a realistic opening day starter for the Miami Dolphins.
What role will Will Kacmarek play for the Miami Dolphins?
Will Kacmarek is expected to be the No. 2 tight end and the team's top blocking tight end.
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Texas Tech's Jacob Rodriguez shares a kiss with his wife Emma prior to the Big 12 Conference championship football game, Saturday, Nov. 6, 2025, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
Texas Tech's Jacob Rodriguez celebrates an interception against UCF during a Big 12 Conference football game, Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, at Jones AT&T Stadium.
Dec 6, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders linebacker Jacob Rodriguez (10) gets into position during the game between the Red Raiders and the Cougars at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Texas Tech's Jacob Rodriguez makes the tackle against BYU during the Big 12 Conference championship football game, Saturday, Nov. 6, 2025, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
Texas Tech's Jacob Rodriguez gets up after making a tackle against BYU during the Big 12 Conference championship football game, Saturday, Nov. 6, 2025, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
Texas Tech players Jacob Rodriguez and Behren Morton hype each other up during a Big 12 Conference football game, Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, at Jones AT&T Stadium.
Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez (LB21) runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez (LB21) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Feb 25, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez (LB21) speaks during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Jacob Rodriguez walks the field before the Texas Tech football team's spring game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Jones AT&T Stadium.
1 / 12
Meet linebacker Jacob Rodriguez Dolphins' second-round NFL draft pick
Jacob Rodriguez stands with Joey and Debbie McGuire during Texas Tech's senior day ceremony before a Big 12 Conference football game, Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, at Jones AT&T Stadium.
1 / 12
Meet linebacker Jacob Rodriguez Dolphins' second-round NFL draft pick
Jacob Rodriguez stands with Joey and Debbie McGuire during Texas Tech's senior day ceremony before a Big 12 Conference football game, Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, at Jones AT&T Stadium.
2 / 12
Meet linebacker Jacob Rodriguez Dolphins' second-round NFL draft pick
Jacob Rodriguez lifts the trophy after Texas Tech defeated BYU in the Big 12 Conference championship game, Saturday, Nov. 6, 2025, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
3 / 12
Meet linebacker Jacob Rodriguez Dolphins' second-round NFL draft pick
Texas Tech's Jacob Rodriguez shares a kiss with his wife Emma prior to the Big 12 Conference championship football game, Saturday, Nov. 6, 2025, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
4 / 12
Meet linebacker Jacob Rodriguez Dolphins' second-round NFL draft pick
Texas Tech's Jacob Rodriguez celebrates an interception against UCF during a Big 12 Conference football game, Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, at Jones AT&T Stadium.
5 / 12
Meet linebacker Jacob Rodriguez Dolphins' second-round NFL draft pick
Dec 6, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders linebacker Jacob Rodriguez (10) gets into position during the game between the Red Raiders and the Cougars at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
6 / 12
Meet linebacker Jacob Rodriguez Dolphins' second-round NFL draft pick
Texas Tech's Jacob Rodriguez makes the tackle against BYU during the Big 12 Conference championship football game, Saturday, Nov. 6, 2025, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
7 / 12
Meet linebacker Jacob Rodriguez Dolphins' second-round NFL draft pick
Texas Tech's Jacob Rodriguez gets up after making a tackle against BYU during the Big 12 Conference championship football game, Saturday, Nov. 6, 2025, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
8 / 12
Meet linebacker Jacob Rodriguez Dolphins' second-round NFL draft pick
Texas Tech players Jacob Rodriguez and Behren Morton hype each other up during a Big 12 Conference football game, Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, at Jones AT&T Stadium.
9 / 12
Meet linebacker Jacob Rodriguez Dolphins' second-round NFL draft pick
Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez (LB21) runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
10 / 12
Meet linebacker Jacob Rodriguez Dolphins' second-round NFL draft pick
Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez (LB21) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
11 / 12
Meet linebacker Jacob Rodriguez Dolphins' second-round NFL draft pick
Feb 25, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez (LB21) speaks during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
12 / 12
Meet linebacker Jacob Rodriguez Dolphins' second-round NFL draft pick
Jacob Rodriguez walks the field before the Texas Tech football team's spring game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Jones AT&T Stadium.
At some point this season, third-rounder receiver Chris Bell and fourth-round edge rusher Trey Moore should get starts.
The Dolphins figure to be the youngest team in the entire NFL.
There aren't a ton of established veterans on the Dolphins, but here are the five most directly impacted by Miami's draft.
The Dolphins could cut Dodson after June 1 and roll with rookie Jacob Rodriguez as an immediate starter, alongside Jordyn Brooks. Or they could keep Dodson as a solid veteran and slow-roll Rodriguez into the starting lineup. Miami could also start Rodriguez alongside Dodson, trading Brooks. But Miami has made it clear their strong preference and intention is to extend Brooks as a core team leader. Miami also added inside linebacker Kyle Louis in the fourth round, although he can also play safety.
Dec 7, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Miami Dolphins linebacker Tyrel Dodson (25) celebrates after making an interception against the New York Jets during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images
Dec 7, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Miami Dolphins linebacker Tyrel Dodson (25) celebrates after making an interception against the New York Jets during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images
Chris Johnson will be suited to start outside, likely opposite JuJu Brents. It is possible the second-year Marshall could beat out Brents. Marshall does not have the inside-outside versatility of Storm Duck, who figures to get a long look at slot, though Chris Johnson could slide there on some third downs. Darrell Baker and Marco Wilson could also enter the mix. But at the moment Marshall's clear path to starting corner is no longer clear.
Miami plans to start out with rookie Kadyn Proctor at left guard and veteran Austin Jackson at right tackle. The Dolphins have to give second-year guard Jonah Savaiinaea a look at right guard. He could certainly be beaten out by Jaramee Salyer. Or he could eventually give way to Salyer. But the clear path to starting is no longer available for Salyer.
The Dolphins did not use a first- or second-round pick on a wide receiver. This is good news for veteran Jalen Tolbert, who could still be a top Miami target for Malik Willis in 2026, along with Malik Washington. Third-round receiver Caleb Douglas may need some time to develop. And third-round receiver Chris Bell should need time to return from a serious knee injury that ended his last Louisville season.
Sep 21, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears cornerback Nahshon Wright (26) tackles Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jalen Tolbert (1) during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
Sep 21, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears cornerback Nahshon Wright (26) tackles Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jalen Tolbert (1) during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
We could have gone with a safety like Lonnie Johnson or Dante Trader here as Miami did not use a pick before the fifth round on a safety. But we'll go with veteran edge rusher Josh Uche. This is a nice homecoming opportunity for Uche, who starred at Columbus High in Miami. The Dolphins added only Trey Moore in the fourth and Max Llewellyn in the seventh at his position. Miami just had to many needs to strike high on them all.