The Miami Dolphins are preparing for the 2026 NFL draft with 11 picks, including seven in the top 100, after a significant roster overhaul. New coach Jeff Hafley has identified key players to build around, but the team must decide on their next strategic focus, particularly on the offensive line or key positions like edge, cornerback, and receiver.
The Miami Dolphins have started over again this offseason, replacing general manager Chris Grier and head coach Mike McDaniel with Jon-Eric Sullivan and Jeff Hafley, respectively.
Miami's new power duo also decided to turn over a lot of their roster after finishing 7-10 and in third place in the AFC East in 2025.
Now, after bringing in a few veterans in free agency, the Dolphins have their on the upcoming draft, where they have 11 picks total and seven in the top 100. With two weeks to go, NFL media's Nick Shook identified Miami's biggest goal in the 2026 NFL draft.
"During the NFL Annual League Meeting, new coach Jeff Hafley identified three key players as the pillars they plan to build around in Miami: running back De'Von Achane, center Aaron Brewer and linebacker Jordyn Brooks," Shook said. "It's a good start but far from a finished product, leaving Hafley with another question to answer: Where does the next most valuable pillar line up? Does he focus on offensive line -- perhaps by selecting top guard Olaivavega Ioane in the first round? Or do he and general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan direct their gaze toward the priciest positions -- edge, cornerback and receiver?
"Regardless, Miami needs to pile up talent in order to jump-start its rebuild and must nail its first-round picks (Nos. 11 and 30 overall) because this turnaround won't happen overnight."
Miami's roster isn't totally bereft of talent, but their best offensive player is a running back and their best defensive player is an inside linebacker. They need more than that if they want to compete for the division.
While that's still a long way away, the Dolphins should add as much talent as they can to start building the foundational pieces for a successful franchise.
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This article originally appeared on Dolphins Wire: 2026 NFL draft: NFL analyst identifies Dolphins biggest goal
The Dolphins aim to strengthen their roster by focusing on key positions, particularly the offensive line and high-value positions like edge, cornerback, and receiver.
The Dolphins plan to build around running back De'Von Achane, center Aaron Brewer, and linebacker Jordyn Brooks.
The Dolphins have a total of 11 draft picks, with seven of those in the top 100.
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