Why Dolphins' 2nd-hardest schedule doesn't guarantee No. 1 pick in 2027

Why Dolphins are not locks for No. 1 overall pick in 2027

"I'm not saying it's impossible. I've been saying they're gong ot have competition," Graziano writes. "The Cardinals, who also cleaned house on the coaching staff and don't feature an obvious solution at quarterback, have the third-toughest strength of schedule..."

The Dolphins might have the second-toughest strength of schedule, but the Cardinals, with the third-toughest schedule and an equally bad roster, are contenders for the No. 1 pick.

Both teams have first-year head coaches, with Jeff Hafley in Miami and Mike LaFluer in Arizona. But the reason why the Cardinals might have an easier time landing the top pick is the difference in divisional opponents.

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Arizona will have to face the Seattle Seahawks, Los Angeles Rams, and San Francisco 49ers. All three teams are legitimate Super Bowl contenders and should easily beat the Cardinals this upcoming season.

The Dolphins, meanwhile, have the Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots as Super Bowl contenders they have to play twice, but the real issue is the New York Jets. It would not be a surprise if the Dolphins beat the Jets in 2026.

Just one win might be the difference between the No. 1 pick between the Cardinals and the Dolphins, and the Dolphins have a much greater chance to secure a win with their two chances against the Jets in 2026.

It's far from a guarantee that the Dolphins land the No. 1 pick, as the Cardinals, thanks to their nearly equally brutal schedule, are strong contenders to get this first overall pick in 2027's stacked NFL Draft.

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