MIAMI GARDENS — Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan was committed to a draft philosophy of best player available (BPA) along with traits such as toughness, versatility and leadership in his first draft with Miami.

Sullivan selected Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor in the first round instead of Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. (Tampa Bay), and in the second round he selected Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez instead of edge rushers Derrick Moore (Michigan/Detroit Lions) and Zion Young (Missouri/Baltimore Ravens).

Interestingly, the Dolphins are leaning into players from Texas for their rebuild. 

They already had running back De’Von Achane (Texas A&M/Houston), linebacker Jordyn Brooks (Texas Tech/Houston), center Aaron Brewer (Texas State/Dallas) and left tackle Patrick Paul (Houston/Houston).

And now they’ve drafted five players with ties to Texas.

Let’s take a look at the Dolphins’ 2026 draft class: 

OT-G Kadyn Proctor, Alabama, 1st round (No. 12)

Proctor (6 foot 7, 352 pounds), the first draftee of the rebuild, could get looks at right guard and right tackle. He’s battled weight issues but he’s tough, athletic, versatile and aggressive, which are traits the Dolphins desire. He’s expected to be a Day One starter.

CB Chris Johnson, San Diego State, 1st round (No. 27)

Johnson (6-0, 193) is tough, which is a buzzword for these Dolphins draftees. He can play inside or outside, offering versatility, which is another buzzword for these Dolphins draftees. Considering Miami is lacking cornerbacks, Johnson should also be a Day One starter.

LB Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech, 2nd round (No. 43)

Rodriguez (6-1, 235) is a playmaker who has a nose for the football, evidenced by his seven forced fumbles, four interceptions and six pass breakups last season. He’s the poster boy for Miami’s strategy of having competition because the Dolphins return starting inside linebackers Brooks and Tyrel Dodson.

WR Caleb Douglas, Texas Tech, 3rd round (No. 75)

Douglas (6-4, 205), a big-bodied player, is a bit of a surprise. He was projected by many draftniks as a fifth- or sixth-round pick. But he’s also proof of the Dolphins having conviction on their picks and evidence of their philosophy of BPA. It’ll be a small disappointment if he’s not a rotational player, at least, as a rookie. 

TE Will Kacmarek, Ohio State, 3rd round (No. 87)

Kacmarek (6-6, 258) is a tough, physical blocking tight end who flashes good hands with 15 receptions, 168 yards and two touchdowns. The Dolphins plan on using him in a variety of ways, possibly including as a fullback. He should be able to win playing time after battling fellow blocking tight end Ben Sims.

WR Chris Bell, Louisville, 3rd round (No. 94)

Bell (6-2, 222), a physical, big-bodied player, is coming off an ACL injury he sustained in November but is reportedly ahead of schedule in his rehab. He had 72 receptions for 917 yards and six touchdowns. He could be a steal if he recovers fully.

Edge rusher Trey Moore, Texas, 4th round (No. 130)

Moore (6-2, 243) will get a shot at being a starter due to his pass rushing skills, and could end up being a rotational player as a rookie considering the Dolphins are thin at his position. Moore had 3.0 sacks and 5.0 TFLs (tackles for loss) last season. In 2023, at Texas-San Antonio, he had 14.0 sacks and 17.5 TFLs.

LB Kyle Louis, Pitt, 4th round (No. 138)

Louis (6-0, 200) projects as a hybrid sort who can play safety, serve as a big nickel/slot defensive back, or blitz. He’s tough and athletic. His versatility offers the best chance for playing time from scrimmage, likely in sub packages.

S Michael Taaffe, Texas, 5th round (No. 158)

Taaffe (6-0, 190) is a versatile player who can line up in a variety of spots from scrimmage and also offers solid special teams play. Taaffe had 70 tackles, 2 interceptions and three passes defended last season. He’ll likely battle for a spot on the 53-man roster.

WR Kevin Coleman Jr., Missouri, 5th round (No. 177)

Coleman (5-11, 180) is a smaller player but he’s productive as a deep wide receiver. He has touchdowns of 80, 85, 58 and 50 yards in his career. He also adds punt return skills, which gives him a chance to make the 53-man roster on special teams or from scrimmage.

TE Seydou Traore, Mississippi State, 5th round (No. 180)

Traore (6-4, 235), who hails from London, is a bit new to the game (he didn’t play American football until high school) so he’s likely somewhat of a project. He had five touchdowns last season, which is promising. He’ll likely contend for a practice squad spot.

G D.J. Campbell, Texas, 6th round (No. 200)

Campbell (6-3, 321) is a long-armed people mover who will get a shot to play center and offensive tackle. He has the potential to fill a need at interior offensive line. He has a shot at the 53-man roster.

Edge rusher Max Llewellyn, 7th round (No. 238)

Llewellyn (6-6, 258) is physical and versatile. He had 6.5 sacks and 9.5 TFLs. He’s big, he can set the edge. He had a good showing at the Senior Bowl and could battle for a spot on the 53-man roster considering the Dolphins need edge rushers.