{"id":231770,"date":"2026-04-14T20:52:08","date_gmt":"2026-04-14T20:52:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/231770\/"},"modified":"2026-04-14T20:52:08","modified_gmt":"2026-04-14T20:52:08","slug":"finding-pass-rushers-tops-dolphins-to-do-list-for-the-draft","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/231770\/","title":{"rendered":"Finding pass rushers tops Dolphins\u2019 to-do list for the draft"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Miami Dolphins have had an uncomfortable, and probably unhealthy relationship with drafting pass rushers in the NFL Draft for more than a decade.<\/p>\n

While there have been three success stories, which were the 2021 first-round selection of Jaelan Phillips, Andrew Van Ginkel\u2019s fifth-round selection in 2019 and Olivier Vernon\u2019s third-round selection in 2012, South Florida\u2019s NFL franchise has suffered through twice as many misses when it comes to selecting players who are supposed to pressure quarterbacks and stop the run.<\/p>\n

No matter the scheme, or who is in charge of the selection, whiffs like the drafting of Phillip Merling (taken 32nd in 2008), Dion Jordan (taken third overall in 2013), Charles Harris (22nd overall in 2017), maybe even 2024 first-round pick Chop Robinson, whom the jury is still out on, have contributed to the consistent mismanagement of the franchise\u2019s resources.<\/p>\n

And that doesn\u2019t even include the handful of third-day selections not even worth mentioning because they either spent a cup of coffee with the Dolphins or were relegated to special teams work for the duration of their careers.<\/p>\n

But the one thing the Dolphins\u2019 dismal edge rushing draft history does teach us is that if Miami waits to select a pass rusher it will likely leave the draft empty-handed.<\/p>\n

And that\u2019s why we should expect Miami to select an edge player, or defensive end in the first two days of the 2026 NFL Draft.<\/p>\n

Top Five Prospects<\/p>\n

Ohio State\u2019s Arvell Reese: This versatile athlete can wreak havoc from anywhere on a defense\u2019s front seven, and actually transitioned from off-ball linebacker to edge player. He has an impressive first step, but has only produced seven sacks in his collegiate career. Whoever drafts him is taking him because of his upside.<\/p>\n

Miami\u2019s Rueben Bain Jr.: Bain is a wide-nine edge rusher who has a phenomenal blend of explosiveness and power. He has a strong lower body, which helps him excel against the run. But his short arms (30 \u00bd inches) will scare off some teams. However, he\u2019s still a top-15 talent.<\/p>\n

Texas Tech\u2019s David Bailey: Bailey has an explosive first step and can effectively convert speed to power as a rusher. But his lack of bulk and struggles defending the run might make him a risky first-round pick if the expectations are for him to become an immediate starter.<\/p>\n

Auburn\u2019s Keldric Faulk: Faulk is a big-body edge player who has the ability to play in any scheme, at multiple spots considering he\u2019s 6-foot-5, 280 pounds. However, his lack of production as a pass rusher (10 sacks in 37 games) is concerning.<\/p>\n

Miami\u2019s Akheem Mesidor: Mesidor has the physical traits, intelligence and motor to become a productive starter in the NFL in time. He sets a strong edge and has produced 35.5 sacks in 65 college games. The problem is he has battled some injuries consistently, and he recently turned 25.<\/p>\n

Best of the Rest: Clemson\u2019s T.J. Parker lacks high-end athleticism, but he\u2019s a safe pick for a team employing a four-man front. Missouri\u2019s Zion Young has violent hands and uses his length extremely well. Off-field baggage will likely drop him a round or two. Texas A&M\u2019s Cashius Howell is explosive off the ball, which explains how he produced 27 sacks in 56 games. But his run defense needs work. Alabama\u2019s LT Overton is big and versatile. He has the frame and power to set strong edges, but only produced seven sacks in 49 collegiate games.<\/p>\n

This year\u2019s class of edge rushers and edge setters lacks the elite prospects the college ranks delivered in past years. There is no consensus top pass rusher, and most of the prospects can either rush the passer or stop the run but not both aspects of that position\u2019s job description.<\/p>\n

Class Grade: C-plus<\/p>\n

Teams in need: Jets, Cardinals, Titans, Commanders, Saints, Chiefs, Bengals, Dolphins, Cowboys, Ravens, Buccaneers, Lions, Chargers, Eagles, Bears, 49ers, Texans, Patriots, Seahawks, Falcons, Packers and Colts<\/p>\n

Dolphins focus: Because the Dolphins only have two pass rushers \u2014 Robinson, and Josh Uche \u2014 who have proven they belong in the NFL don\u2019t be shocked if Miami drafts multiple pass rushers\/edge players. And since Robinson and Uche are third-down, pass rushing specialists, don\u2019t be surprised if the Dolphins target someone who excels at setting the edge on first and second down. A team that can\u2019t stop the run will sparingly get opportunities to rush the quarterback.<\/p>\n


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