When the Miami Dolphins went about rebuilding its franchise, it hired Jon-Eric Sullivan as general manager and shared that there would be autonomy between he, the head coach (Jeff Hafley) and the guy making the financial decisions (Brandon Shore).

Furthermore, Sullivan and Hafley talked about the extent of their collaboration — which is great — but that in the end, the final decision on personnel would lay with Sullivan.

Another instance was in when people questioned whether Sullivan sought the blessing of new quarterback Malik Willis when he decided to trade the team’s best receiver to Denver. He communicated with Willis, but also made clear that players would not be dictating personnel decisions either.

WILLIS WILL BE A DRAFT DAY CONSIDERATION

Looking back on the addition of Willis, a few things are notable as it relates to this offseason.

First, his contract is not long enough that is says “this is our guy and we will build it all around him.” It is hard to look at things any other way.

There is another thing related to his contract that will likely play in though — how cheap Miami got him.

One has to imagine, despite any public confirmation by him, that Willis was offered more to play elsewhere, given that he was the best QB in a pretty poor 2026 free agent market at the position.

If Willis made concessions because he believes in his fit with Miami, understands that Miami didn’t have money to go any higher, and that Sullivan and Hafley are people to trust, they human nature would tell you he also did so while communicating that he needed some protection as well. A kind of protection they would actually be able to provide.

FIRST ROUND LINEMAN

Given all that, expect the Dolphins to add a pass protector early in the draft, and an outside weapon or two as the draft progresses.

Making a sacrifice to join the people he knew from Green Bay should not possibly come at the expense of his career, and if Miami does not do some addressing of its current offensive line situation, his talent as a runner will come into play probably more than anyone wants to happen.

The Dolphins desperately need edge rushers, cornerbacks, safeties and receivers. But if they leave the offensive line unaddressed, it would not be a good look for the franchise to players who may consider agreeing to similar deals as Willis in the future.

And it certainly won’t look good on gameday in 2026.

Now think of it in reverse. Miami adds one of the draft’s top tackles at pick number 11 — either T Spencer Fano (Utah) or Francis Mauigoa (Miami) — pencil them in as day one right guard. Then show off possibly one of the better run-blocking right sides in the league for your best player (Devon Achane) and his backfield mate, Willis.