Jon-Eric Sullivan’s first draft as Miami Dolphins general manager was strong.
Not every pick was a home run and some were actually head-scratchers, but it feels like he tried to set an organizational tone with his first effort and in that, he delivered. I think he hit on his first three picks, given that this wasn’t the greatest draft class and added players I imagine he had targeted for middle rounds knowing they would better fit his head coach’s defensive style while other teams may view them as “tweeners.”
Apologies to the reader for the lack of timeliness on this piece. I feel compelled to post it, however, because I never put it on the permanent record post-draft. Can’t complain (or get bagged on) if I didn’t share my thoughts BEFORE they actually suit up in Miami, so here goes.
Brief note beforehand: My hit percentage with Chris Grier drafting players on my list was typically around 20% with a good number of player I listed as “Do Not Want” (DNW). Sullivan did not select any players evaluated pre-draft as DNWs and actually selected players I would not change, if given the chance. Rare in these parts.
With the slight benefit of hindsight, here are the players I would have selected where Miami ultimately made its picks in the 2026 draft:
R1 PICK 12: NO CHANGE, OL Kadyn Proctor, Alabama
In the (evil) episode 666 of the All Dolphins Podcast, Alain Poupart put it to me to select the player I would take with Miami’s first pick if other favorites were gone and my choice was Proctor (29:20 mark in the video). Also, leave him at left guard and have a dominant left side for years. Don’t bother with tackle
R1 PICK 27: NO CHANGE, CB Chris Johnson, SDSU
Johnson was my favorite corner in the draft not named Mansoor Delane. Covering deep isn’t always his strength but other than that, it’s hard to find too many flaws. His game reminds me of Byron Jones, Dallas version.
R2 PICK 43: NO CHANGE, LB Jacob Rodriguez
Save maybe his size (which isn’t that bad), linebacker Rodriguez exemplifies everything Sullivan stated he is looking for in a player – playmaker, leader, football player. One of a few players I had hoped Miami would select at the spot
R3 PICK 75: DT Gracen Halton, Oklahoma (pick 107, SF)
Not going to beat around the bushes – I have watched more post-draft film on Caleb Douglas than any player in all my years of evaluating draftees and I do not like the pick, especially this high. Assume they see him as a field stretcher and deep crosser threat, but I am not sure I would have drafted him at all. Halton may be a situational player due to his size, but he gets after it big time and would’ve likely had position flex with Hafley.
R3 PICK 87: CB Julian Neal, Arkansas (pick 99, SEA)
For me, a pick this high deserved better than a one-dimensional tight end, though admittedly the league is changing and placing more value there. Plus it was a need. Neal is a big corner who can press and I picked him in nearly every mock around this spot, which is just shy of where he went. To me, this pick was too rich for a blocking-only tight end.
R3 PICK 94 NO CHANGE, WR Chris Bell, Louisville
Agree with virtually every take on Bell – a value pick at this point given his talent. Nobody is asking but I would give him a full redshirt in 2026. Work on getting healthy, learn the playbook and come out ready to compete in 2027.
R4 PICK 130 NO CHANGE, LB Trey Moore, Texas
Somewhat predicted the selection of Moore in the 2026 Dolphins Draft Guide as he is both a good fit for Hafley defense (guessing a SAM/edge hybrid) and attainable later because to some teams, hybrid means “tweener.” Moore is athletic and a natural pass rusher with experience playing off-ball as well.
R4 PICK 138 NO CHANGE, LB Kyle Louis, Pittsburgh
For the same reason Moore was available, Louis was as well. Six-foot, 220-pound linebackers aren’t typically valued in the NFL. But Louis has big-time coverage skills and though he’s listed at linebacker, my hunch is he’s their STAR or nickel safety, if not a hybrid version.
R5 PICK 158 TE Max Bredeson, Michigan (159 MIN)
This is where hindsight played in, knowing the Dolphins wanted a blocking tight end. Bredeson is smaller than Kacmarek, but more than capable as a blocker. Maybe more of a blocking H down the road, can handle Y duties but at a more reasonable draft price. On the flip side, I see the benefit of a Michael Taaffe — love the kid, actually — on special teams and being a locker room guy. Just have to be honest that I would have never selected him given his size. Hope to be proven wrong.
R5 PICK 177 WR Emmanuel Henderson Jr., Kansas (199 SEA)
Leading KU receiver who also averaged 25.3 yards per kick return. Poor man’s Devonta Smith. Unless the vision for Kevin Coleman was primarily as long-term but cheaper returns replacement for vet Malik Washington, Henderson is a better pick. I don’t see Coleman’s skillset functioning as a regularly-used pro receiver.
R5 PICK 180 NO CHANGE, Sadou Traore, Mississippi St.
If I told you I knew about Traore before the draft, it would also be fair to color me a liar. But his athleticism and overall game is intriguing and he could grow into a dangerous H, which Miami seems to be leaning to over a traditional fullback. Getting him and a roster exemption was smart scouting.
R6 PICK 200 CB Andre Fuller, Toledo (236 SEA)
Fuller is one of those players I think went way too late, given the film I watched. He has good size and frankly, he showed out when I was trying to evaluate Emmanuel McNeil-Warren. I won’t be surprised if he ends up a starter, despite where he was drafted. D.J. Campbell is a physically-gifted player who loafs, which is what stunted my evaluation of him. There is hope for him, if his head it is in the right place.
238 WR J Michael Sturdivant, Florida (UDFA GB)
Aside from switching schools and coasts a few times and playing in a putrid UF offense, it is a mystery to me how Sturdivant (6-3, 207) didn’t get drafted. In my opinion, the Dolphins did better with their UDFA pickup in EDGE Mason Reiger than with their 7th round pick, Max Llewelyn, understanding of course it is likely due to injury history. It will be interesting to see if Sturdivant survives roster cuts in Green Bay.
Aqua & Coral Report 