Solid Starter

Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami – Round 1

The Giants got a quality season out of right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor during the 2025 season, and New York paid good money to re-sign Eluemunor. They also signed former Raven Daniel Faalele, and re-signed former top-10 pick Evan Neal. Despite those moves, they drafted Mauigoa with the 10th-overall pick that they acquired from trading Dexter Lawrence to Cincinnati.

In pass protection, Mauigoa showed improvement and became a reliable protector in his final season. Mauigoa has natural strength, and his ability to sustain blocks is superb. When Mauigoa gets his hands on defenders, they are done and have zero ability to get a second effort. Mauigoa has a strong anchor to stop bull rushes, and power rushers really struggle to get any kind of pressure against him. Mauigoa could use some development for taking on speed rushers, and that is why some scouts feel he might be best moving inside. He sometimes is too shallow in his drop, and that leads to him reaching or lunging after rushers. He needs to improve his ability to keep his feet moving. He could stand to improve his hand placement in pass sets as well. Mauigoa is a talented player, so some of these issues could be improved with NFL coaching.

In the ground game, Mauigoa is nasty at the point of attack and a real force. He has the sheer power to reset the line of scrimmage and knock defenders backward. With brute force, Mauigoa can drive them off the ball and create movement for his back. With a developed upper body, Mauigoa has the strength to control, turn, and manipulate defenders at the point of attack. With violence and tenacity, drive will finish off opponents and pound them into the turf. While drive is a mauler, he is able to hit blocks on the second level and is able to kick out to the perimeter. Mauigoa is quick as a puller and getting out on perimeter runs. He moves well in space to hit blocks in the open field and is excellent on screens. With a serious mean streak, Mauigoa blocks through the whistle and is very physical. Mauigoa is an asset in short-yardage situations and can win blocks over defenders even when they know what is coming. He should be an asset as a run blocker in the NFL quickly in his pro career.

Multiple team sources feel that Mauigoa might be a better fit at guard in the NFL, and that is where he will compete as a rookie. Mauigoa might be an immediate starter, but over time, I think he will emerge as a quality starter at right tackle or guard.

2025: Darius Alexander, DT
2024: Tyler Nubin, S
2023: John Michael Schmitz, C
2022: Evan Neal, OT
2021: Aaron Robinson, CB
2020: Xavier McKinney, S
2019: DeAndre Baker, CB
2018: Will Hernandez, G
2017: Dalvin Tomlinson, DT
2016: Sterling Shepard, WR
2015: Owa Odighizuwa, DE
2014: Weston Richburg, C
2013: Justin Pugh, G

Most Likely To Bust

Of the Giants’ picks on day one and day two, I do not see a player that I think is likely to bust. I think the first-rounders should turn into solid starters even if they have to change positions in the NFL. I think second-round cornerback Colton Hood will turn into a capable starter, and I think third-round pick Malachi Fields will at least be a solid No. 3 or 4 receiver. I do see a serious bust potential player in any of their four selections from day one and day two.

2025: Jaxson Dart, QB
2024: None
2023: Jalin Hyatt, WR
2022: Joshua Ezeudu, G
2021: Azeez Ojulari, DE
2020: Darnay Holmes, CB
2019: Oshane Ximines, LB
2018: Lorenzo Carter, LB
2017: Davis Webb, QB
2016: Darian Thompson, S
2015: Landon Collins, S
2014: Jay Bromley, DT
2013: Damontre Moore, DE

Potential Boom Pick

The Giants turned two picks in the top 10 into an off-ball linebacker and a guard, and that is terrible positional value for New York. Arvell Reese is a great physical talent, but he is very raw and needs to be taught a lot. It would not shock me if he turned into a good pro or if he was a bust similar to other hybrid linebackers like Isaiah Simmons or Haason Reddick. I think taking Reese over Jordyn Tyson was a huge mistake. Tyson would have been a co-No. 1 receiver with Malik Nabers, and that duo could have turned the Giants into one of the most potent and dangerous young passing attacks in the NFL. Nabers is coming off an ACL injury, and he could have a down season, as is common for many players returning from that injury. Plus, he will be facing a ton of double teams when he does get back on the field. Hence, it would make a lot of sense to have a skilled separation receiver for Jaxson Dart to work with in year two.

Mauigoa is a solid pick to be a quality starter, but he might only be a guard, and taking a guard in the top 10 is poor value. They could have had a better prospect in Ohio State safety Caleb Downs, and then landed a guard in the second round.

In the course of NFL history, no coach has won a Super Bowl with a second franchise. I think this draft laid the foundation for John Harbaugh to extend that streak with his second head coaching job.

2025: Abdul Carter, OLB
2024: Malik Nabers, WR
2023: Deonte Banks, CB
2022: Kayvon Thibodeaux, DE
2021: Kadarius Toney, WR
2020: Andrew Thomas, OT
2019: Dexter Lawrence, DT
2018: Saquon Barkley, RB
2017: Evan Engram, TE
2016: Eli Apple, CB
2015: Ereck Flowers, OT
2014: Odell Beckham Jr., WR
2013: Johnathan Hankins, DT

Future Depth Player

Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame – Round 3

For the NFL, Fields is a tall, long receiver who is a red-zone weapon and provides a size mismatch for the NFL. He is a dangerous red-zone threat given his massive wingspan, height, leaping ability, and strong hands. Fields is a possession receiver who is capable after the catch, as he will dart into the secondary and power his way through defensive backs after making short catches on slants, crossers, and digs. On back shoulder throws or jump balls, Fields is very skilled at boxing out defenders and making the catch over them. On 50-50 jump balls, Fields is a dynamic playmaker.

Fields is not a burner wide receiver who is going to torch NFL cornerbacks with speed. Higgins lacks a second gear and has one play speed through his routes. He is a long strider that lacks twitchy quickness. Thus, he could have separation issues with some pro cornerbacks. The Giants need help at receiver across from Malik Nabers, and I think Fields could be a solid receiver who is either a capable starter or a solid depth contributor.

2025: Cam Skattebo, RB
2024: Tyrone Tracy, RB
2023: Eric Gray, RB
2022: Daniel Bellinger, TE
2021: Elerson Smith, DE
2020: Shane Lemieux, G
2019: Darius Slayton, WR
2018: Kyle Lauletta, QB
2017: Wayne Gallman, RB
2016: Paul Perkins, RB
2015: Bobby Hart, G
2014: Andre Williams, RB
2013: Ryan Nassib, QB

Solid Starter

Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson – Round 3

Washington entered the draft with a need at wide receiver and decided to pass on Jordyn Tyson and Makai Lemon with their first-round pick to take linebacker Sonny Styles. With their next selection, they added an underrated weapon in Antonio Williams. He was a dangerous receiver during his time with the Tigers and has the skill set of an early-round talent.

In 2024, Williams really flashed deep speed and big-play ability for the Tigers. He caught 75 passes for 904 yards with 11 touchdowns as a sophomore. In 2025, Williams’ season got off track with preseason injuries that caused him to miss time. On top of the injuries, Williams was held back by some struggles and inconsistency with the Clemson passing offense. He totaled 55 receptions for 604 yards and four touchdowns. At 6-foot, 187-pounds, Williams has quality size, but what sets him apart is high speed and explosiveness. He is a threat to challenge defenses deep downfield and has some natural talent as a route-runner. If Williams had stayed healthy and consistent with his 2024 season, he probably would have been a sure-fire second-round pick.

Veteran receiver Terry McLaurin is aging, and Washington badly needs some other receivers to emerge as weapons for Jayden Daniels. Williams is in a great landing spot with an opportunity to play right away. If he can stay healthy, he could turn into a solid starter for Washington.

2025: Josh Conerly, OT
2024: Johnny Newton, DT
2023: Quan Martin, S
2022: Phidarian Mathis, DT
2021: Sam Cosmi, OT
2020: Antonio Gandy-Golden, WR
2019: Dwayne Haskins, QB
2018: Da’Ron Payne, DT
2017: Ryan Anderson, LB
2016: Josh Doctson, WR
2015: Preston Smith, DE
2014: Trent Murphy, DE
2013: Phillip Thomas, S

Most Likely To Bust

Washington had only two picks on the first two days of the draft after the Laremy Tunsil trade, and I don’t think either of the two picks is likely to bust. I think Sonny Styles is going to be a good starter, and I think Antonio Williams could also be a solid No. 2 or 3 receiver in the NFL. Along with being without a second-rounder, Washington did not pick in the fourth round. I think they added some solid potential depth picks on day three, but it’s not a real bust if they do not work out because the vast majority of day three picks don’t stick in the NFL. Thus, I don’t see a pick that is likely to be a bust for Washington.

2025: None
2024: Ben Sinnott, TE
2023: Ricky Stromberg, C
2022: Brian Robinson, RB
2021: Benjamin St-Juste, CB
2020: Antonio Gibson, RB
2019: Wes Martin, G
2018: Troy Apke, S
2017: Monte Nicholson, S
2016: Su’a Cravens, S
2015: Matt Jones, RB
2014: Spencer Long, G
2013: Chris Thompson, RB

Potential Boom Pick

Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State – Round 1

Washington did not need to add another linebacker, but Styles was too good to pass up with the seventh-overall pick. With veterans like Leo Chenal and Frankie Luvu, Styles could be a rotational linebacker as a rookie, but after some development, he could be a boom pick in Dan Quinn’s defense.

In the passing-driven NFL, Styles is a great fit to help his defense cover in the middle of the field. Styles is fast and athletic, covering a ton of ground in zone coverage. Styles flies around the field and uses his tremendous speed to neutralize passes to the flat. Styles has good size and length to cover up targets with the skill set to line up in man coverage on tight ends. Styles is smooth in his drop, comfortable in space, and adept at dropping down the middle seam. With his safety background, Styles is natural in coverage. Along with covering well, Styles is a good open-field tackler as well.

As a run defender, Styles showed improvement to close out the 2024 season and was vastly improved in 2025 with his ability to take on and shed blocks. Styles did a nice job of taking on, using strength to shed, and then getting in on tackles. Those skills will require continued development for the NFL, but it is definitely headed in the right direction. Styles also looked faster and more comfortable reading his keys. He comes downhill fast and has zero hesitation to get physical. Styles was a really good tackler in 2025 with very few missed tackles, and for the NFL, he could stand to get lower and not tackle as high. That is not surprising considering how tall Styles is, but getting lower in the target zone will help him to avoid missed tackles and helmet-to-helmet penalties.

Luvu is nearing the end of his contract, while Chenal is not a long-term starter. Washington is also high on third-year pro Jordan Magee. Before long, Styles and Magee could take over as a young tandem and fortify the middle of the defense. Styles has Pro Bowl, and boom pick potential for Washington.

2025: Trey Amos, CB
2024: Jayden Daniels, QB
2023: Emmanuel Forbes, CB
2022: Jahan Dotson, WR
2021: Jamin Davis, LB
2020: Chase Young, DE
2019: Montez Sweat, DE
2018: Derrius Guice, RB
2017: Jonathan Allen, DT
2016: Kendall Fuller, CB
2015: Brandon Scherff, G
2014: Morgan Moses, OT
2013: David Amerson, CB

Future Depth Player

Kaytron Allen, RB, Penn State – Round 5

Washington loved Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, and they correctly thought that he wouldn’t get to their pick. While they missed out on Love, they were able to add some running back depth in the fifth round with Allen. Allen is a bruising, downhill physical runner who could be a nice rotational back to pair with Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Rachaad White. Allen is a capable between-the-tackles runner who can also contribute as a short-yardage and goal-line back. Allen may not have the skill set to become a three-down starter, but he could be a nice backup and rotational back. As soon as his rookie season, Allen could be a quality depth player for Washington.

2025: Jaylin Lane, WR
2024: Luke McCaffrey, WR
2023: Chris Rodriguez, RB
2022: Sam Howell, QB
2021: Dyami Brown, WR
2020: Saahdig Charles, OT
2019: Terry McLaurin, WR
2018: Tim Settle, DT
2017: Jeremy Sprinkle, TE
2016: Nate Sudfeld, QB
2015: Martrell Spaight, LB
2014: Lache Seastrunk, RB
2013: Brandon Jenkins, OLB

Solid Starter

Malachi Lawrence, DE, UCF – Round 1

After having a struggling defense for a few years, the Cowboys have been aggressive in remaking their defensive line. They traded away dynamic speed rusher Micah Parsons while getting more physical and bigger on the defensive line in their trades for Kenny Clark, Quinnen Williams, and Rashan Gary. To complete their transformation, they added another physical and violent defender when they took Lawrence with a pick they acquired from trading Parsons.

For the NFL, the 6-foot-4, 253-pound Lawrence is a talented edge rusher with speed, strength, and athleticism off the edge. Lawrence is quick off the ball with the ability to long-arm and push through blocks with functional power. He uses his speed and impressive ability to bend to turn the corner with a burst to close on the quarterback. Lawrence arrives with violence as he will put quarterbacks and ball carriers into the turf with violence. He has good instincts to go for the strip, and has a relentless style of play. Lawrence could use some development with more pass-rushing moves for taking on pro tackles. With his skill set, Lawrence could be a good pass rusher as a pro.

Lawrence’s length and strength show up as a run defender as well. He flashes the ability to hold his gap and stop tackles from pushing him downfield. With his long arms and functional power, Lawrence can shed blocks and pursue out of his gap. However, his run defense can be inconsistent, so developing more reliability as a run defender is necessary for him to become a three-down starter in the NFL.

The Cowboys will rotate Lawrence with some other veteran ends, but he has the potential to turn into a solid starter for Dallas. He could learn a lot from Williams and Gary, and those veterans should draw attention to give Lawrence single-block looks. I think Lawrence will turn into a solid starter for Dallas during his rookie contract.

2025: Donovan Ezeiruaka, DE
2024: Cooper Beebe, C
2023: DeMarvion Overshown, LB
2022: Jalen Tolbert, WR
2021: Micah Parsons, LB
2020: Trevon Diggs, CB
2019: Connor McGovern, G
2018: Leighton Vander Esch, LB
2017: Jourdan Lewis, CB
2016: Ezekiel Elliott, RB
2015: Chazz Green, OT
2014: Zack Martin, G
2013: Travis Frederick, C

Most Likely To Bust

Jaishawn Barham, DE, Michigan – Round 5

The Cowboys doubled up at the edge rusher position with the selection of Barham in the third round. He might be a nice designated pass rusher and rotational piece to help keep ends fresh. I don’t see Barham becoming a starter over Rashan Gary, Malachi Lawrence, or Donovan Ezeiruaku. Third-round picks are graded as players who are backups to start their career but develop into being starters. Of their three early-round picks, I think Barham is the most likely to disappoint and fall short of his grade projection.

2025: None
2024: Marshawn Kneeland, DE
2023: Luke Schoonmaker, TE
2022: Sam Williams, DE
2021: Nashon Wright, CB
2020: Tyler Biadasz, C
2019: Michael Jackson, CB
2018: Connor Williams, OT
2017: Chidobe Awuzie, CB
2016: Dak Prescott, QB
2015: Randy Gregory, DE
2014: Anthony Hitchens, LB
2013: Gavin Escobar, TE

Potential Boom Pick

Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State – Round 1

Over the past few seasons, Downs has been one of the best pure football players in college football, and the Cowboys were damn lucky to land him in the 2026 NFL Draft. Downs was a star recruit who landed at Alabama, and despite a lot more experienced talent on the roster, Downs became a freshman starter for the Crimson Tide. Downs was a freshman sensation, leading the team in tackles and all over the field for the Crimson Tide. He totaled 107 tackles with 3.5 tackles for a loss, one forced fumble, two interceptions, and three passes defended. After the season, head coach Nick Saban retired, and Downs transferred from Alabama to Ohio State. In 2024, Downs had 81 tackles with six passes broken up, one forced fumble, and two interceptions while helping the Buckeyes win a National Championship. In each season, Downs had a punt returned for a touchdown with long returns of 85 and 79 yards.

In 2025, Downs played well for Ohio State. Downs totaled 68 tackles with one pass batted, one sack, two forced fumbles, and two interceptions. Even though the Buckeyes lost and were eliminated, Downs played really well against Miami in the college football playoff.

In the passing-driven NFL, there are always teams that are looking for problem solvers in the secondary, and that is what Downs brings to his defense. With off-the-charts instincts, Downs is all over the field and a problem for offenses as he has an innate ability to sniff out plays and be around the ball to keep plays from producing the intended yardage for an offense. Downs is an extremely smart defender who doesn’t take false steps in coverage, knows when to fire downhill, and has elite read-and-react skills. With his natural ability to snuff out and disrupt, Downs is an elite defender for the back end of his defense.

In pass coverage, Downs has excellent range and is natural as a deep free safety. He can lock down the deep part of the field and cover a ton of ground. With phenomenal speed, Downs can get to the sideline from the middle of the field, and he explodes to eat up ground in a blur. Downs is extremely fast, and his play speed is tremendous. Downs will be valuable to shut down the deep part of the field from speed receivers and will be valuable to help his cornerbacks over the top. On top of being dynamic in zone, Downs can line up and play man coverage on tight ends and slot receivers. He shows fluid movement to flip his hips and run while doing a very good job of running the route to prevent separation. Downs is dynamic in coverage and has rare cover ability for a safety.

As a run defender, Downs is an excellent tackler and is superb at making tackles in the open field. He diagnoses, runs quickly, and flies downfield to cut the legs out from underneath backs. Downs is dynamic in defending perimeter runs and screens. The only real knock on Downs is that he is not big, and his size is perhaps a little below average for tackling at the pro level. Downs could add strength in a pro strength and conditioning program. I think Downs will do that, and his size won’t be a significant problem at the pro level.

Downs was one of the best players in the 2026 NFL Draft. Early in his career, I think Downs will become a Pro Bowl safety who makes lots of big and clutch plays in both phases. Downs could be a true boom pick for Dallas.

2025: Tyler Booker, G
2024: Tyler Guyton, OT
2023: None
2022: Tyler Smith, CB
2021: Kelvin Joseph, CB
2020: CeeDee Lamb, WR
2019: Trysten Hill, DT
2018: Dorance Armstrong, DE
2017: Taco Charlton, DE
2016: Jaylon Smith, LB
2015: Byron Jones, S
2014: DeMarcus Lawrence, DE
2013: Terrance Williams, WR

Future Depth Player

L.T. Overton, DT, Alabama – Round 4

Overton has been a solid and disruptive end/tackle with Alabama the past two seasons. On the positive side, Dallas needs some young depth, and they have veterans on the line who can mentor him. Veteran starter Rashan Gary could be a particularly good player for Overton to emulate, given some similarities in their skill set. On the negative side, the Cowboys have a veteran line without starting spots open to compete for. Overton is also going to have a battle for a roster spot with some other young players and veterans. Overton is going to need to make the team and impress as a rotational backup to carve out a pro career with Dallas. However, with his flexibility to line up at end or tackle, I think Overton is going to be a nice rotational backup for the Cowboys.

2025: Jaydon Blue, RB
2024: Caelen Carson, CB
2023: Deuce Vaughn, RB
2022: Jake Ferguson, TE
2021: Jabril Cox, LB
2020: Bradley Anae, DE
2019: Tony Pollard, RB
2018: Michael Gallup, WR
2017: Ryan Switzer, WR
2016: Charles Tapper, DE
2015: Damien Wilson, LB
2014: Ben Gardner, DE
2013: Joseph Randle, RB

Solid Starter

Makai Lemon, WR, USC – Round 1

With A.J. Brown on his way out of Philadelphia, the Eagles sought a receiver in the first round to go with veteran DeVonta Smith and the newly acquired veterans Dontayvion Wicks and Hollywood Brown. Philadelphia addressed the need by trading up in the first round to land Lemon.

For the NFL, Lemon looks like a potential No. 2 starting receiver who also could work mostly out of the slot. Lemon is quick through his route with a burst out of his breaks to consistently create separation. Lemon is dangerous on double moves, as his route-running and suddenness allow him to get open downfield while challenging defenses vertically. Lemon has strong hands and is a natural hand catcher who is very reliable at securing the ball.

Lemon shows an uncanny ability to make leaping grabs and routinely makes highlight reel acrobatic receptions. With excellent body control, leaping ability, and secure hands, he makes some incredible catches to bail out inaccurate passes. While Lemon is not a big wideout, his ability to make leaping grabs makes him dangerous on 50-50 passes while also giving his quarterback a larger catch radius than most small receivers. With a gritty and competitive style, Lemon is a feisty player who provides energy to his team with his dangerous run after the ability. Lemon can weave through the defense and shows some strength to fight with tacklers.

Lemon has some limitations for the NFL that could keep him from becoming a true No. 1 receiver. He could have problems with longer cornerbacks, and getting off jams and reroutes could be an issue for him. As a pro, Lemon’s size might limit him to mainly being a slot receiver. Lemon may not have a defining trait to make him an elite receiver. He is not overly big or fast to dominate pro cornerbacks. Thus, Lemon could be more of a No. 2 or 3 receiver as a pro.

On top of Lemon’s limitations, Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is not a prolific pocket passer, and Philadelphia features a ground-based offense. Hence, I could see Lemon turning into more of a solid starter rather than being a boom pick.

2025: Andrew Mukuba, S
2024: Quinyon Mitchell, CB
2023: Tyler Steen, G
2022: Nakobe Dean, LB
2021: Landon Dickerson, C
2020: Davion Taylor, LB
2019: Miles Sanders, RB
2018: Avonte Maddox, CB
2017: Derek Barnett, DE
2016: Isaac Seumalo, C
2015: Nelson Agholor, WR
2014: Marcus Smith, OLB
2013: Zach Ertz, TE

Most Likely To Bust

Markel Bell, OT, Miami – Round 3

With Lane Johnson aging, there were a lot of projections of Philadelphia taking some offensive tackle youth to develop behind Johnson. There was a big run on tackles with five of them going ahead of the Eagles’ first-round pick. Philadelphia waited until the third round and landed some depth with Bell. Third-round picks are graded as players who are backups to start their career but develop into being starters. I think Bell could struggle with NFL speed rushers and end up falling short of that. I think he might top out as a swing tackle backup. Of their three early-round picks, I think Bell is the most likely to disappoint and fall short of his grade projection.

2025: None
2024: Jalyx Hunt, OLB
2023: Nolan Smith, DE
2022: None
2021: Milton Williams, DT
2020: Jalen Hurts, QB
2019: Shareef Miller, DE
2018: Josh Sweat, DE
2017: Rasul Douglas, CB
2016: Wendall Smallwood, RB
2015: Jordan Hicks, LB
2014: Josh Huff, WR
2013: Bennie Logan, DT

Potential Boom Pick

I was not a big fan of the Eagles’ 2026 draft. I think they added some potential solid contributors, but I don’t see a player who has boom pick potential.

2025: Jihaad Campbell, LB
2024: Cooper DeJean, CB
2023: Jalen Carter, DT
2022: Jordan Davis, DT
2021: DeVonta Smith, WR
2020: Jalen Reagor, WR
2019: Andre Dillard, OT
2018: Dallas Goedert, TE
2017: Sidney Jones, CB
2016: Carson Wentz, QB
2015: Eric Rowe, CB
2014: Jordan Matthews, WR
2013: Lane Johnson, OT

Future Depth Player

Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt – Round 3

The Eagles still have veteran Dallas Goedert, but adding a talented backup and understudy was a priority. In the second round, they snatched up Stowers and added themselves a receiving weapon. Stowers (6-3, 239) is a quick, athletic receiver who shows impressive run-after-the-catch skills. However, Stowers is very undersized, and I think he is going to struggle as a blocker against NFL edge defenders. To be a solid, dependable three-down starter as a tight end, he needs to be able to pass protect and block the C-gap. I think Stowers could struggle to become a consistent enough blocker to become a three-down starter. However, he could be a nice backup tight end to rotate into double-tight-end sets and serve as a receiving mismatch weapon. Thus, I think Stowers will be more of a rotational depth tight end than a true three-down starter in the NFL.

2025: Ty Robinson, DT
2024: Jeremiah Trotter Jr., LB
2023: Tanner McKee, QB
2022: Grant Calcaterra, TE
2021: Kenny Gainwell, RB
2020: John Hightower, WR
2019: Clayton Thorson, QB
2018: Matt Pryor, OT
2017: Donnel Pumphrey, RB
2016: Alex McCalister, LB
2015: JaCorey Shepherd, CB
2014: Jaylen Watkins, CB
2013: Matt Barkley, QB

Solid Starter

Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech – Round 2

My favorite draft classes were the Dolphins and Buccaneers. I thought both teams drafted extremely well with excellent values at each spot and really improved their rosters significantly in the 2026 NFL Draft. I think Miami could get more bang for its buck with some huge impact players, and therefore, I give them the edge for the best draft class in 2026. It would not surprise me if the Dolphins look back at this draft as a turning point for their franchise. They landed some core building blocks on both sides of the ball. It would not surprise me if Miami has at least five starters from this draft class in a year or two, with some solid backups and role players. Thus, it was challenging for me to pick which player I wanted to project as a solid starter from this draft class.

In the ground game, Rodriguez is a force. He is a very good pursuit linebacker who uses his excellent instincts to chase down backs. With great anticipation, Rodriguez is always around the ball and puts himself in position to make a lot of plays. He has a nice burst and attacks downhill. His background as a quarterback shows advanced ability to read his keys and get in position to make tackles. He attacks the ball and has tremendous ball awareness to go for the strip with a knack for making game-changing plays. Rodriguez has adequate speed and athleticism, but he is not elite in those regards. Rodriguez can get bounced around by offensive linemen, and he will need to work on taking on and shedding blocks from pro offensive linemen.

In pass coverage, Rodriguez is able to contribute as well. Rodriguez can move around the field in space in zone coverage, picking up receivers and covering up receiving options. He has shown nice read-and-react skills with the ability to eat up ground. Rodriguez shows good instincts to read the quarterback’s eyes, and that allows him to disrupt passing lanes. He was very adept at jumping routes for interceptions and pass breakups. Rodriguez will need some coaching on technique if his system requires him to play some man coverage on tight ends or backs. He could have some struggles in man coverage to prevent separation. Rodriguez also had some busted coverages last season in college, so he will need some coaching on his diagnosis and recognition. However, the talent is there for Rodriguez to be a three-down starter and a contributor in coverage.

The Dolphins have a good starter at middle linebacker Jordyn Brooks, and Rodriguez could compete to be the Will linebacker next to Brooks. In time, they could move on from Brooks, and Rodriguez could take over as the starting Mike backer. I think he is a safe pick to turn into a quality starter for Miami.

2025: Jonah Savaiinaea, G
2024: Patrick Paul, OT
2023: Cam Smith, CB
2022: Channing Tindall, LB
2021: Jevon Holland, S
2020: Noah Igbinoghene, CB
2019: Michael Deiter, G
2018: Jerome Baker, LB
2017: Raekwon McMillan, LB
2016: Xavien Howard, CB
2015: DeVante Parker, WR
2014: JaWuan James, OT
2013: Dallas Thomas, G

Most Likely To Bust

Caleb Douglas, WR, Texas Tech – Round 3

I think the Dolphins had a great draft, and it would not surprise me if they hit on all their early-round picks. Douglas was the one that stoodout as some risk to me. I think he could contribute as an outside receiver, but I would not be surprised if he tops out only as a backup. I think Douglas could have some issues with drops, and he is not impressive on 50-50 passes despite being a tall receiver. I could see Douglas being the only one of their early-round picks who is a potential disappointment.

2025: Jason Marshall Jr., CB
2024: None
2023: None
2022: None
2021: Hunter Long, TE
2020: Brandon Jones, S
2019: Andrew Van Ginkel, LB
2018: Mike Gesicki, TE
2017: Cordrea Tankersley, CB
2016: Leonte Carroo, WR
2015: Bobby McCain, CB
2014: Billy Turner, G
2013: Jelani Jenkins, LB

Potential Boom Pick

Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama – Round 1

The Dolphins landed a tackle with an outstanding skill set in Proctor. Even if Proctor starts out at guard, moves to right tackle, or ends up at left tackle, I think he has boom pick potential for Miami. At 6-foot-7, 355 pounds, Proctor is a powerful run blocker and a physical force at the point of attack. He can blast open holes for Devon Achane while improving the pass protection for Malik Willis. Proctor fits Miami’s stated desire to get bigger and more physical. The offensive line has been a problem for the Dolphins the past few years, and Proctor is a huge step forward in fixing it.

As a run blocker, Proctor is a load at the point of attack. Defensive linemen get overwhelmed by his mass, and he is steady to keep the defender from getting in on tackles. Off the ball, Proctor can blast defensive linemen and knock them backward to create movement at the point of attack. Proctor has the power to open holes and roll defenders straight back off the line of scrimmage. He is very good in short-yardage situations at resetting the line of scrimmage, and Alabama has success going behind Proctor in obvious run downs. Proctor also shows some ability to fire to the second level and pull to his right. He has enough movement to get to spots and will dish out a violent hit or shove on second-level defenders. Proctor looks like a plus run blocker for the next level.

In pass protection, Proctor uses his size well to neutralize bull rushes. He has a propensity to play a little too high and needs to improve his ability to bend at the knee, but his mass is so tough to move that even when his positioning is not perfect, defensive linemen struggle to win on a bull rush. Proctor could stand to improve his hand placement to improve his ability to sustain blocks. Proctor did okay against speed rushers in 2024, but he needs to improve his kick slide for taking on the NFL speed that will come at him every week as a pro. Keeping his weight and conditioning in check will help him to do that.

The Dolphins have had offensive line issues for years, and Proctor was a great step towards turning that around. He could turn into an elite tackle in the NFL, and he has real boom pick potential for Miami.

2025: Kenneth Grant, DT
2024: Chop Robinson, DE
2023: None
2022: None
2021: Jaelan Phillips, DE
2020: Austin Jackson, OT
2019: Christian Wilkins, DT
2018: Minkah Fitzpatrick, S
2017: Charles Harris, DE
2016: Laremy Tunsil, OT
2015: Jordan Phillips, DT
2014: Jarvis Landry, WR
2013: Dion Jordan, LB

Future Depth Player

Chris Bell, WR, Louisville – Round 3

I think Bell has the potential to be a solid starter or even a boom pick for Miami, but at least he should be a good rotational receiver. What really sets Bell apart is what he can do as a possession receiver. Bell is a dangerous receiver who is not a burner with elite speed, but he makes up for it with polish, physicality, and strength. With good route-running and strong, reliable hands, Bell is a chain mover that does the dirty work in the short to intermediate part of the field.

Bell is very dangerous with the ball in his hands. He uses his strong frame to break tackles and is very difficult for a lot of defensive backs to get on the ground. His strength to run through their hands makes it difficult for them to get a hold of him. While he isn’t super elusive and is more straight-line, Bell does have the feet to dodge some tacklers in the open field. For the NFL, Bell has yards after the catch potential, and he could be a great fit in a West Coast offense. Bell is fantastic running the core routes of slants, digs, and crossers in the short-to-intermediate part of the field. With his strength and ability to catch the ball in traffic, Bell is a nice weapon in the red zone. Bell tracks the ball well while using late hands to make the reception. He flashes his strength to make contested catches and win 50-50 passes.

Bell slid in the draft because of his season ACL tear, and some teams had concerns about his ability to learn their systems. I think Bell landed in a perfect spot, as Miami is just starting a rebuild, and they can be patient with Bell. They could even stash him in 2026 to let him learn the playbook, terminology, and rehab to help him hit the ground running in 2027. I think Bell could be a starter in 2027 and beyond, but he should at least be a good depth receiver for the Dolphins.

2025: Quinn Ewers, QB
2024: Mohamed Kamara, OLB
2023: Devon Achane, RB
2022: Rik Ezukanma, WR
2021: Liam Eichenberg, OT
2020: Jason Strowbridge, DE
2019: Isaiah Prince, OT
2018: Kalen Ballade, RB
2017: Davon Godchaux, DT
2016: Kenyon Drake, RB
2015: Jay Ajayi, RB
2014: Arthur Lynch, TE
2013: Mike Gillislee, RB