WaltNFL Team Assessment: Miami Dolphins
Team record, game log, power ranking, schedule, needs, draft grade, and draft pick links.
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The 2025 NFL Season – Team Record and Game Log
Season Review
Miami Dolphins
View Game Log from 2025 Season
| Game | Result | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Dolphins(0-0) at Colts(0-0) | LOSS | Dolphins 8 – Colts 33 |
| Patriots(0-1) at Dolphins(0-1) | LOSS | Patriots 33 – Dolphins 27 |
| Dolphins(0-2) at Bills(2-0) | LOSS | Dolphins 21 – Bills 31 |
| Jets(0-3) at Dolphins(0-3) | WIN | Jets 21 – Dolphins 27 |
| Dolphins(1-3) at Panthers(1-3) | LOSS | Dolphins 24 – Panthers 27 |
| Chargers(3-2) at Dolphins(1-4) | LOSS | Chargers 29 – Dolphins 27 |
| Dolphins(1-5) at Browns(1-5) | LOSS | Dolphins 6 – Browns 31 |
| Dolphins(1-6) at Falcons(3-3) | WIN | Dolphins 34 – Falcons 10 |
| Ravens(2-5) at Dolphins(2-6) | LOSS | Ravens 28 – Dolphins 6 |
| Bills(6-2) at Dolphins(2-7) | WIN | Bills 13 – Dolphins 30 |
| Redskins(3-7) at Dolphins(3-7) | WIN | Redskins 13 – Dolphins 16 |
| Saints(2-9) at Dolphins(4-7) | WIN | Saints 17 – Dolphins 21 |
| Dolphins(5-7) at Jets(3-9) | WIN | Dolphins 34 – Jets 10 |
| Dolphins(6-7) at Steelers(7-6) | LOSS | Dolphins 15 – Steelers 28 |
| Bengals(4-10) at Dolphins(6-8) | LOSS | Bengals 45 – Dolphins 21 |
| Buccaneers(7-8) at Dolphins(6-9) | WIN | Buccaneers 17 – Dolphins 20 |
| Dolphins(6-9) at Patriots(12-3) | LOSS | Dolphins 10 – Patriots 38 |
Walt’s Latest Dolphins Power Ranking
Updated 5/13/2026
at 5:05 AM
Rank: 32
Previously: 26
The Dolphins are in an official rebuild and a semi-obvious tanking situation. The only thing defying the tank possibility is the Malik Willis signing, but the Dolphins did whatever it took to deplete the talent around their young quarterback. Still, with plenty of rookies, Miami could be better in the second half of the season.
2026 NFL Season – Upcoming Schedule
Schedule| Week | Opponent | Time | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
@
Raiders
|
9/13/2026 4:25:00 PM EST | TBD |
| 2 |
@
49ers
|
9/20/2026 4:25:00 PM EST | TBD |
| 3 |
vs
Chiefs
|
9/27/2026 1:00:00 PM EST | TBD |
| 4 |
@
Vikings
|
10/4/2026 4:05:00 PM EST | TBD |
| 5 |
vs
Bengals
|
10/11/2026 1:00:00 PM EST | TBD |
| 7 |
@
Jets
|
10/25/2026 1:00:00 PM EST | TBD |
| 8 |
vs
Patriots
|
11/1/2026 4:25:00 PM EST | TBD |
| 9 |
vs
Lions
|
11/8/2026 1:00:00 PM EST | TBD |
| 10 |
@
Colts
|
11/15/2026 1:00:00 PM EST | TBD |
| 11 |
@
Bills
|
11/22/2026 1:00:00 PM EST | TBD |
| 12 |
vs
Jets
|
11/29/2026 1:00:00 PM EST | TBD |
| 13 |
@
Broncos
|
12/6/2026 4:05:00 PM EST | TBD |
| 14 |
vs
Bears
|
12/13/2026 1:00:00 PM EST | TBD |
| 15 |
@
Packers
|
12/20/2026 1:00:00 PM EST | TBD |
| 16 |
vs
Chargers
|
12/27/2026 1:00:00 PM EST | TBD |
| 17 |
vs
Bills
|
1/3/2027 1:00:00 PM EST | TBD |
| 18 |
@
Patriots
|
1/9/2027 1:00:00 PM EST | TBD |
Walt’s Team Needs Assessment
Needs
The Dolphins looked like the worst team in the NFL at times in 2025. There are holes all over the roster, particularly at quarterback. The oft-concussed Tua Tagovailoa was benched twice, so Miami’s needs begin at the most prominent position in football despite a recent first-round pick used at the position.
- Quarterback: Tagovailoa can’t be counted on to remain healthy. He also can’t be counted on to play well or give coherent press conferences. His brain must be scrambled too much to play quarterback anymore. The first thing the Dolphins need to do is find a franchise signal-caller. Signed Malik Willis
- Two Wide Receivers: Tyreek Hill was cut, and then Jaylen Waddle was traded. Miami has nothing at receiver.
- Two Guards: The Dolphins had some of the worst guard play in the NFL last year. Two upgrades are needed. Signed Jamaree Salyer
- Two Edge Rushers: The Dolphins had one of the worst pass rushes in the NFL last year, and that was even when Jaelan Phillips was on the team. Two new edge players are desperately needed.
- Three Cornerbacks: Cornerback was a huge problem last year outside of Rasul Douglas. Now, Douglas is entering free agency, as is Kader Kohou, who was out all of 2025. If both leave, Miami will need three new cornerbacks. Signed Darrell Baker
- Right Tackle: Another position on the offensive line that must be upgraded. Austin Jackson is not cutting it.
- Defensive End: Zach Seiler is a stud. Kenneth Grant has some promise. The Dolphins need a third defensive lineman to go with those two.
- Safety: A new safety to play alongside Minkah Fitzpatrick should be obtained.
- Kicker: Riley Patterson missed only two field goals last year, but his contract is set to expire. Re-signed Riley Patterson; signed Zane Gonzalez
- Punter: Jake Bailey is also an impending free agent. Signed Bradley Pinion
Walt’s 2026 NFL Draft – Overall Team Grade and Selection Grades
Draft Review
Walt’s Draft Grade:
B Grade
Walt’s Grade Summary
For a while, it looked like the Dolphins disagreed that they needed to give Malik Willis any sort of receiving threat. They exited Round 1 without a receiver, though they were able to land a highly needed offensive tackle in Kadyn Proctor after moving down one spot and securing two fifth-round picks. The Dolphins then moved up for a cornerback when that was an unnecessary transaction.
Just when it appeared as though the Dolphins would squander the 2026 NFL Draft, the team came through with one of the best values of the entire draft when they secured Chris Bell in the third round. Bell has ridiculous talent, but slipped because of injuries. It sounds like he’ll be ready for the start of the season, so Miami lucked out that other teams foolishly passed on him. The Dolphins also used another second-day pick on a receiver, but that was a reach in Caleb Douglas. An even bigger reach was third-round blocking tight end Will Kacmarek.
Aside from Bell, the best value the Dolphins obtained was second-round linebacker Jacob Rodriguez. He, Johnson, Trey Moore, and Kyle Louis should be able to help a putrid defense. Meanwhile, fifth-round receiver Kevin Coleman Jr. will provide some juice to the receiver group. Seventh-rund edge Max Llewllyn was a steal.
Despite the rocky start, the Dolphins rebounded and had a strong draft. They had enough missteps to take them out of the “A” range, so a solid “B” feels right.
Just when it appeared as though the Dolphins would squander the 2026 NFL Draft, the team came through with one of the best values of the entire draft when they secured Chris Bell in the third round. Bell has ridiculous talent, but slipped because of injuries. It sounds like he’ll be ready for the start of the season, so Miami lucked out that other teams foolishly passed on him. The Dolphins also used another second-day pick on a receiver, but that was a reach in Caleb Douglas. An even bigger reach was third-round blocking tight end Will Kacmarek.
Aside from Bell, the best value the Dolphins obtained was second-round linebacker Jacob Rodriguez. He, Johnson, Trey Moore, and Kyle Louis should be able to help a putrid defense. Meanwhile, fifth-round receiver Kevin Coleman Jr. will provide some juice to the receiver group. Seventh-rund edge Max Llewllyn was a steal.
Despite the rocky start, the Dolphins rebounded and had a strong draft. They had enough missteps to take them out of the “A” range, so a solid “B” feels right.
Draft Picks / Prospect Links
Pick 12
A-
Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
OT
Alabama
Rnk: 18
Scouting Report
The Lions were really hoping Kadyn Proctor would fall to them, but the Dolphins would have none of that. Proctor is risky with his weight, but there’s a ton of upside with this pick for the Dolphins, who have needed offensive line help for years. On top of that, they also picked up two fifth-round picks for free. Nice job!
Pick 27
D
Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State
CB
San Diego State
Rnk: 72
Scouting Report
Chris Johnson had gotten mid-round grades not too long ago, so this rise was unexpected. Still, it’s not a surprise that Chris Johnson went in the first round. I have two issues with this pick. First, there was no need to trade up for Johnson with several talented corners available. Second, Miami failed to address the weakest receiver room in the NFL in the first round, which is something they needed to do to make sure Malik Willis succeeds.
Pick 43
A+
Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech
LB
Texas Tech
Rnk: 37
Scouting Report
I loved the two top linebackers expected to go in this round. Jacob Rodriguez is an extremely instinctive linebacker who will undoubtedly make Miami’s defense much better. The rudderless Dolphins desperately needed a player like this, and you can say that they’re getting value because there was some chatter that Rodriguez could go at the end of Round 1.
Pick 75
D
Caleb Douglas, WR, Texas Tech
WR
Texas Tech
Rnk: 179
Yikes! The Dolphins are addressing a need with a tall receiver, but that’s where the positives end. Caleb Douglas has terrible hands and happens to be a very weak receiver who needs to bulk up. He’s a project, and I had him going in the sixth round.
Pick 87
MILLEN
Will Kacmarek, TE, Ohio State
TE
Ohio State
Rnk: 530
I hate to issue another Millen grade because it seems excessive, but I didn’t have Will Kacmarek being drafted. He’s a blocking tight end who doesn’t offer much as a receiver. Tight ends like this are a dime a dozen. This is a waste of a third-round pick.
Pick 94
A+
Chris Bell, WR, Louisville
WR
Louisville
Rnk: 51
Scouting Report
What a steal! Chris Bell was one of my favorite prospects on Day 2, and I thought he was good enough to go in the 30s. He’s an explosive receiver who makes big plays. He fell because of injury and character concerns, but if he can stay clean, he could emerge as Miami’s No. 1 receiver.
Pick 130
B-
Trey Moore, DE, Texas
DE
Texas
Rnk: 0
Trey Moore struggles in coverage, but has a great track record of generating pressure on the quarterback. The Dolphins had interest in Rueben Bain at No. 11, so it makes sense for them to take an edge rusher to replace Jalean Phillips. I had Moore in the fifth round.
Pick 138
B-
Kyle Louis, OLB, Pittsburgh
OLB
Pittsburgh
Rnk: 58
Scouting Report
Kyle Louis is a versatile linebacker with strong pass-rushing ability, but he’s undersized. He could be used as safety. He doesn’t have a set position, which is a problem, but the Dolphins might be able to figure out how to use him.
Pick 158
B
Michael Taaffe, S, Texas
S
Texas
Rnk: 128
Michael Taaffe was strong in run support for the Longhorns. Miami’s safety situation is quite dismal, so any help is welcome. I had Taaffe going in this range.
Pick 177
B
Kevin Coleman Jr., WR, Missouri
WR
Missouri
Rnk: 163
Kevin Coleman is an undersized receiver, but could play in the slot while doubling as a kick returner. The Dolphins have such a weak group of receivers that Coleman could contribute right away. I had him going five picks earlier, so the range makes sense.
Pick 180
D
Seydou Traore, TE, Mississippi State
TE
Mississippi State
Rnk: 0
Seydou Traore is not someone I had in my top-400 prospects. He’s a tweener receiver-tight end, and I don’t think he has a role in the NFL. He’s an athletic prospect, but where does he play besides special teams?
Pick 200
B
D.J. Campbell, G, Texas
G
Texas
Rnk: 194
D.J. Campbell had a lot of starting experience in college, but was penalized often. The Dolphins needed some offensive line depth and competition, and this range makes sense for Campbell.
Pick 238
A
Max Llewellyn, DE, Iowa
DE
Iowa
Rnk: 156
Max Llewellyn improved his pass-rushing ability throughout his collegiate career. He has plenty of upside, as he could continue to improve. I love the potential here for the Dolphins; I had Llewellyn slotted in the fifth round.
Charlie Campbell
