The 2026 NFL Draft is less than one month away, with this year’s selection process kicking off in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on Thursday, April 23rd. After trading away wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, the Miami Dolphins currently find themselves with two swings of the bat when that day comes — picking at their original pick (11) and with the Denver Broncos’ first round selection (30).
Todd McShay — known as one of the preeminent draft experts in NFL media circles — has released his latest mock draft through The Ringer, and he predicts the Dolphins to focus on the passing game, on both offense and defense, during this year’s draft.
At number 11 overall, McShay has the Dolphins landing Southern California star pass catcher, Makai Lemon.
The Dolphins’ roster has a ton of needs, so it’s not like draft a wide receiver following the departures of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle is an absolute must here, but from a value-need alignment standpoint, I love this pick.
Lemon was a three-year player and two-year starter at USC who improved year over year and racked up 1,920 receiving yards across his final two seasons. He’s tough as nails on contested catches, his ball skills are outstanding, and he’s a super-advanced route runner. Lemon posted 3.00-plus career yards per route run versus both man and zone coverage; the only others to do so in college since 2021 are Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Waddle, Ja’Marr Chase, DeVonta Smith, and D’Wayne Eskridge.
With their second first round selection, pick 30, McShay has Tennessee cornerback Colton Hood taking his talents to South Florida.
The Dolphins have needs just about everywhere, so it’s more about drafting the best player available than anything. But after addressing wide receiver (Lemon) with their first pick, the Dolphins shift the focus to defense and select the best defensive back on my board in Hood.
At 5 feet, 11 5/8 inches and 193 pounds, Hood is a fluid man-to-man cover corner with verified 4.44 speed and a 40.5-inch vertical.
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How would you feel about this haul from McShay if it were to come to pass when the bullets are live on April 23rd? Let me know in the comments below or on Twitter at @MBrave13. Fins up!
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