MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Miami Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan said Wednesday the team expects its incoming draft class to play early and compete for roles right away as the roster continues to undergo significant turnover.
Miami is projected to have 11 selections in the 2026 NFL draft, including two first-round picks — Nos. 11 and 30 overall — and four third-round selections.
The Dolphins hold seven picks in the top 100 following a series of moves, including trading wide receiver Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos.
The roster also has seen major changes, with departures that include wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa defensive end Bradley Chubb and safety Minkah Fitzpatrick.
Sullivan said the lack of established veterans creates opportunity for rookies to contribute immediately.
“We do not have a ton of established players on this team,” he said. “That’s not to say we don’t like our players, but we have very few established players on this roster, so this draft class will have an opportunity to come in here and play soon, play quick.”
He added that playing time will be based strictly on performance.
“We’re going to play the best players,” Sullivan said. “If you give us the best chance to win on Sunday, you’re going to be one of the 11 on the field.”
Sullivan also emphasized that roster uncertainty makes flexibility essential when evaluating draft strategy and trades.
“We’re just not in a situation where we have the flexibility and the luxury to be choosy like that,” he said. “If you’re in the building every day, you can feel it. I’m excited about taking these 11 draft picks and throwing them in the equation with what we already have.”
As of Thursday, the Dolphins’ draft capital includes:
- Round 1: Nos. 11, 30
- Round 2: No. 43
- Round 3: Nos. 75, 87, 90, 94
- Round 4: No. 130
- Round 5: No. 151
- Round 7: Nos. 227, 238
Miami traded its sixth-round pick to the New York Giants in exchange for tight end Darren Waller.
Sullivan said the team remains open to moving around in the draft, though he expects more interest in trading down than up.
“I think it probably is fair to say more likely to move back than move up,” he said. “We need all 11 picks, but you never say never.”
He added that while the front office will listen to trade calls, many discussions in the days leading up to the draft lack substance.
“I don’t love playing on the phone the week of the draft,” he said. “A lot of people just like to call and conversations aren’t really of much substance.”
Sullivan also said the team will not force aggressive roster moves after the draft to chase short-term fixes.
“I don’t think we have any tricks up our sleeve,” he said. “We’re going to stay disciplined and try to get back to a healthy cap situation.”
On player evaluation, Sullivan said film remains the most important factor, but character and background checks are also critical parts of the process.
“The film will talk to you and the film doesn’t lie,” he said. “But then you have to take everything into account and make an educated decision.”
He said the organization relies heavily on scouts and background information from multiple sources.
“You cannot overstate the importance of developing relationships in the school,” Sullivan said. “You’re talking to three, four, five different people who see this player in a different light.”
Sullivan also addressed how coaches factor into evaluations, saying their input is valued but not always final.
“The coaches are incredibly important to what we do,” he said. “But I have a responsibility to do what I feel is best for the Miami Dolphins.”
He added that while coaches can strongly advocate for players, final decisions ultimately rest with him.
“There will be times when maybe we see things differently,” Sullivan said. “Ultimately, the final decision comes down to me.”
At No. 11 overall, Sullivan said the Dolphins will prioritize reliability and fit as much as upside.
“You want guys that are wired right, guys that are chasing it,” he said. “What you can’t do is swing and miss.”
He compared the approach to focusing on steady production over high-risk selections.
“I think you take everything into consideration,” Sullivan said. “But what you can’t do is swing and miss, so the character is a huge piece of the pie.”
The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled to take place April 23-25 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
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