Miami Dolphins in a Tense Battle for the 8th Pick in the 2026 NFL Draft
The Miami Dolphins may not have taken the field on Christmas Day, but the outcome of a crucial game certainly had implications for their future. The Washington Commanders’ defeat at the hands of the Dallas Cowboys has positioned the Dolphins for a potential 8th overall pick in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. This would mark Miami’s highest selection since they chose Jaylen Waddle with the 6th pick in 2021. However, securing that coveted position hinges on a series of events unfolding just right.
Path to the 8th Pick
For the Dolphins to clinch the 8th overall pick, they must first drop their remaining two games against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the New England Patriots. As underdogs in both matchups, Miami faces a formidable challenge. The Buccaneers have struggled recently, while the Patriots’ motivation for the final week remains uncertain. Should the Dolphins lose both contests, they would finish the season at 6-11.
The next critical component involves the Cincinnati Bengals and New Orleans Saints. Each team needs to secure at least one victory in their remaining games to potentially tie with Miami’s six wins. The Bengals will face the Arizona Cardinals and the Cleveland Browns, while the Saints are set to take on the Tennessee Titans and the Atlanta Falcons. Despite their struggles, both teams have favorable matchups that could yield wins.
It’s important to note that if Miami and New Orleans end up tied, the Dolphins would likely win the tiebreaker due to a more favorable strength of schedule. Currently, Miami holds a strength of schedule (SOS) of .469, compared to New Orleans’ .524 and Cincinnati’s .559. In summary, if Miami loses its last two games while both the Bengals and Saints secure one more victory, the Dolphins could very well find themselves picking eighth overall this spring.
Examining Potential Top-10 Prospects
While a top-10 draft pick is enticing, the next question arises: which players could be available to the Dolphins? Although this year’s draft class may not rival the strength of previous years, several prospects consistently appear in the top 10 of mock drafts. Securing a higher position could also facilitate Miami’s efforts to trade up for a coveted quarterback, should that become a priority.
Here’s a rundown of players frequently projected to be selected early:
Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Dante Moore, QB, Oregon
Arvell Resse, Edge/LB, Ohio State
Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
Rueben Bain Jr., DL, Miami
Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
Francis Mauigoa, OL, Miami
Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn
David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech
This list is fluid and will evolve as the draft approaches. Beyond the quarterback position, the Dolphins have multiple needs to address, including Edge rusher, cornerback, safety, right guard, right tackle, receiver, and tight end. Notable prospects at these positions include:
Mansoor Delane (CB, LSU)
Jermod McCoy (CB, Tennessee)
Kenyon Sadiq (TE, Oregon)
Sonny Styles (LB, Ohio State)
In short, the Dolphins face a crucial offseason filled with pressing needs, and the upcoming draft will be pivotal in shaping the future of the franchise. With the stakes high, Miami’s front office will be closely monitoring the outcomes of the final weeks of the season as they prepare for the next chapter.
