The Miami Dolphins have some steep roster needs, but the team attacks the trenches in a big way in the final mock draft from ESPN's Jordan Reid.
Considering the state of the Miami Dolphins roster, any player they take at No. 11 overall would be a good start to the new era of South Florida football, minus a quarterback. That said, the Dolphins continued to be mocked to plenty of players across the board.
Although there are needs at wide receiver, cornerback, and much more, building the trenches would be the best bet for the Dolphins in 2026. That is exactly what they do in the final mock draft from ESPN's Jordan Reid.
The first pick for the Dolphins at No. 11 overall can go a number of ways, but Reid sees the team taking arguably the top lineman in the draft: Utah's Spencer Fano.
"A new regime typically likes to go QB with its first draft pick, but there isn't one who makes sense for the Dolphins here. So, offensive tackle is the play, and Fano makes way too much sense as Miami looks to bolster its trenches. With Austin Jackson entering the final year of his contract and having durability concerns, Fano would provide a clear long-term option at right tackle. If GM Jon-Eric Sullivan stays true to his Packers roots, he'll want a lineman with versatility. That's Fano, who is capable of playing any spot up front," Reid wrote.
It would make perfect sense for the Dolphins to take Fano, who is a versatile and athletic lineman who has played mostly at the tackle position, but has guard experience as well. He also took snaps at center during the NFL Combine, but would not take that position unless Aaron Brewer was injured.
That said, Fano could presumably slot in as the right tackle, especially if Austin Jackson cannot stay on the field. He has often been injured, and Fano could take over as the starting right tackle.
There is also a need at the guard position with Cole Strange and Larry Borom exiting in free agency and Jonah Saviinaea struggling mightily in 2025; both guard positions could be up for grabs, and the Dolphins would likely use Fano in that role.
At No. 30 overall, Reid has the Dolphins selecting Auburn's Keldric Faulk.
"Faulk is another prospect who has a wide range of where he could get drafted. I wouldn't be shocked if Miami took him with its earlier first-round pick, but he goes here in this projection. The Dolphins want to start their rebuild in the trenches and have a long enough runway to give the young Faulk (he turns 22 in September) time to develop. At 6-foot-6, 276 pounds, Faulk is NFL-ready as a run defender but will need further development to scratch his ceiling as a pass rusher," Reid wrote.
Faulk has 10 sacks through three years at Auburn and has showcased his ability to be a force, even with a larger frame. He can play multiple positions on the defensive line, instead of being a one-dimensional pass rusher who must stay on the edge.
The Dolphins need some big pass rush help, especially after cutting Bradley Chubb. Chop Robinson, Joshua Uche, and David Ojabo are now the leading rushers, but all three have had production issues as of late.
With Faulk, he could come in and potentially land a substantial role immediately, helping to bolster the defensive side of the ball for the Dolphins. With two picks addressing the trenches, it would start the draft off in a big way for Miami.