The Miami Dolphins have multiple roster holes to fill, including in the secondary, which is what Daniel Jeremiah predicts the team targets in his first mock draft.
New Miami Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan has a tough job to do, which is to navigate the team's currently undesirable cap situation. Another is to get some quality players in the draft.
Sullivan comes from over 20 years of experience with the Green Bay Packers organization, which has been a solid organization when drafting young talent.
The Dolphins need to ensure they bring in the right talent that they can mold, and also establish a winning culture. This is also what Sullivan has promised.
That said, a major issue for the Dolphins in 2025 was the secondary. Kader Kohou, Storm Duck, and Artie Burns all suffered season-ending injuries, leading the team to scramble for cheap free agent options.
Jack Jones and Rasul Douglas were among the players called on, with Douglas having a huge bounce-back year. Still, more is needed, and the Dolphins are predicted to target the secondary with their No. 11 overall pick.
Per NFL Draft expert Daniel Jeremiah, the Dolphins target safety Caleb Downs out of Ohio State with their first-round pick.
"Downs has the versatility to play multiple spots, much like his teammate -- in this scenario -- Minkah Fitzpatrick. Downs’ football intelligence and leadership are off the charts. Miami has to improve a defense that ranked 24th in scoring and 32nd in opponent completion percentage," Jeremiah wrote.
It might take the Dolphins a couple of seasons to rebuild the secondary, but Downs would be a huge pickup.
Downs has an overall grade of 83.5, which is ranked 35th out of 915 qualified safeties. His coverage grade is 87.0 and ranked 37th, and run defense grade is ranked 67th with an overall 83.0 score.
Downs has secured 164 total tackles, six interceptions, 16 tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks in this three college career.
While his pass rush will need some fine-tuning, he could be a viable starter for Jeff Hafley's defense, helping the Dolphins to shore up one of their biggest roster issues in 2026.
Cornerback would also make a lot of sense at No. 11, but going for Downs and the safety position will also help Minkah Fitzpatrick and the overall secondary in a big way.
The Dolphins need a tough and physical presence, and Downs could offer that with his ability to chase down defenders and in coverage situations.