The Miami Dolphins had a patchwork secondary in 2025, and they strike at a top corner in Field Yates latest mock draft.
After losing Kader Kohou, Storm Duck, and Artie Burns to season-ending injuries, the Miami Dolphins delivered a patchwork fix via Jack Jones, Rasul Douglas, and more.
Heading into 2026, the secondary could be a major focus for a team now led by a defensive-minded head coach in Jeff Hafley. That also appears to be the consensus from Field Yates, who has the Dolphins landing a top cornerback in his latest mock draft.
There is no telling how competitive the Dolphins may be in 2026, but they can start their full rebuild by bringing in solid players via their No. 11 overall pick, along with the multiple other higher-round picks.
That said, the team could be looking at the secondary as a main focus. Of the three listed players who ended their seasons early, not all three may be on the roster come September.
Yates sees the Dolphins going after a big-time cornerback with their first-round pick.
At No. 11 overall, Miami selects Mansoor Delane from LSU.
"The Dolphins patched together their secondary last season, so it will be no surprise if new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan swings for cornerbacks in the draft and free agency. Delane broke out in his final collegiate season at LSU after previously playing at Virginia Tech. His excellent ball skills and man-coverage technique made most targets against him unsuccessful. Delane allowed a 27.8% completion percentage as the closest defender in coverage, the FBS' third-lowest mark in 2025.
While some scouts are still eager to see his timed speed in a 40-yard dash, his play speed seems more than sufficient on tape. Rasul Douglas and Jack Jones -- the Dolphins' two primary outside corners in 2025 -- are both free agents," Yates wrote.
There is a strong chance that Douglas is asked back, as he had a big bounce-back year with the Dolphins. However, more is clearly needed, and Yates sees the Dolphins bringing in Delane.
Delane brought in 11 passes defended, 45 total tackles, and two interceptions at LSU. Per PFF, he is ranked the third-best cornerback with an overall grade of 90.7. His coverage grade of 91.0 is also fourth-best.
As Yates indicated, Delane brings in a solid man-coverage technique that will be huge for any team that drafts him. If he drops to the Dolphins at No. 11 overall, this could be a plug-and-play starting cornerback the team has needed for a long time.