The Miami Dolphins land two major needs in the final mock draft from expert Mel Kiper.
The time for mock drafts is over, but expert Mel Kiper released his final two-round mock, which sees the Miami Dolphins land two big players. One has been linked to the Dolphins plenty, with the second move involving a surprising trade down.
With new head coach Jeff Hafley in place, along with general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan, the new era of football in South Florida started with some huge changes. Sullivan essentially gutted the roster to ensure the Dolphins were in a far better cap situation for the 2027 season.
After cutting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, wide receiver Tyreek Hill, and many more, Miami is projected to have the third-best $148 million in cap space in 2027. That leaves the current 2026 season, which has seen Sullivan bring in a host of low-cost and mostly unknown players to fill out the roster.
With the roster essentially torn down, the 2026 NFL Draft will be an important one for Sullivan, who is running a front office for the first time in his career. The Dolphins have a multitude of roster needs, and is imperative that multiple draft picks become starters.
That said, Kiper has put together his final mock draft, which sees the Dolphins not only land arguably the best lineman in the draft, but a trade back puts the team in position to bring in even more young talent.
At No. 11 overall, Kiper has mocked the Dolphins to select Miami's Francis Mauigoa. The young prospect has been pegged as the top lineman in the draft and for a major reason.
" The Dolphins entered this mock draft with 11 total picks, including seven in the first three rounds. They need them as they continue to make big changes under new leadership. One of the key components to a successful rebuild is shoring up the offensive tackle spots.
"Patrick Paul takes care of the left tackle spot, but there are questions at right tackle after Austin Jackson missed 11 games in 2025. Miami figures to have a run-heavy offense next season behind mobile quarterback Malik Willis and talented running back De'Von Achane, and Mauigoa would plow open some rushing lanes. If the Dolphins preferred, they could kick him inside, where I think he has a Pro Bowl ceiling," Kiper wrote.
Mauigoa does have the ability to potentially play guard, but he might also be used at the right tackle position. Austin Jackson was brought back, but his inability to stay on the field could lead the Dolphins to find an upgrade, such as Mauigoa.
If the tackle positions are taken, then Muaigoa can move inside to either replace Jonah Saviinaea, who struggled mightily in 2025, or take the right guard position, which is currently not set.
Moving along to the No. 30 overall pick, Kiper sees the Arizona Cardinals dealing with the Dolphins to move up and take Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson. As such, Miami recevies the No. 34 and 65 picks for the No. 30 and 94 picks.
With No. 32, the Dolphins then take wide receiver Germie Bernard from Alabama. Bernard has not been mocked as much to Miami, but he could be a solid second-round pick.
"Down Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle since this time last year, the Dolphins will be sizing up this receiver class. Bernard has underrated speed (4.48) and superb hands, and new offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik could get creative in how he uses him. Bernard had 862 yards and seven TDs as a pass catcher last season, but he also ran for 101 yards and two scores," Kiper wrote.
Bernard is a durable receiver with strong hands who can make tacklers miss, as he forced 17 misses in 2025. He finished his collegiate career with 2,387 yards from scrimmage and 18 touchdowns.
Bernard may not be at the top of everyone's list, but he is a solid pass catcher who can grow under Bobby Slowik's offensive system. He is also 6-foot-1 and 206 pounds, giving the Dolphins another shot at having a bigger body for Malik Willis to throw to.