Though the Miami Dolphins have 13 picks, there were a few that stood out that were a bit surprising and confusing at the same time.
The Miami Dolphins have 13 draft picks that they can now evaluate and mold into potential starters, depth players, and practice squad hopefuls.
Though the first draft under Jon-Eric Sullivan could be seen as a glowing success, nobody knows for sure which players can emerge as immediate impact types, though Roundtable Dolphins made their predictions.
That said, there were a number of confusing choices made by the Dolphins, but these are the top three most surprising from the 2026 NFL Draft.
3. Caleb Douglas, WR, Texas Tech
The Dolphins had one goal in mind, and Sullivan, along with head coach Jeff Hafley, played that to a T. Miami wanted to get bigger and more physical, and for all intents and purposes, they did just that, albeit with some confusing choices, one of which was wide receiver Caleb Douglas out of Texas Tech.
Taken in the third round, Douglas was the first receiver that the Dolphins brought in to help bolster the position. The issue is that he was viewed as a sixth to seventh-round prospect, but he was drafted No. 75 overall.
Though he is 6-foot-3 and has the frame and chance to be a deep-ball threat, he had seven drops in 2025. This includes a total of 10 over the last two seasons, which could be a major problem if he does not clean that part of his game up.
2. Kadyn Proctor, T, Alabama
The Dolphins had to address this many times over, and Sullivan made it clear that Alabama tackle Kadyn Proctor was the choice. Even if he had falled to No. 11, he was being targeted in the first round.
For Sullivan, getting two additional fifth-round picks and still being able to land his favorite offensive lineman prospect was a home run. The issue is Proctor was picked over Ohio State safety Caleb Downs, USC wide receiver Makai Lemon, and Miami Hurricanes edge Rueben Bain Jr.
Now, the Dolphins did need an offensive lineman, but Proctor has limited experience at guard or right tackle. Miami may need to kick him on the inside as a larger-than-usual guard, but he could end up not panning out, leaving the team with him as a swing option if Austin Jackson remains healthy.
1. Will Kacmarez, TE, Ohio State
Miami decided to take the consensus top blocking tight end in the draft, in Ohio State's Will Kacmarek, leaving many to wonder if he could have been taken in the later rounds. Clearly, he was taken to solidify the run game, but what happens when the Dolphins revert to favoring just one side of the ball?
De'Von Achane is an All-Pro talent, and Malik Willis can run the ball as well, but the fact that a blocking tight end was prioritized over other deeper needs seems a bit strange. To be fair, the Dolphins have and had many needs, so they went with their best player available structure.
Will Kacmarez play a big part? Possibly, but one has to wonder if the Miami front office could have taken him in the fourth or fifth rounds and landed a potential more impactful piece in the third.