Tyreek Hill Successor Mocked in Draft for the Miami Dolphins

The 2027 NFL Draft took an unexpected turn for the Miami Dolphins when their third-round pick— wide receiver Jaxson Reed from Midwestern State— was immediately mocked by analysts and fans alike as a potential successor to star wideout Tyreek Hill. Hill, who has been the Dolphins’ offensive centerpiece since 2022, has hinted at a possible retirement or trade after the 2027 season, leaving the Dolphins scrambling to find a replacement for his elite speed and playmaking ability. However, Reed— a small-school prospect with just 1,200 receiving yards in his college career— was seen by many as an underwhelming choice, with critics questioning whether he has the talent or athleticism to fill Hill’s shoes. Tyreek Hill Successor Mocked in Draft for the Miami Dolphins explores why the pick sparked such backlash and what it means for the Dolphins’ future at the wide receiver position.

The backlash against Reed began moments after NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced his name, with social media and draft analysts quick to dismiss him as a viable Hill successor. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr., a longtime draft expert, called the pick “a head-scratcher,” noting that Reed’s 4.58 40-yard dash time (more than two-tenths of a second slower than Hill’s 4.34) and limited experience against top competition made him a risky bet. Fans were even harsher, with memes comparing Reed to “a high school receiver playing in a pro uniform” and jokes about the Dolphins “settling for a discount Hill.” Part of the criticism stemmed from the fact that more highly regarded wide receivers— like USC’s Malachi Nelson and LSU’s KJ Jefferson— were still available when the Dolphins made their pick. “This isn’t just a bad pick; it’s a failure to plan for the future,” said former NFL wide receiver Brandon Marshall on his podcast. “Hill is one of the best players in the league, and you can’t replace him with someone who wouldn’t even start for most Power 5 teams.” Tyreek Hill Successor Mocked in Draft for the Miami Dolphins frames this immediate backlash as a sign of how high the stakes were for the Dolphins’ pick.

To understand why the pick was so heavily mocked, it’s important to look at Reed’s college career and how it compares to Hill’s path to the NFL. Hill, a former track star, played at Oklahoma State, where he recorded 1,811 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns in two seasons before being drafted in the fifth round in 2016. Reed, by contrast, played at Midwestern State— a Division II school— where he faced far less talented competition. While he put up solid numbers (65 catches for 890 yards and 7 touchdowns in his senior year), scouts noted significant flaws in his game: he struggles to beat press coverage, has inconsistent hands, and lacks the ability to create separation after the catch— all skills that Hill excels at. Even Dolphins general manager Chris Grier, who defended the pick in a post-draft press conference, admitted that Reed “has a lot to learn” and won’t be expected to contribute immediately. “We see upside in Jaxson,” Grier said. “He’s a hard worker, and we think he can develop into a solid NFL receiver with time. But no one is saying he’s Tyreek Hill right now.” Tyreek Hill Successor Mocked in Draft for the Miami Dolphins highlights how Reed’s limited resume fueled the mockery.

The mockery of Reed also raised questions about the Miami Dolphins’ draft strategy and whether the team is properly preparing for a post-Hill era. Hill, who turns 31 in 2027, is still playing at an elite level (he recorded 1,456 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns in 2026), but his contract expires after the 2028 season, and there’s growing speculation that he may retire rather than sign another long-term deal. With that in mind, many analysts expected the Dolphins to use a higher draft pick (or multiple picks) to target a top-tier wide receiver prospect who could learn from Hill before taking over as the team’s No. 1 option. Instead, the Dolphins used their first two picks on the defensive side of the ball (a defensive tackle and a cornerback) and waited until the third round to address the wide receiver position. “This is a team that’s focused on winning now, but they’re ignoring the future,” said NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. “Hill won’t be around forever, and if the Dolphins don’t find a replacement soon, they could be in trouble on offense.” For the Miami Dolphins, the criticism of Reed has become a larger debate about whether the team is making smart long-term decisions. Tyreek Hill Successor Mocked in Draft for the Miami Dolphins explores how the pick has put the team’s strategy under scrutiny.

Another factor fueling the mockery is the pressure on Reed to live up to the “Hill successor” label— a burden that even top prospects would struggle to handle. Hill is not just a great receiver; he’s a cultural icon in Miami, with a huge fan following and a reputation as one of the most exciting players in the league. For Reed, a relative unknown from a small school, being compared to Hill at every turn could derail his development. Former Dolphins wide receiver Nat Moore, who played for the team in the 1970s and 1980s, warned that the mockery could have a negative impact on Reed’s confidence. “This kid is coming into the NFL with a lot to prove, and now he’s being laughed at before he even takes a snap,” Moore said. “The Dolphins need to protect him from this noise and let him develop at his own pace. If they don’t, they could waste whatever potential he has.” For the Miami Dolphins, managing Reed’s expectations and shielding him from the media circus will be just as important as his on-field development. Tyreek Hill Successor Mocked in Draft for the Miami Dolphins examines how the pressure of the label could affect Reed’s career.

Despite the mockery, there’s still a chance that Reed could surprise critics and develop into a valuable player for the Miami Dolphins— even if he never becomes the next Tyreek Hill. Small-school prospects have a history of exceeding expectations in the NFL: players like Kurt Warner (Northern Iowa) and Terrell Owens (Tennessee-Chattanooga) went on to have Hall of Fame careers after being drafted from small schools. Reed will also have the benefit of learning from Hill and Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, two players who can help him refine his skills. Grier has emphasized that the team views Reed as a “project,” not an immediate replacement for Hill, and that they’re willing to be patient with his development. “We don’t expect Jaxson to be a star right away,” Grier said. “But we believe in his work ethic and his ability to learn. Sometimes the best picks are the ones that no one sees coming.” For the Miami Dolphins, only time will tell if Reed was a smart gamble or a wasted pick. Tyreek Hill Successor Mocked in Draft for the Miami Dolphins concludes by noting that while the mockery is loud now, Reed’s true legacy will be determined by how he performs on the field in the years to come.