2026 Draft Projections Feature Successor for the Miami Dolphins

As the Miami Dolphins look ahead to the 2026 NFL Draft, the focus has shifted from short-term playoff fixes to long-term roster stability—specifically, finding a successor at a critical position that could define the team’s success for the next decade. 2026 Draft Projections Feature Successor for the Miami Dolphins isn’t just about identifying top prospects; it’s about targeting a player who can step into a key role, whether as a replacement for an aging veteran or a foundational piece to complement the team’s existing core. With several key players approaching the end of their contracts and roster gaps emerging, the 2026 draft represents a pivotal opportunity for the Dolphins to secure a “successor” who can keep the team competitive in the tough AFC East and beyond.

2026 Draft Projections Feature Successor for the Miami Dolphins begins with the position that has become the team’s most pressing priority: quarterback. Current starter Tua Tagovailoa will enter the 2025 season in the final year of his contract, and while he has shown flashes of elite play, his history of concussions and inconsistent performance in high-pressure games have left the Dolphins uncertain about his long-term future. As a result, draft analysts have identified quarterback as the Dolphins’ top target in 2026, with several standout college prospects emerging as potential successors. Leading the list is USC’s Caleb Williams Jr., a dual-threat quarterback with a strong arm, quick decision-making, and the ability to extend plays with his legs—traits that align with the Dolphins’ offensive system under head coach Mike McDaniel. Other top prospects include Alabama’s Bryce Young II, a precise passer with exceptional football IQ, and Oregon’s DJ Uiagalelei, a physical quarterback with the size (6’4”, 250 lbs) to handle the rigors of the NFL. “The Dolphins need a quarterback who can not only replace Tua but also elevate the offense to the next level,” said NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. “Williams Jr. and Young II both have the tools to be franchise quarterbacks, and the 2026 draft gives Miami a chance to secure that future.”

2026 Draft Projections Feature Successor for the Miami Dolphins delves into the other key positions where the Dolphins are likely to target successors, beyond quarterback. On the offensive line, left tackle Terron Armstead will be 36 years old in 2026, and his recent injury history has highlighted the need for a long-term replacement. The top prospect at left tackle is Ohio State’s Paris Johnson Jr., the son of former NFL offensive lineman Paris Johnson Sr., who has the athleticism, strength, and technique to protect the quarterback’s blind side for years to come. On defense, defensive end Bradley Chubb will enter his 8th NFL season in 2026, and while he has been a consistent pass rusher, the Dolphins are looking to add a younger edge rusher to pair with him. LSU’s Harold Perkins Jr., a dynamic pass rusher with 12 sacks in his junior season, has emerged as a top target, with analysts praising his speed off the edge and ability to disrupt opposing offenses. “The Dolphins can’t just focus on quarterback—they need to address multiple positions where veterans are aging,” said former NFL general manager Scott Pioli. “Johnson Jr. and Perkins Jr. are both potential Pro Bowl players who can be successors to Armstead and Chubb, ensuring the team remains strong on both sides of the ball.”

2026 Draft Projections Feature Successor for the Miami Dolphins highlights how the Miami Dolphins’ draft strategy will be shaped by their 2025 season performance. If the Dolphins have a strong 2025 season and make a deep playoff run, they could pick later in the first round, which might force them to trade up to secure a top quarterback prospect like Williams Jr. or Young II. Conversely, if they struggle in 2025 and pick in the top 5, they’ll have a clear path to select one of the elite quarterbacks without needing to move up. The Dolphins also have additional draft capital from a 2024 trade with the Kansas City Chiefs, which gives them an extra second-round pick in 2026—flexibility that could be used to trade up or address multiple positions. “Draft strategy is all about adaptability, and the Dolphins have the capital to be aggressive if needed,” said McDaniel in a recent interview. “We know what we need to build for the future, and the 2026 draft will be a big part of that. The Miami Dolphins are committed to putting a competitive team on the field every year, and that means making smart decisions in the draft to secure successors for our key veterans.”

2026 Draft Projections Feature Successor for the Miami Dolphins explores the importance of finding a successor who fits the Dolphins’ culture and system, not just their on-field needs. McDaniel’s offensive system relies on quarterbacks who can make quick reads, execute spread formations, and work well with dynamic wide receivers—traits that Williams Jr. and Young II both possess. On defense, defensive coordinator Vic Fangio’s scheme requires defensive linemen who can play multiple roles, and Perkins Jr.’s versatility (he can play both defensive end and linebacker) makes him an ideal fit. The Dolphins’ front office has also emphasized character and work ethic in recent drafts, and all the top prospects on their radar have strong reputations off the field, with no off-field issues or red flags. “It’s not just about talent—we need players who buy into our culture, work hard, and want to win in Miami,” said Dolphins general manager Chris Grier. “The successors we pick in 2026 need to be more than just good football players—they need to be leaders in the locker room. The Miami Dolphins have built a strong culture over the past few years, and we’re not going to compromise that for talent alone.”

2026 Draft Projections Feature Successor for the Miami Dolphins wraps up with the long-term implications of the Dolphins’ 2026 draft choices. Securing a franchise quarterback successor to Tagovailoa would give the team stability at the most important position for the next 10 years, while adding young talent on the offensive line and defense would ensure they remain competitive in the AFC East, where the Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots continue to reload. For fans, the 2026 draft represents a chance to move past the uncertainty of Tagovailoa’s future and embrace a new era of Dolphins football. “This draft could be a turning point for the franchise,” said long-time Dolphins fan Maria Rodriguez. “We’ve had good teams in recent years, but we need a quarterback who can lead us to a Super Bowl. If the Dolphins pick the right successor, we could be looking at a decade of success.” 2026 Draft Projections Feature Successor for the Miami Dolphins is more than just a preview of a draft—it’s a look at the future of the franchise, a chance to build on recent success and create a team that can compete for championships for years to come. As the 2025 season unfolds, all eyes will be on the Dolphins, with every game bringing them one step closer to defining their legacy in the 2026 draft.