Draft Mock Lands Perfect Fit for the Miami Dolphins

A recent 2028 NFL Draft mock from ESPN has generated excitement among Miami Dolphins fans, as it projects the team selecting University of Michigan offensive tackle Jalen Graham with the 18th overall pick— a player analysts are calling a “perfect fit” for the Dolphins’ offensive line needs and long-term roster strategy. After struggling with inconsistent pass protection and run blocking in 2027 (allowing 48 sacks and ranking 22nd in rushing yards per game), the Dolphins have made upgrading the offensive line a top priority this offseason. Graham, a 6-foot-6, 315-pound tackle with elite athleticism and proven production in the Big Ten, checks every box for what the Dolphins need to protect quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and boost their running game. Draft Mock Lands Perfect Fit for the Miami Dolphins breaks down why Graham is such a strong match for the Dolphins, how he would impact their offense, and what his selection would mean for the team’s future.

Graham’s status as a “perfect fit” starts with his elite on-field skills and ability to play multiple positions along the offensive line— a versatility the Dolphins value highly. At Michigan, Graham started 33 games at left tackle, where he developed a reputation as a dominant pass protector: he allowed just 2 sacks and 8 quarterback pressures in his senior season, using his long arms (34.5 inches) and quick feet to neutralize top pass rushers like Ohio State’s J.T. Tuimoloau. He also excels as a run blocker, using his strength (bench presses 325 pounds) and football IQ to create holes for running backs. What makes Graham even more valuable is his ability to shift to right tackle or even guard in a pinch— a flexibility that would help the Dolphins 应对 injuries or adjust their lineup based on opponents. “Jalen is the kind of lineman who can stabilize an entire offensive front,” said ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr., who authored the mock. “He’s not just a one-position player; he’s a chess piece that can help the Dolphins fix multiple issues up front.” Draft Mock Lands Perfect Fit for the Miami Dolphins frames Graham’s versatility and skill set as the foundation of his fit with the Dolphins.

Another key reason Graham is a perfect fit for the Dolphins is his alignment with head coach Mike McDaniel’s offensive scheme. McDaniel’s system relies on quick, precise blocking to enable the Dolphins’ zone-running attack and short-passing game— a style that requires offensive linemen to have good lateral movement, timing, and the ability to play in space. Graham’s athleticism (he ran a 4.98 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, among the fastest for offensive tackles) and experience in Michigan’s zone-blocking scheme make him ideal for this approach. During his college career, Graham consistently pulled to lead running plays and executed complex blocking assignments— skills that would translate seamlessly to McDaniel’s offense. “Mike McDaniel’s offense demands linemen who can move, and Jalen is one of the few tackles in this draft who can do that at a high level,” said former NFL offensive line coach Harold Goodwin. “He won’t just fit in— he’ll thrive in that system because he already plays the way McDaniel wants his linemen to play.” Draft Mock Lands Perfect Fit for the Miami Dolphins explores how Graham’s playing style aligns with the Dolphins’ offensive identity.

For the Miami Dolphins, selecting Graham would also address a critical long-term need at offensive tackle, where the team has faced uncertainty in recent years. Current left tackle Terron Armstead will turn 34 in 2028 and has dealt with knee injuries that caused him to miss 12 games over the past two seasons. While Armstead has been a solid starter when healthy, the Dolphins need a young replacement who can take over the position in the next 1-2 years— a role Graham is ready to fill. By drafting Graham, the Dolphins could ease him into the lineup initially (perhaps using him as a backup or rotational player in 2028) before promoting him to full-time starter once Armstead retires or moves on. This gradual transition would ensure no drop-off in pass protection and help maintain the continuity of the offensive line. “The Dolphins can’t afford to wait until Armstead is gone to address left tackle,” said NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. “Jalen Graham gives them a chance to plan ahead and build for the future while still competing now. That’s the kind of smart roster building that wins championships.” For the Miami Dolphins, Graham’s selection would solve a pressing positional need while avoiding the chaos of having to find a last-minute replacement for Armstead. Draft Mock Lands Perfect Fit for the Miami Dolphins examines how Graham fits into the team’s long-term offensive line plan.

Graham’s character and work ethic are another reason he’s a perfect fit for the Miami Dolphins, as the team places a high value on locker room leadership and accountability. At Michigan, Graham was a team captain in his senior year and was named to the Big Ten All-Academic Team twice— a reflection of his commitment to both football and personal growth. He’s also known for his dedication to film study and offseason training, traits that have endeared him to coaches and teammates alike. Dolphins general manager Chris Grier has repeatedly stated that “character matters as much as talent” when evaluating draft prospects, and Graham’s resume aligns perfectly with that philosophy. “We want players who make everyone around them better— on and off the field,” Grier said in a recent interview. “Jalen Graham is that kind of player. He’s a leader, he works hard, and he’s committed to winning. Those are the values we stand for here.” For the Miami Dolphins, Graham’s off-field qualities would help him integrate quickly into the locker room and contribute to the team’s culture of excellence. Draft Mock Lands Perfect Fit for the Miami Dolphins highlights how Graham’s character matches the Dolphins’ organizational values.

The ESPN mock draft projecting Graham to the Dolphins has also drawn praise from fans and local media, who see it as a sign the team is prioritizing the right positions. Dolphins Twitter and fan forums have been filled with positive reactions, with many fans noting that Graham’s selection would “fix the offensive line for years” and “give Tua the protection he needs to take the next step.” Local sports radio host Joe Rose called the mock “a home run for the Dolphins,” adding that “Graham is exactly the kind of player this team has been missing on the offensive line— talented, versatile, and ready to contribute.” While mock drafts are just projections, the excitement around Graham’s potential selection speaks to how desperate Dolphins fans are to see the team address its offensive line issues. For the Miami Dolphins, the positive response to the mock draft is a reminder of the high expectations fans have for the 2028 season— and how critical it is to make smart, impactful picks in the draft. Draft Mock Lands Perfect Fit for the Miami Dolphins concludes by noting that while nothing is certain in the NFL Draft, selecting a player like Graham would be a major step forward for the Dolphins as they look to compete for an AFC East title and a Super Bowl berth in the coming years.