Mock Draft Eyes Long-Term Option for the Miami Dolphins

As NFL mock draft season gains momentum, analysts and fans alike are zeroing in on the Miami Dolphins’ potential picks—and the consensus is clear: Mock Draft Eyes Long-Term Option for the Miami Dolphins. Unlike short-term fixes for immediate playoff needs, this year’s projections focus on selecting prospects who can grow into foundational pieces, addressing roster gaps that will define the team’s success beyond the 2025 season. With key veterans like quarterback Tua Tagovailoa entering the final year of his contract and offensive linemen approaching free agency, the Dolphins’ 2026 draft strategy is all about building sustainability. For a franchise aiming to compete for Super Bowls consistently, these mock drafts highlight that the upcoming draft isn’t just about winning next season—it’s about securing a core that can contend for years.

Mock Draft Eyes Long-Term Option for the Miami Dolphins begins with the most critical position in football: quarterback. While Tagovailoa has shown flashes of elite play, his injury history and contract status have left the Dolphins with uncertainty at the game’s most important spot. As a result, top mock drafts—including those from ESPN, NFL.com, and Pro Football Focus—project the Dolphins to target a quarterback prospect who can develop behind Tagovailoa before taking over as the long-term starter. The leading candidate in these projections is USC’s Caleb Williams Jr., a dual-threat signal-caller with a strong arm, quick decision-making, and the mobility to extend plays—traits that align with head coach Mike McDaniel’s offensive system. Williams Jr., who led USC to a Pac-12 title in 2025, has drawn comparisons to Patrick Mahomes for his ability to create plays outside the pocket. “The Dolphins can’t afford to wait until Tagovailoa leaves to find a replacement,” said NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. “Williams Jr. is a once-in-a-decade talent who can be their quarterback for the next 10 years—mock drafts are right to prioritize that long-term security.”

Mock Draft Eyes Long-Term Option for the Miami Dolphins delves into the other long-term needs driving projections: offensive line depth. The Dolphins’ current line has been solid, but left tackle Terron Armstead will turn 36 in 2026, and right guard Robert Hunt is set to hit free agency next offseason. Mock drafts consistently link the Dolphins to top offensive line prospects, with Ohio State’s Paris Johnson Jr. emerging as a favorite. Johnson Jr., a 6’6”, 315-pound left tackle, is known for his athleticism, technique, and ability to protect the quarterback’s blind side—qualities that make him a perfect long-term replacement for Armstead. He also has experience playing guard, giving the Dolphins flexibility to shift him around the line as needed. “Offensive line is a position where you need to plan ahead, and Johnson Jr. is the kind of prospect who can anchor that unit for a decade,” said former NFL offensive lineman Joe Thomas. “Mock drafts are smart to highlight him for the Dolphins—investing in the line now will keep their offense competitive even as veterans age.”

Mock Draft Eyes Long-Term Option for the Miami Dolphins highlights how the Miami Dolphins’ defensive needs are also shaping long-term mock draft projections. The team’s pass rush has relied heavily on 30-year-old Bradley Chubb, and while he’s been productive, the Dolphins lack a young edge rusher to pair with him long-term. Mock drafts address this by projecting the Dolphins to select LSU’s Harold Perkins Jr., a dynamic defensive end with 14 sacks and 22 tackles for loss in his 2025 college season. Perkins Jr. combines speed (4.5-second 40-yard dash) with strength, making him a threat to both sack quarterbacks and stop the run. His versatility—he can play both defensive end and linebacker—fits perfectly into defensive coordinator Vic Fangio’s scheme, which values players who can adapt to multiple roles. “Perkins Jr. isn’t just a pass rusher—he’s a complete defender who can grow with the Dolphins’ defense,” said NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah. “The Miami Dolphins need to build a young core on defense, and Perkins Jr. is exactly the kind of long-term option that mock drafts are targeting.”

Mock Draft Eyes Long-Term Option for the Miami Dolphins explores how the Dolphins’ draft capital supports these long-term picks. Thanks to a 2024 trade with the Kansas City Chiefs, the Dolphins hold an extra second-round pick in 2026, giving them flexibility to either select a top prospect in the first round or trade up to secure a higher-ranked player. Mock drafts often scenario-plan this flexibility: if a quarterback like Williams Jr. is taken before the Dolphins’ first-round pick, projections shift to selecting Johnson Jr. at tackle and using the second-round pick on a young wide receiver to complement Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle long-term. “The extra pick gives the Dolphins a safety net,” said Pro Football Focus’ Sam Monson. “They can prioritize their top long-term need (quarterback or line) in the first round and still address another gap in the second. The Miami Dolphins’ draft position this year is ideal for building long-term—mock drafts are reflecting that by showing multiple paths to success.”

Mock Draft Eyes Long-Term Option for the Miami Dolphins wraps up with why these long-term-focused mock drafts matter for the Dolphins’ future. In the NFL, sustained success doesn’t come from one-year fixes—it comes from drafting and developing young talent that grows with the team. By targeting prospects like Williams Jr., Johnson Jr., and Perkins Jr., the Dolphins are positioning themselves to avoid the “rebuild” cycle that plagues many teams. For fans, these mock drafts offer hope that the team’s current success isn’t a fluke—that the front office is building a core that can compete for Super Bowls year after year. “Mock drafts aren’t just guesses—they’re a window into a team’s strategy,” said long-time Dolphins fan Tony Garcia. “Seeing them focus on long-term options makes me confident this team is here to stay. The Miami Dolphins aren’t just trying to win now—they’re trying to win for a decade.” As the draft approaches, all eyes will be on the Dolphins to see if they follow these projections—and if they do, it could mean a new era of consistent contention in Miami.