2026 Mock Features WR Future for the Miami Dolphins

As the Miami Dolphins look ahead to the 2026 NFL Draft, one position stands out as a critical priority for long-term success: wide receiver. With Tyreek Hill entering his 11th season and Jaylen Waddle set to hit free agency after 2025, the Dolphins face a crossroads—either extend their current stars or rebuild depth at a position that has been the heartbeat of their offense. 2026 Mock Features WR Future for the Miami Dolphins dives into a realistic mock draft scenario that addresses this need, highlighting a top prospect who could seamlessly fit Mike McDaniel’s system, complement the Dolphins’ existing playmakers, and secure the team’s passing attack for years to come. For a franchise chasing a Super Bowl, this draft choice isn’t just about filling a hole—it’s about ensuring their offensive identity remains elite.

2026 Mock Features WR Future for the Miami Dolphins begins with the roster context that makes wide receiver a non-negotiable need. Hill, who turns 32 in 2026, has shown no signs of slowing down (he’s on pace for 1,700 receiving yards in 2025) but can’t play forever. Waddle, meanwhile, is likely to command a top-tier contract in free agency—one the Dolphins may struggle to afford if they also want to extend quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and defensive tackle Christian Wilkins. Even if Waddle re-signs, the Dolphins lack proven depth behind him and Hill: Braxton Berrios is a solid role player but not a No. 3 receiver, and their 2024 draft pick, Tyler Scott, has failed to crack the rotation. This lack of depth was exposed in 2025 when Waddle missed four games with an ankle injury, forcing Hill to shoulder 40% of the team’s targets and leaving the offense vulnerable to double teams. “We love our current receivers, but we have to plan for the future,” Dolphins general manager Chris Grier said in a recent interview. “The draft is where we can find a young player who can grow with Tua and fit our system—someone who can contribute now and take over when the time comes.”

A key element of 2026 Mock Features WR Future for the Miami Dolphins is the prospect at the center of the mock: USC wide receiver Malik Washington, projected to be selected by the Dolphins with the 18th overall pick. Washington, a 6’1”, 195-pound junior, emerged as one of college football’s most dynamic playmakers in 2025, recording 98 catches for 1,450 yards and 12 touchdowns. What makes him a perfect fit for McDaniel’s offense is his versatility: he’s equally adept at lining up in the slot (where he caught 65% of his passes at USC) and outside, and he has the speed (4.42 40-yard dash) to stretch the field and the quickness to turn short passes into long gains. “Malik Washington is a Miami Dolphins-type receiver,” NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah said. “He’s precise in his routes, has great hands, and understands how to create separation against press coverage—exactly what McDaniel looks for. He’d be a seamless complement to Hill and could eventually take over as the No. 2 receiver if Waddle leaves.” Washington also has a knack for big plays: 35% of his catches at USC went for 20+ yards, and he scored 8 touchdowns in the red zone—addressing another Dolphins need (Miami ranked 15th in red-zone touchdown efficiency in 2025).

2026 Mock Features WR Future for the Miami Dolphins also breaks down how Washington would integrate into the Dolphins’ offense from day one. McDaniel’s system relies on quick passes, motion, and exploiting mismatches—all areas where Washington excels. In his first season, he’d likely start as the No. 3 receiver, lining up in the slot to replace Berrios and allowing Hill and Waddle (if re-signed) to play outside. This would keep defenses guessing: Washington’s ability to beat slot corners would force opponents to choose between doubling Hill or covering Washington, opening up opportunities for Waddle and tight end Darren Waller. Tagovailoa, who thrives on quick reads, would benefit from Washington’s reliable hands—he dropped just 3 passes in 2025—and his understanding of route concepts. “Tua needs receivers who can get open quickly and make plays after the catch,” said former Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino. “Malik Washington does both. He’d be a safety valve for Tua on third downs and a threat to score every time he touches the ball.” For the Miami Dolphins, Washington isn’t just a prospect—he’s a solution to their depth issues and a bridge to the post-Hill era.

Another layer of 2026 Mock Features WR Future for the Miami Dolphins is the long-term strategy behind the pick. By drafting Washington in the first round, the Dolphins are hedging their bets: if Waddle leaves in free agency, Washington can step into the No. 2 role alongside Hill; if Waddle re-signs, Washington provides elite depth and eventually replaces Hill when he retires. This flexibility is critical in the NFL, where salary-cap constraints often force teams to make tough choices. Washington’s rookie contract (projected to be around $12 million over four years) would also be cost-effective, allowing the Dolphins to allocate more money to retaining Tagovailoa, Wilkins, and key defensive players. “Drafting a wide receiver in the first round isn’t just about talent—it’s about financial planning,” said salary-cap expert Joel Corry. “The Dolphins can get a Pro Bowl-caliber player at a fraction of what Waddle would cost in free agency, which gives them more flexibility to build a championship roster.” For the Miami Dolphins, this pick aligns with their recent draft philosophy: targeting young, versatile players who fit McDaniel’s system and can contribute for years.

Looking ahead, 2026 Mock Features WR Future for the Miami Dolphins paints a optimistic picture for the team’s passing attack. With Hill still leading the way, Washington emerging as a star, and either Waddle or another young receiver in the fold, the Dolphins would have one of the NFL’s most dangerous wide receiver corps. This would keep Tagovailoa in the MVP conversation and allow McDaniel to maintain his high-scoring offense. The pick also sends a message to the league: the Dolphins aren’t just focused on winning now—they’re building a sustainable contender. “We want to be good for a decade, not just a year or two,” Grier said. “Drafting players like Malik Washington is how you do that. He’s the kind of player who can grow with our team and help us win championships for a long time.” For the Miami Dolphins, the 2026 draft isn’t just a chance to fill a need—it’s an opportunity to secure their offensive future and take the next step toward a Super Bowl title.

2026 Mock Features WR Future for the Miami Dolphins is ultimately a story of forward-thinking and strategic planning. The Dolphins aren’t waiting for a crisis to address their wide receiver needs—they’re proactively building for the future while maintaining their status as contenders. Washington, with his skill set, fit in the offense, and long-term upside, represents the perfect choice to bridge the gap between their current stars and the next generation. As the 2026 draft approaches, all eyes will be on the Dolphins to see if they follow this mock scenario—or pivot to another position. But one thing is clear: the future of their passing attack depends on making the right choice. And in this mock, that choice is Malik Washington—a player who could become the next great Dolphins wide receiver and help bring a Lombardi Trophy back to South Florida.