New Dolphins General Manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and Head Coach Jeff Hafley outlined their vision for the organization this week at the NFL Scouting Combine. The CliffsNotes: tough, smart players who prioritize winning – "we over me," as Sullivan said Tuesday.
Throughout the week, Miami's personnel and coaching staff will interview the majority of the prospects in Indianapolis as they gather information on the players, which is only a small part of the process.
"First and foremost, it comes back to the tape," Sullivan said. "Are they productive football players on film?... Obviously, you want big guys that are good athletes, but at the end of the day, it comes back to how do they play football. I'm looking for good football players; I'm not looking for guys that are particularly good testers but don't show up on tape."
The tape offers more information than a player's ability to stack a defensive back, reach a three-technique or long-arm a wrapping tight end. You can also glean character from a player's actions under the eye in the sky.
"You're dotting i's and you're crossing t's, but this process is just one part of the process for me…" Sullivan said.
We won't know what the Dolphins think of these prospects until the draft has concluded and a new class is in tow, but we can gather thoughts from some of the league's most notable draft experts.
ESPN's Jordan Reid travels around the country during the fall to get a close look at prospects. He then plays matchmaker based on team fit.
"You've got to be smart to play in this defensive backfield," Reid said on Drive Time with Travis Wingfield. "Ohio State safety Caleb Downs is the kind of player that would come in right away and stabilize that group. Then, two corners that fit that mold, Tennessee's Jermod McCoy and LSU's Mansoor Delane. Those are two corners I see coming in and being stabilizing forces and versatile playmakers."
Bucky Brooks is the co-host of the Move the Sticks Podcast via NFL Media.
"People talk about (University of Miami defensive end) Akheem Mesidor," he has the traits and characteristics to fit," Brooks said. "Are they willing to take a tight end there? Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq is terrific and you're trying to figure out how to create mismatches, the easiest way to open up the field is to work inside out. He can make the game easier if they go with a young quarterback."
Brett Kollmann hosts the NFL's All 32 YouTube channel breaking down film on college prospects.
"This edge group is all different flavors," Kollmann said. "Rueben Bain (University of Miami) reminds me of Tank Lawrence who just anchored a Super Bowl defense in Seattle. Mesidor is a pro's pro already. Clemson edge T.J. Parker is a power player. The foundation is built on power because if you have power, you can get tackles to sit on it, then it shortens the corner. T.J. has this wicked long arm; nobody can handle it. He's a really smart kid and a great leader, too."
Perhaps the biggest takeaway from Indianapolis is that the Dolphins are going to have options with the No. 11 pick, and many of those options satisfy a lot of the traits Sullivan and Hafley have outlined throughout the process.
For more on the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, download the Drive Time Podcast with Travis Wingfield, available wherever you get your podcasts.
