Downs can definitely make the case to be the first non-quarterback selected in 2026, but we've also seen elite safeties (like Downs) go later than expected based on perceived positional value. (Kyle Hamilton, for example, was my second-ranked prospect in 2022 and the 14th overall pick). Downs is a complete defensive back with outstanding instincts who excels in coverage, as a blitzer and against the run. Given the team's defensive backfield turnover this offseason, a top-three talent at this spot would be a no-brainer pick for Chris Grier.

Terron Armstead announced his retirement this offseason, but the Dolphins will get an extended look at last year's second-round selection, Patrick Paul. If that does not go as planned, then the franchise could go in a different direction as part of the 2026 draft. Proctor is a massive human being who probably needs to play a little lighter to maximize his foot quickness and flexibility.

With Jalen Ramsey on the trade block, the Dolphins need young defensive backs. McCoy makes plenty of sense here as an active, physical corner. He exhibits great awareness and has a quick read on routes run in his coverage. He had four interceptions and eight pass breakups last season, so the ball skills are there, too. McCoy could be CB1 next year if his game continues to ascend.

Best Pick: Unlike most, I like their first-round pick in Kenneth Grant. He is a power player who fills a major need inside on their line.

Worst Pick: I like guard Jonah Savaiinaea in the second, but they gave up some picks to go up and get him. They could have waited, kept the picks and taken a different guard later. After that selection, they didn't pick again until the fifth round.

The Skinny: They only had two picks in the first four rounds, which limits what you can do. Grant is good and Savaiinaea is as well, but he better be special for what they did to get him. Quinn Ewers in the seventh is an interesting pick.

Top needs entering the draft: Safety, cornerback, defensive tackle and guard

The Dolphins missed the playoffs for the first time in the Mike McDaniel era last season, and it was their first losing record at 8-9 since 2019. Terron Armstead retired. Tyreek Hill has expressed frustration and even alluded to wanting out before walking it back. Jalen Ramsey is a trade candidate. This is a team in need of a spark, and it was a good year to have a bunch of picks. But then Miami used its first-round pick on ... a nose tackle.

Kenneth Grant is a good player, no doubt. The 331-pounder stops runners in their tracks and breaks up passes at the line of scrimmage. The Dolphins needed an impact player next to Zach Sieler on the defensive line. I just don't know that No. 13 overall was the place to find that player -- especially because Grant's pass rush upside is limited.

The bigger need falls in the secondary. Even before Miami was exploring a Ramsey trade, cornerback was a problem. Miami came to Green Bay with some combination of Storm Duck, Cam Smith and Ethan Bonner penciled in at CB2 to replace Kendall Fuller. That wasn't going to work. Safety was an even bigger issue after Jevon Holland signed with the Giants. Yet it was crickets at both positions until Day 3. Jason Marshall Jr. (CB32) and Dante Trader Jr. (S16) were the only adds.

Jonah Savaiinaea was the team's lone Day 2 selection. The Dolphins were 28th in pass block win rate (55.7%) last season. Patrick Paul might work out at left tackle as Armstead's replacement, but Miami needed options across the offensive line. Savaiinaea played tackle and guard at Arizona, and I'm projecting him as an interior blocker in the NFL. He could easily be the starter at left guard, with free agent addition James Daniels taking the right guard spot. If Paul struggled at left tackle, Savaiinaea could be a plug there; he looked good in a handful of games at left tackle last season.

I'll end with a note on quarterback Quinn Ewers: He throws with touch, but I just didn't see a lot of consistency from him. He's a backup quarterback in the NFL.