Miami Dolphins 2026 Senior Bowl Watchlist

The Miami Dolphins are heading into a new era led by former Packers duo Jon Eric Sullivan and Jeff Hafley. With five picks in the top 100, the draft is going to be crucial, and this year's Senior Bowl gives them the chance to get a closer look at some prospects who could fill some of the team's many holes. A few standouts from last year's event include Seahawks G Grey Zabel, Bills CB Maxwell Hairston, and Titans WR Chimere Dike, all of whom had big roles in their rookie seasons.

Hafley's primary focus should be on defense. On top of the Dolphins' defense struggling for most of the season due to both scheme and personnel, Hafley will want to build a true defensive identity, given his background. The good news for Hafley is that the Dolphins are now rebuilding, which means that any rookies they select will have proper time to develop. Here are a few names that they'll have their eye on.

Kamari Ramsey (USC, SAF)

The Dolphins' needs start in the secondary. Players like Caleb Downs and Mansoor Delane have been mocked to the Dolphins at pick 11, but it's important to have other options in case they decide to go in a different direction with that pick. Enter USC safety Kamari Ramsey. Ramsey was a three-year starter, and while his ball production stats are nothing to write home about (2 INTs and 11 PD), his biggest strength is his versatility. Even though he spends most of his time at safety, he has lined up plenty as a nickel corner, where he can be involved in coverage or in the run game. He excels in zone coverage and has a nose for the football. His scouting report also states that he: "Transitions from backpedal to full acceleration happen in the blink of an eye, creating recovery speed that erases potential big plays when quarterbacks try to test him deep." Ramsey will undoubtedly be on the Dolphins' radar with their second pick at No. 43.

Daylen Everette (Georgia, CB)

It's always worth taking a swing on pure talent, and that's what the Dolphins could do with Daylen Everette. He's a former five-star recruit coming out of high school with prototypical NFL size at 6'1", 193 pounds, and has 4.34 speed. The measurables alone make him an intriguing prospect, and then add in the fact that he's coming out of Georgia, a school with a rich history of producing defensive studs. The Dolphins allowed the highest completion percentage to opposing quarterbacks in the NFL this season, so the potential of adding an outside corner with physical gifts of this level is exciting. There are questions about Everette regarding certain routes and footwork, but these are things that can be developed, and Hafley will have the time to do so.

Jacob Rodriguez (Texas Tech, ILB)

Jordyn Brooks is only under contract for one more season, and the Dolphins may not have the cap space to extend him after the season he just had. A prospect who could help fill that void in the future is Texas Tech's Jacob Rodriguez. He anchored the Red Raiders to one of the best defenses in the country, and the number 1 overall rushing defense. His production over the past two seasons has, quite frankly, been off the charts. He's totaled 255 tackles, six sacks, ten forced fumbles, and five interceptions. Some other positives in his scouting report include that Rodriguez: "Diagnoses run concepts quickly and shoots gaps with conviction, rarely getting caught flat-footed when the ball gets handed off. Shows legitimate sideline-to-sideline pursuit with the range to track down outside runs and cover backs in the flat effectively." The main concerns with Rodriguez are his size and athleticism, especially since he'll be in coverage against modern-day tight ends who are essentially receivers. That being said, he has the intangibles and the college production that is difficult to find.

Malachi Fields (Notre Dame, WR)

The need for a wide receiver seems to have flown a bit under the radar for the Dolphins, but don't be surprised if they select one with one of their first four picks. Outside of Jaylen Waddle, the Dolphins receiver room is currently: Theo Wease Jr, Malik Washington, Tahj Washington, Nick Westbrook Ikhine, and Cedrick Wilson Jr. Every single one of those players was a free agent in all of your fantasy leagues all season (with the possible exception of Malik for a few weeks). Notre Dame's Malachi Fields would pose a completely different threat for the Dolphins. He's 6'4", 218 pounds, and he uses his size to both make contested catches and block. He doesn't have elite long speed, but the Dolphins already have that with Waddle and Washington.

Having a more dedicated "jump ball" receiver would be a huge asset in the red zone, and his blocking would aid the running game greatly. Fields would be a departure from the shorter, speedier receivers the Dolphins have had in the past few years, but adding a different skillset could be just what Jeff Hafley is looking to do.

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