2026 NFL Mock Draft: Mel Kiper’s final projection for the year looks at 2 rounds
· Yahoo Sports
The 2026 NFL Draft is just over a week away, which means mock draft season is starting to wind down. On ESPN, analyst Mel Kiper, Jr., released his final 2026 NFL Mock Draft, running two rounds in his projection – and giving us three Miami Dolphins picks to consider. What does he think Miami should do with its two first-round and one second-round pick?
To open their selections, the Dolphins address the offensive line, according to Kiper. With the 11th overall pick, he has them adding Miami offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa. He explains the pick, writing:
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The Dolphins entered this mock draft with 11 total picks, including seven in the first three rounds. They need them as they continue to make big changes under new leadership. One of the key components to a successful rebuild is shoring up the offensive tackle spots. Patrick Paul takes care of the left tackle spot, but there are questions at right tackle after Austin Jackson missed 11 games in 2025. Miami figures to have a run-heavy offense next season behind mobile quarterback Malik Willis and talented running back De’Von Achane, and Mauigoa would plow open some rushing lanes. If the Dolphins preferred, they could kick him inside, where I think he has a Pro Bowl ceiling.
The Dolphins then use their second first-round pick, the 30th overall selection, to trade back and acquire more picks. In Kiper’s scenario, Miami sends its pick, along with the 94th selection, to the Arizona Cardinals for the 34th and 65th picks. As Kiper explains, “The Dolphins would then have five total picks in the top 75 and still be able to get an impact player early on Day 2.”
That 34th pick they acquired from the Cardinals, the second pick in the second round, would allow Miami to acquire Alabama wide receiver Germie Bernard. Kiper states:
Down Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle since this time last year, the Dolphins will be sizing up this receiver class. Bernard has underrated speed (4.48) and superb hands, and new offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik could get creative in how he uses him. Bernard had 862 yards and seven TDs as a pass catcher last season, but he also ran for 101 yards and two scores.
Then, with the 43rd pick, the Dolphins would turn to the defense, addressing one of their biggest needs heading into the draft. Kiper has Miami selecting San Diego State cornerback Chris Johnson, explaining:
Johnson has 4.4 speed and posted four interceptions and nine pass breakups last season. He is probably going to be my CB3 in the class when my final rankings drop next week, so this could end up being a steal for the Dolphins. They would love to find a starter in the middle of Round 2; they are in particularly rough shape at corner.
What do you think of Kiper’s projection? Would you be happy with Mauigoa, Bernard, and Johnson, along with a move up from 94 to 65? Let us know what you think of the selections in the comments below.