Dolphins Draft Class 2026: First

The Miami Dolphins have completed a crucial evaluation period for their 2026 draft class, with 13 rookie draft picks and 11 undrafted free agents finishing their first NFL training camp. As the team prepares for final roster cuts, fans and analysts are getting their first real look at which newcomers could make an immediate impact in South Florida.

The journey through training camp brought plenty of ups and downs for the Dolphins draft class. Several undrafted additions have already been released from the roster, but the drafted rookies are in a much stronger position. Most are expected to secure spots on the final 53-man roster, though a few players find themselves nervously waiting as decision day approaches.

Top Performers From the Dolphins Draft Class

The Dolphins’ top three draft picks have not disappointed according to evaluations from training camp. These premium selections showed exactly why Miami invested heavily in them during the 2026 NFL Draft. Their consistent performance throughout preseason activities has validated the front office’s decisions and raised expectations for the upcoming season.

Third-round pick Will Kacmarek has been particularly impressive for fans who appreciate physical football. His aggressive playing style and hard-nosed approach have earned him recognition as one of the standout performers from this rookie class. The young player has shown exactly what the Dolphins coaching staff was looking for when they selected him.

Versatile Players Making an Impact

Fourth-round selection Kyle Louis presents an interesting evaluation challenge for the Miami Dolphins. He has proven difficult to categorize, demonstrating abilities across multiple positions. Louis has taken snaps as an inside and outside linebacker, practiced as a safety, and might even project better as a nickel corner.

The jack-of-all-trades approach makes Louis a fascinating prospect. While he hasn’t mastered any single position yet, his versatility is considered too valuable to overlook. The Dolphins coaching staff needs to determine where he best fits, but his roster spot appears secure given his adaptability across the defense.

Sixth-round pick D.J. Campbell has been a pleasant surprise and often overlooked during camp evaluations. Despite taking snaps primarily with the third team, Campbell has distinguished himself through consistency, drive, and physical play. Given the Dolphins’ depth issues on the offensive line, he could emerge as a bright spot for the franchise.

Bubble Players Facing Roster Decisions

Fifth-round pick Kevin Coleman Jr. has looked good when given opportunities during preseason games. The evaluation comes down to numbers at this point. If Miami were to release Coleman, they would likely try to bring him back to the practice squad if he cleared waivers, but that represents a risky strategy given his demonstrated abilities.

The young receiver showed too many good things that simply cannot be ignored. He possesses the tools necessary to earn game-day repetitions and should find himself on the active roster when final cuts are announced.

Fifth-round selection Michael Taaffe showed promise but didn’t appear ready to claim a starting job based on preseason performances. While not considered a lock for the 53-man roster, it would be surprising to see any player ranked above him get released.

Injured Rookies Complicate Evaluations

Third-round pick Chris Bell represents the most difficult evaluation from the 2026 draft class. An injury sidelined him for the entire training camp, and he was only cleared to practice less than two weeks before preseason concluded. Bell made his debut on Friday night and looked good, though understandably rusty.

It would be unfair to judge Bell against teammates who practiced throughout camp. The expectation remains that he will make a huge impact on the Dolphins offense this year once fully healthy and integrated into the system.

Fourth-round pick Trey Moore faces a similar situation. Before his injury, Moore was looking solid and promising during practices. Unfortunately, he will miss the season opener and could begin his rookie campaign on injured reserve, delaying his NFL debut.

Development Projects and Practice Squad Candidates

Fifth-round pick Seydou Traore has shown the potential and upside that attracted the Dolphins, but his inconsistent camp performance raises concerns. He never truly shone during practice sessions or preseason games. If any player from this draft class fails to make the final 53, Traore might be the most likely candidate.

Seventh-round selection Max Llewellyn continued improving throughout camp, but the young edge rusher was missing the punch expected even from a late-round rookie. He projects as a special teams player coming out of camp, with significant developmental potential.

There’s a strong chance Llewellyn makes the active roster, but he could also be a practice squad stash as the Dolphins continue developing his skills. Long-term, he has the potential to develop into a solid rotational or situational edge defender.