Jan. 10, 2026, 2:47 p.m. ET

Following a 7-10 season, the Miami Dolphins are slated to pick No. 11 in the 2026 NFL Draft.  The Dolphins have several needs across their roster, most notably at quarterback, guard, edge rusher, and defensive back.

New general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan has a lot of work on his hands, but several intriguing options in Round 1.

Here are 11 prospects that the Dolphins could target with their No. 11 selection:

Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

Perhaps the best prospect in the class, safety Caleb Downs from Ohio State University, could easily be off the board by the time Miami is on the clock. If he’s available, the Dolphins should sprint the ticket up to the podium.

Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.

Downs is an exceptional prospect who could be a chess piece in the defensive backfield. He has elite speed, is a terrific tackler, and his versatility could see him all over the field. Whether playing deep or at nickel, Downs has the smarts and technical skills to be a do-it-all type of safety.

Safeties Ashtyn Davis and Ifeatu Melifonwu are set to hit free agency, while Minkah Fitzpatrick has one year left on his contract. Fitzpatrick, who was a No. 11 pick himself back in 2018, could act as a perfect mentor to Downs.

Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami

The Dolphins have been trying to solidify their offensive line for years, and current right tackle Austin Jackson has missed plenty of action over the last two seasons. He played 16 games in 2023, but across the last four seasons, he has missed a total of 36 games. With potential savings for parting with Jackson, Miami may not have to look so far to find a potential replacement.

Mauigoa is the best tackle in the class, and his home is on the right side of the offensive line. At 6’6, 315 pounds, he has ideal NFL size and is a physical and athletic beast of a prospect.

The Hurricanes lineman anchors exceptionally well in pass protection and can stop skilled pass-rushers in their tracks. His run blocking is elite as well, and he gets out in space in hitting the next level, which could make him perfect in aiding Miami’s star running back De’Von Achane. When the evaluation season begins, Mauigoa could rise up mock draft boards, making him another player that Miami should waste little time contemplating about selecting should he be available.

Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

If not Mauigoa, Utah’s Spencer Fano is the next best offensive line prospect. Fano has the ability to play either side, as he was a left tackle his freshman year before moving to right tackle as a sophomore.

Fano excels in the running game and has uncanny movement and speed for his size at 6’6, 302 lbs. He plays with explosiveness to get out to the next level to help in the rushing attack, and displays ferocity and confidence in his game.

Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

Miami is in major need of a lockdown, ball-hawking cornerback, and Mansoor Delane could be the cream of the crop in 2026’s class. Delane had three outstanding seasons at Virginia Tech before spending his senior season at LSU to face some of the best competition in college football.

Delane has scheme versatility in both zone and man, as well as position flexibility as a boundary and slot corner. He has the athleticism to be a factor against the run as well as not shy away from being physical with bigger receivers. He finished his collegiate career with eight interceptions, 27 passes defended, and seven tackles for loss, as well as four forced fumbles.

Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

There are a few cornerbacks who could be a fit for Miami at 11, and Tennessee’s Jermod McCoy is certainly one of them. He spent his freshman season at Oregon State, where he recorded seven passes defended and two interceptions. He played his sophomore year at Tennessee, where he made four interceptions and nine passes defended.

McCoy is another scheme-versatile defensive back with elite ball skills. The caveat here is a 2025 ACL injury, but his coverage ability is elite, and he can excel in press coverage. He also brings special teams skills as a punt returner.

Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama

The consensus top two quarterbacks in this draft will be long gone by pick No. 11. While the 2027 class may provide a more tempting pool of candidates, Miami could opt for the third-best option in 2026.

Simpson knows his way around the pocket and can read through his progressions well, manipulating defenders with his eyes. He has limited experience after only one year as a full-time starter, but threw for 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns, and just five interceptions in 2025.

He has leadership skills, good smarts and awareness, and shows savvy decision-making ability. Despite his limited action, Simpson could be an intriguing potential franchise quarterback at the pro level.

David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech

After trading Jaelan Phillips in the middle of 2025, the Dolphins have limited options on the edge. Second-year Chop Robinson had a rough sophomore season in the NFL, and Bradley Chubb may be on his way off the roster. The Dolphins could look at this position in the first round just like they did in 2024.

Texas Tech outside linebacker David Bailey had a sensational senior season for the Red Raiders and was the nation’s co-leader in sacks with 14.5 and second in tackles for loss with 20.

Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn

Sticking with another edge here, Auburn’s Keldric Faulk should also be on Miami’s radar. Faulk carries a massive 6’6 frame and could be a tremendous help setting the edge against the run, as that is his calling card. He has a basketball background, which helps in his movement, footwork, and overall athleticism, while his pass-work bag of tricks could be developed more with pro coaching.

Faulk has the versatility to play several different techniques within a defensive front. In his three seasons in Auburn, he recorded 19.5 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, six passes defended, and a forced fumble.

Rueben Bain Jr, DL, Miami

This could be a pipe dream, as Bain should be picked in the top 10, but landing the defensive end would be a home run for the Dolphins. A hometown hero from high school to college, Bain staying in South Florida would be a boon for the Miami defense.

Bain is an electric player with versatility to play across the defensive front and a motor that won’t quit. He rebounded from a calf injury in 2024 to become one of the country’s elite draft prospects. He is an excellent run defender with an array of pass-rushing moves, including a powerful bull rush. He displays incredible bend for his size and shows very good quickness.

He’ll be playing for a national title to cap a season that saw him total 8.5 sacks, 13 tackles for loss, and a forced fumble while being named an All-American. It would be a shock if he is available at 11, and a player Miami would be lucky to land.

Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

Styles is an outstanding athlete who could even play safety. He’s excellent in both zone and man coverage, and a good tackler with a great mix of speed and physical play. In addition to his coverage ability, he can be a factor against the run and adds pass-rushing ability from various areas of the field.

In his four seasons at OSU, he registered 244 total tackles, nine sacks, 22.5 tackles for loss, an interception, nine passes defended, and three forced fumbles.

Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

The Dolphins have never selected a tight end in the first round. Many fans wanted Tyler Warren’s name called at No. 13 last year, but Miami went with defensive tackle Kenneth Grant. Oregon’s Kenyon Sadiq may be the player to warrant the franchise changing its tune.

A pass-catching weapon who can line up in the slot as well as in-line, his speed, hands, and route-running could make him an instant weapon for Miami, with them needing more vertical playmakers. His receiving ability comes with physical blocking skills, so he could be a valuable overall tight end.

Sadiq showed his ability to put up points in his final year at Oregon, finding the end zone eight times to go with his 46 receptions and 531 yards.