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MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 29: Tyreek Hill #10 of the Miami Dolphins leaves the field following an injury during the third quarter against the New York Jets at Hard Rock Stadium on September 29, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
The Miami Dolphins are in need of an infusion of talent. They are also likely to undergo a youth movement under new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan. The best way to do that is to have a good draft. The Dolphins currently possess the No. 11 pick in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. That marks their highest selection since the 2021 draft, when they selected wide receiver Jaylen Waddle with the sixth overall pick.
In the past, Dolphins fans have had a position in mind they would like addressed in the draft. This year, Miami’s roster presents several holes, which is not a good thing, but allows Miami to prioritize talent over need. A new mock draft by NFL Network’s Bucky Brooks has the Dolphins selecting a position many may not expect.
Miami Dolphins Predicted to Draft Tight End
Bucky Brooks has projected the Dolphins to go with Oregon tight end with the No. 11 pick in the draft. He wrote, “With Darren Waller’s contract up, the Dolphins could prioritize tight end in the draft. Sadiq is a mismatch creator with the potential to give defensive coordinators headaches as they try to keep up with Miami’s speed and explosiveness on the perimeter.”
While Brooks mentioned Waller’s contract, it should also be pointed out that aside from his contract, Waller is also considering going back into retirement. Perhaps more importantly, with the expected release of superstar wide receiver Tyreek Hill, the Dolphins find themselves in search of a playmaker to help out their quarterback, whoever that may be. Hill missed most of the season after suffering a dislocated knee injury. Miami’s offense declined after that, and had to undergo an identity shift and prioritize the run game. Adding an explosive playmaker would give the Dolphins a dimension they lacked in 2025.
Thoughts on Sadiq’s Selection
Brooks’ Moving the Sticks co-host Daniel Jeremiah sees the selection of Sadiq as a reach. In his own mock draft, Jeremiah had Sadiq going to the 49ers with the No. 27 overall pick. Jeremiah has Sadiq rated at No. 21 in his draft big board. Regarding the player, he wrote, “Sadiq is a short, muscled-up tight end with outstanding speed and athleticism. At Oregon, he primarily aligned attached or in the slot, but he also saw some reps out wide and in the backfield. He is very explosive in his release and he’s able to separate vertically on seam/wheel routes. He excels on quick screens, where he can display his dynamic run-after-catch skills. He needs to improve his dependability as a pass catcher. There were too many easy would-be catches that were dropped during the 2025 season. I love his competitiveness and tenacity as a blocker. He latches on, runs his feet and works to finish. Overall, Sadiq lacks height and consistent hands, but he is a versatile, explosive weapon with toughness.”
While going with a tight end at No. 11 may be a bit rich for the Miami Dolphins, adding a tough playmaker seems to fit the bill of what the new Dolphins management wants to instill. New head coach Jeff Hafley has spoken about wanting a tough football team, and by all accounts, Sadiq would contribute to that.
Jose Esquer Jose Esquer is a Mexican-American sportswriter and communications student based in San Diego, CA. His work spans football, basketball, baseball, and soccer. He has written for platforms like RotoWire and DolphinsTalk. You can find him on Twitter/X @JEsquer8, usually talking Dolphins, world football, or both. More about Jose Esquer
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