2026 NFL Mock Draft: Dolphins seven-round mock starts scouting

Sadly, we are officially into the NFL offseason as the Miami Dolphins have completed their 2025 regular season. Without the playoffs, everything Dolphins is now focused on preparations for the 2026 season. And, with that transition, it also means we are on to mock draft season.

To kick off mock draft season, I decided to use mock drafts as a way to start our look at potential draft targets for the Dolphins this year. I visited our friends at Pro Football and Sports Network and used their mock draft simulator. The goal of my mock draft was not to select the perfect draft for the Dolphins, but rather to see who might be available and provide scouting reports on those prospects.

Do not look at the picks below as me saying I think the Dolphins should take that player, or that I would make these picks in the real draft. Instead, look at it like a randomized option to get a break down of prospective players.

I did, however, include trades in the mock. I felt like that is another chance to see what could happen in April when we get to the draft. I will break those moves down as well to explain what was in the deal. I did not initiate any of these trades, but relied on offers the PFSN simulator presented to me.

Time to get into this:

2026 NFL Miami Dolphins Mock Draft Results

(via PFSN Mock Draft Simulator)

First Round

Pick 11 – Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

The Dolphins need to bolster their cornerback position, especially after last year’s rash of injuries at the spot. McCoy should be a first-round pick, but he is also an injury concern, coming off an ACL tear. He is not the fastest cornerback, but he has great ball skills and his instincts aid him in coverage. He can play both man and zone well, but continued development as a press-coverage cornerback against NFL-level wide receiver could be the next evolution of his game.

What they are saying:

McCoy is a toolsy outside corner with CB1 flashes, but an ACL tear robbed him of a much-needed third season. Hips and feet are smooth, allowing for quality lateral transitions and efficient gathers to match hard-breaking curls. He’s athletic in his recoveries but average acceleration leaves him chasing too often on go routes. More focused, physical press disruption should make the rep easier to control. He’s opportunistic with strong ball skills at the catch point. His route squeeze and zone awareness should improve with more reps. We should expect McCoy’s athletic traits and instincts to help him make up for lost time once he gets into camp. – Lance Zierlein, NFL.com

McCoy brings scheme versatility that allows him to excel in multiple systems, though he’ll particularly shine in defenses emphasizing zone pattern-matching concepts. His instinctive understanding of spatial relationships and route combinations allows him to process information faster than most prospects at his position. His timed speed raises questions about his recovery ability against elite NFL deep threats, but his anticipation and technique typically compensate for what he lacks in pure straight-line acceleration.

His ball production isn’t an accident – the former Volunteer displays an authentic nose for the football that can’t be taught. This isn’t just a cornerback who prevents completions; he’s a legitimate turnover creator who can flip field position in an instant. The elite coverage grades back up what the tape shows – a corner who anticipates throws and disrupts passing lanes with exceptional consistency. His technique allows him to play faster than his timed speed, particularly in short and intermediate zones where his click-and-close ability shines.

Evaluating McCoy requires projecting how his game translates against NFL speed while factoring in his ongoing ACL recovery. Defensive coordinators will best maximize his instinctive zone skills by allowing him to read quarterbacks and jump routes rather than asking him to carry vertical threats with no help. Despite the long speed concerns and injury situation, his exceptional football IQ, ball skills, and versatility make him a worthy high selection with legitimate CB1 upside at the next level, provided his rehabilitation continues on schedule. – NFL Draft Buzz

McCoy didn’t play in 2025 after suffering a torn ACL in January, but he still has the chance to be the first cornerback off the board in April. He began his college career at Oregon State, picking off two passes there in 2023. McCoy’s ball-hawking traits really emerged once transferring to Tennessee, as he picked off four passes and broke up nine in 2024. His on-the-ball production will get Day 1 interest. – Mel Kiper, Jr., ESPN

Second Round

Trade – Pick 43, 149 to Jacksonville Jaguars for picks 56, 81

The Jaguars jumped up to select Indiana wide receiver Elijah Sarratt with the 43rd pick.

Pick 56 – Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo

The Dolphins continue to rebuild their defense with back-to-back secondary picks in this mock draft. The status of Minkah Fitzpatrick is up for debate, with the possibility that Miami may move on from their former first-round pick for a second time, following their trade to reacquire him in 2025. Warren is probably a player who is looking to support the run, more than he is the jack-of-all-trades that is Fitzpatrick, and he is not bringing a ton of speed to the position if in direct coverage, but he could be a player who grows into the NFL after playing at Toledo.

What they are saying:

Long, downhill safety capable of bolstering a team’s run defense and playing enforcer over the middle. McNeil-Warren is most valuable when playing near the line of scrimmage or in robber positioning. He anticipates well in coverage and is quick to close on receivers but will need to be protected by scheme to prevent speed mismatches. He’s urgent in run support and has a feel for slipping blocks/meeting runners early in the carry. He’s a rangy tackler, but needs to quiet his feet when diagnosing and flowing downhill to tackle. McNeil-Warren might be pigeon-holed schematically but he’s good at his job. – Lance Zierlein, NFL.com

McNeil-Warren enters the draft as a fascinating developmental prospect whose physical tools and turnover production make him worthy of Day 2 consideration despite some technical rough edges. His combination of length, improving instincts, and proven ability to generate game-changing plays positions him as the type of safety who could thrive in a role-specific capacity early before expanding his responsibilities. The modern NFL’s emphasis on versatile defensive backs who can match up with tight ends and provide run support from depth aligns perfectly with his skill set, though defensive coordinators will need patience developing his deep coverage reliability.

His ceiling depends heavily on continued refinement of his anticipation and pattern recognition – the mental processing that separates good college safeties from NFL starters. The flashes are there, particularly his pick-six against Western Kentucky that demonstrated his growth reading quarterback intentions, but consistency remains elusive. Teams running primarily split-safety coverages where he can work from depth and leverage his closing speed downhill would maximize his immediate impact while minimizing exposure to his weaknesses in isolated deep coverage situations.

The second-to-third round projection feels appropriate given his unique physical profile and production despite playing at Toledo rather than a Power Five program. His combination of forced fumbles, improving coverage skills, and rare length creates a compelling case for teams seeking a strong safety who can eventually develop into a three-down player. While he may never become an elite single-high free safety, McNeil-Warren possesses the tools and competitive drive to carve out a decade-long career as a valuable chess piece in creative defensive schemes that value versatility and playmaking over pure coverage ability. – NFL Draft Buzz

Third Round

Trade – Pick 75, 149 to Tampa Bay Buccaneers for picks 77, 116

The Buccaneers jumped up to select USC edge rusher Anthony Lucas with the 75th pick.

Pick 77 – Isaiah World, T, Oregon

The Dolphins’ offensive line was better than expected in 2025, but it still could be re-tooled heading into 2026. A former basketball player, World moves well for a giant of a man. He started his college career at Nevada before transferring to Oregon, and he spent time at both right and left tackle. He is a better pass blocker than he is a run blocker, but has the potential to develop. Patrick Paul seems entrenched at left tackle for Miami, but the injury history of Austin Jackson could lead Miami to looking for a right tackle to either compete with Jackson or to serve as a swing tackle backup behind starters on both sides of the line.

What they are saying:

Any NFL team adding World to their roster will be investing in a high-ceiling, developmental tackle who could blossom into a quality starter with time and proper coaching. His film shows a prospect with excellent pass protection instincts but a work-in-progress as a run blocker – making him a perfect fit for pass-first offensive systems that emphasize vertical sets where his length and improving lateral movement can shine immediately.

The stark contrast between World’s pass and run blocking abilities suggests a specialized role early in his career, likely as a swing tackle who can provide immediate value in obvious passing situations. Coaches will need to focus on lowering his pad level, improving hand placement, and eliminating the penalty issues that have followed him throughout his career. His basketball background has blessed him with rare coordination for his size, but also means he’s still developing the consistent power and leverage techniques required in the run game.

What makes World intriguing is how much untapped potential remains. The improvement shown during his transfer year at Oregon against higher-caliber competition indicates his development trajectory is still pointing sharply upward. His fifth-year growth suggests a player who responds well to coaching and elevated competition. While he may require seasoning before taking over a starting role, World possesses the physical tools and technical foundation to develop into an above-average NFL tackle by his second or third season, particularly on the right side where his pass protection skills could truly flourish. – NFL Draft Buzz

Isaiah World is a tools-y, loose mover with an explosive first step and jarring hands. Those traits are overshadowed by too many quick, glaring losses due to an unrefined skill-set. World’s combination of physical tools and flashes warrant a Day 3 draft pick, and he can work toward a role over the course of his rookie contract.

World is a 6’8″, 318-pound tackle prospect, who entered the Nevada program as a 3-star recruit in the 2021 class before transferring to Oregon in 2025.

World started 35 games primarily at left tackle while at Nevada from 2021-2024. – Brandon Thorn, Bleacher Report

Isaiah World is as intangibly rich as any lineman in this class. He’s the perfect canvas to develop a franchise tackle from. – The Draft Network

Pick 81 – Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas

Continuing a focus on the secondary this year, the Dolphins come back with their second cornerback selection in this mock draft. Muhammad had success early and often in his college career, seeing playing time as a freshman, then taking over as the starter in his sophomore year. He has the versatility to play boundary, field, or nickel roles, and could slide back into a centerfielder safety position as well. He is not an interception machine, but he is a solid cover option who could be asked to take away a side of the field as he grows into his NFL role.

What they are saying:

Muhammad brings immediate value as a defender who can contribute in multiple packages from day one. What jumps off the tape is his natural feel for route distributions and ability to process passing concepts – he sees the game unfold with veteran anticipation despite his youth. Watching him navigate complex coverage assignments against elite SEC competition revealed a corner who rarely finds himself out of position and consistently plays above his experience level.

His best NFL fit appears to be with defensive schemes employing pattern-match principles that maximize his instincts and football IQ. Coordinators who prioritize versatility in their secondary will appreciate his ability to execute both man and zone techniques with equal proficiency. While Muhammad doesn’t possess elite length, he compensates with exceptional footwork and transitional quickness that lets him mirror even the craftiest route runners. The technical refinement he displays in press technique and zone spacing indicates a prospect who’s been meticulously coached.

The comparison that resonates when studying Muhammad is a young Marcus Peters – a corner with football intelligence beyond his years who can process route combinations at an elite level. He’s not the type who generates pre-draft buzz with highlight-reel interceptions, but instead wins with consistent positioning and technique. In a cornerback class filled with one-dimensional specialists, he stands out as a complete defender who can align anywhere in the secondary – the kind of cornerstone talent that transforms a unit’s identity and elevates the entire defensive structure. – NFL Draft Buzz

For those who love watching ultra-competitive, twitchy-man coverage corners who frustrate wide receivers, Malik Muhammad is a must-watch.

The former 4-star recruit entered 2025 with a big confidence boost after starting all 16 games for the Longhorns and playing alongside Jahdae Barron.

He compiled 36 tackles, 32 solo, one tackle for loss, and eight passes defensed. He built the reputation as someone quarterbacks don’t often want to test because his basketball and track backgrounds show up on the football field. – Daniel Harms, Bleacher Report

Malik Muhammad brings experience, versatility, positional flexibility, and a high football IQ to any team that chooses him. He has this year to truly pull away from the rest of the cornerback class, and with Texas’s high preseason ranking will surely be featured in many prime-time games. He will be a surefire first-rounder and has a good chance to be the first corner off the board next April in Pittsburgh. – Draft Nation

Pick 87 – Skyler Bell, WR, UConn

After a lot of focus on the defensive secondary early in this mock draft, the Dolphins turn to the offensive side of the ball here and add a speedy wide receiver. Needing to figure out who they are on offense, the Dolphins could be seeing a massive overhaul with players like quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and wide receiver Tyreek Hill leaving town this offseason. Bell is smaller, so strong press coverage could throw off timing routes, but he is not going to shy away from contact. He has good route-running instincts, which could play well in Miami, especially if the Dolphins decide to keep Tagovailoa for another year rather than eating a huge amount of dead money. He has flashes of speed, but he may be pigeon-holed into the slot receiver role. He could be the complementary piece that breaks out Jaylen Waddle as the team’s top wide receiver.

What they are saying:

At 6’0″, 185 pounds with 4.4 wheels, Bell brings legitimate speed to the table – that’s the kind of number that translates to taking the top off defenses and winning foot races down the field. What makes him interesting is how he layers that speed with route-running savvy. He understands leverage and timing, knowing when to throttle down and when to hit the gas. The UAB performance where he hauled in 149 yards and three touchdowns showcased his complete toolkit: working the short game, attacking vertically, and making plays after the catch. His 101-reception season wasn’t a mirage built on volume against bad competition – he produced consistently against Power Four opponents and showed up in meaningful moments.

The concerns are legitimate. His frame is a problem against physical NFL cornerbacks who will jam him at the line and reroute him throughout his routes. The drop rate improving to single digits in 2025 is encouraging, but history suggests consistency catching the football remains questionable. When defenders get hands on him during routes, especially crossing the middle, he loses effectiveness quickly. He’s not going to win many contested catches against NFL defensive backs, and his freelancing tendencies need to be coached out of him immediately. The transfer from Wisconsin to UConn, while sparking his production, doesn’t help his stock – scouts will wonder if he’s a system player who feasted on inferior competition rather than a legitimate NFL prospect.

But here’s what matters: Bell’s speed is NFL-caliber, and that alone opens doors. He can threaten vertically in a way that forces defensive coordinators to account for him, and when you add his route creativity and change-of-direction skills, you’ve got a receiver who can create separation at multiple levels. He fits best in the slot or as a Z receiver in 11 personnel groupings, giving offensive coordinators flexibility in deployment. Teams running spacing concepts with quick game elements will find value in his ability to win at the stem of routes and generate yards after the catch. The 4.4 speed makes him dangerous on jet sweeps, screens, and any play design that gets him the ball in space with a runway. He won’t be a WR1, but there’s a legitimate role here as a complementary piece who can move the chains and provide explosive plays. His competitive toughness as a blocker gives him a path to early playing time, and that speed profile makes him a special teams weapon. The Senior Bowl and Shrine Bowl appearances will be critical – if he shows he can compete against legitimate NFL prospects in those settings and tests well, we’re talking about a receiver with mid-round appeal. The talent is there, and the speed is real. – NFL Draft Buzz

Skyler Bell is a small-school wide receiver with a skill set that translates smoothly to the NFL as a slot or movement/motion Z receiver.

He offers alignment versatility, mismatch creation, and yards after the catch. Against Power-4 competition, he proved he belonged on the same playing field.

Before transferring to UConn, his career began in Wisconsin as a former 3-star recruit in the 2021 class. Bell is having an outstanding breakout campaign for the Huskies with over 1,200 yards and 13 touchdowns. – Damian Parson, Bleacher Report

Bell’s film is impressive, despite his inconsistencies, and his production in his platform season has been incredible. His athleticism and competitive toughness should boost his stock, too.

Where Bell has the most to gain is during the pre-draft circuit. Of course, testing well will add certainty to the speed he’s showcased on tape. With his production, though, he’s all but guaranteed to make an appearance in an exhibition bowl game. Proving that his production can carry over against NFL hopefuls will bear greatly on his stock, perhaps more than almost any other prospect in this class.

It’s worth noting that transferring “down” from Wisconsin to UConn doesn’t do him well, and a late breakout might dampen some of the optimism his production creates. Neither is ideal, and a suboptimal frame gives teams another reason to be skeptical.

Ultimately, Bell looks the part of an encouraging early-to-mid Day 3 prospect with room for helium with a strong winter. He projects as a role-playing receiver with starter upside and a path to making a minor impact early in his NFL career. – Anthony Licciardi, The Sporting News

Pick 90 – Parker Brailsford, C, Alabama

Back to the offensive line, Miami adds a backup center who might be able to compete for a starting guard position here. Brailsford fits a zone-blocking scheme perfectly and could be a strong pulling guard. He could also be the perfect backup for Aaron Brewer at center, who works really well as a pulling center. Brailsford is considered small, but his 6-foot-2, 290 pounds matches almost exactly to Brewer’s 6-foot-1, 295 pounds.

What they are saying:

Brailsford’s exceptional mobility and pass protection skills create immediate value for offenses that prioritize quick-hitting concepts and zone rushing attacks, yet his struggles against power will require careful roster construction around him. When protected by scheme and flanked by heavier guards, he can be a difference-maker who elevates an entire unit’s athleticism and range.

His processing skills and pre-snap recognition suggest he’ll adapt quickly to NFL complexities, but the physical limitations that occasionally surfaced against elite college competition will only magnify at the pro level. The encouraging news is that Brailsford’s best moments came in the biggest games, showing the kind of competitive makeup that often translates regardless of size concerns. However, coordinators will need to be creative about how they deploy him, likely requiring regular chip help and strategic double-teams against elite interior rushers. His decision to return for another season and add weight demonstrates self-awareness, though there’s valid concern about whether additional mass will compromise the quickness that makes him special.

The NFL is increasingly valuing centers who can execute in space and handle complex protection schemes, which plays directly into Brailsford’s wheelhouse. Still, the reality remains that he’ll never be mistaken for a road-grading anchor, and teams betting on his development must be comfortable with that trade-off. His ceiling involves becoming a steady starter who brings consistency and intelligence to the position, while his floor could see him relegated to a backup role if he can’t adequately handle one-on-one power situations. The outcome likely hinges on whether he can find the right balance between adding functional strength and maintaining the explosive first step that defines his game. – Wyatt Brooks, NFL Draft Buzz

Parker Brailsford is an undersized, center-only prospect, who is alert and twitched-up with very good competitive toughness and sustain skills. He plays with the grit carve out an NFL role over time and even compete for a center job if flanked with bigger, hulking guards to help mitigate his slender frame.

Brailsford is a 6’2″, 290-pound center prospect, who entered the Washington program as a 3-star recruit in the 2022 class before transferring to Alabama in 2024.

Brailsford started 13 games at center in 2024 for the Crimson Tide. He started 15 games—13 at center and two at right guard—during the 2023 season for the Huskies as part of the Joe Moore Award winning OL unit. – Brandon Thorn, Bleacher Report

Parker Brailsford is an athletic center who plays well in the run game. He is undersized, and will need to find a way to cope with his lack of length against the larger players in the NFL. Draft Nation expects him to come off the board as a top 3 center by the end of day two or early on day three.

A good pro comparison for Brailsford may be Tyler Linderbaum of the Baltimore Ravens. They are both a bit undersized but have exceptional agility and speed to get to the second level. Brailsford may be a big stronger, but Linderbaum’s wrestling background makes him a tougher one-on-one battler. – Draft Nation

Parker Brailsford is a quick-twitch IOL who has the physical traits to be a high-level starter in a zone-primary run-blocking scheme. – Draft Network

Fourth Round

Trade – Pick 111 to Los Angeles Rams for picks 142, 167, 205, 208, 256

The Rams jumped up to select Cincinnati tight end Joe Royer with the 111th pick.

Trade – Pick 116 to Houston Texans for picks 128, 165

The Texans jumped up to select Boston College tackle Jude Bowry with the 116th pick.

Pick 128 – Gracen Halton, DT, Oklahoma

A rotational defenisve lineman comes off the board as the Dolphins make multiple fourth-round trades before the selection. Alongside veteran Zach Sieler, Miami is going to be expecting growth from last year’s three defensive line picks, first-round selection Kenneth Grant, fifth-round pick Jordan Phillips, and seventh-round selection Zeek Biggers, but adding depth behind them makes sense. Halton needs development – he is a strong pass-rushing defenisve tackle, but he is not the best run-stuffer on the board this year. Rotational play, as he adds strength and develops his technique, would make sense.

What they are saying:

Halton’s film reveals a player caught between two worlds – his pass-rushing ability jumps off the screen with consistent pressure generation and disruptive timing, yet his run defense shows the growing pains of a smaller interior lineman learning to handle bigger bodies. The contrast becomes apparent when watching him split guards on passing downs versus getting washed out by double teams on early downs. His 291-pound frame creates natural limitations against power running schemes, but that same compact build generates the leverage and quickness that makes him dangerous as a rusher.

The modern NFL’s emphasis on sub-package usage should benefit Halton significantly, as his skill set aligns perfectly with nickel and dime formations where pass rush takes precedence over two-gap responsibilities. His versatility across multiple spots gives defensive coordinators options, though his size constraints mean he’ll likely find his niche in specific situations rather than as an every-down contributor early in his career.

A mid-round investment makes sense for a player whose ceiling involves becoming a productive rotational pass rusher with spot starting capability. His floor remains relatively safe given his proven ability to generate pressure and create splash plays, though teams will need patience as he develops the strength and technique necessary to handle increased snaps against professional-level competition. The evaluation ultimately hinges on whether his exceptional pass-rushing traits can overcome his physical limitations in run defense – a question that will define his pro trajectory. – NFL Draft Buzz

Gracen Halton is an impressive athlete who can contribute as an interior pass-rusher in the NFL. He has the agility and quickness to be effective on stunts/line games and has shown a swim move that he can win with. However, Halton likes to play a finesse game at a violent position.

The 6’2″, 292-pound defensive lineman went to Oklahoma as a 4-star recruit in the 2022 class. He played sparingly during years one and two in Norman before becoming a rotational player/spot starter as a junior. That season, he logged 30 tackles, six tackles for loss, five sacks and two forced fumbles.

Halton made a few more starts in 2025 but was still in more of a rotational role on the Sooners’ defensive line. As of Dec. 15, he’s posted 31 tackles, seven TFLs, 3.5 sacks, two passes defended, and one FF this season. – Matt Holder, Bleacher Report

Halton is undersized for an interior player and has a bit of a tweener build that might drop him down some draft boards. But for a front that likes to stay multiple and fluid with its defensive linemen, he can be an asset thanks to his quickness, cross-face moves, hot motor and pursuit speed. His drawbacks are evident when more strength is needed, particularly anchoring or bull rushing. – Trevor Sikkema, Pro Football Focus

Fifth Round

Pick 142 – Tristan Leigh, T, Clemson

Leigh is built to be a tackle, but has the versatility to play guard as well – which could make him an option for Miami as they build depth along the offensive line. He needs time to develop at the NFL level after limited starts at Clemson, but if he reaches his potential, he could be a day three steal.

What they are saying:

At the next level Tristan Leigh’s potential as an offensive lineman hinges on his physical tools and versatility. His ability to play both tackle and guard positions offers valuable flexibility, particularly in zone-blocking schemes that can leverage his athleticism. However, his relatively limited starting experience at the collegiate level suggests a steeper learning curve awaits at the professional level.

Leigh’s development trajectory will be crucial to his NFL success. While his size and strength provide a solid foundation, refining his technique in pass protection and improving his consistency in run blocking are paramount. Teams will need to weigh his raw potential against his current skill level, considering the time and resources required to mold him into a reliable starter.

The ideal landing spot for Leigh would be a team with an established offensive line coach known for developing talent. A system that emphasizes technique and fundamentals could maximize his physical gifts while addressing his current limitations. Given his background and skill set, Leigh could initially contribute as a swing tackle or backup guard while honing his craft for a future starting role. – Felix Green, NFL Draft Buzz

Pick 165 – Vincent Anthony, Jr., Edge, Duke

Anthony has the potential to be an effective pass rusher at the NFL level, but he will need time to reach it. Undersized, he will need to add strength to his game if he wants to have the same level of success in the pros as he had in college. His edge setting leaves something to be desired, but he explodes off the line and has the bend needed to get around tackles.

What they are saying:

Anthony profiles as a developmental prospect who’ll need to earn his stripes on special teams while learning behind veterans. The flashes against Illinois show what’s possible when everything clicks, but the inconsistency and physical limitations make him a project rather than an immediate contributor. His length gives him one translatable NFL trait to build around, yet watching him get stonewalled in run defense or lose containment raises questions about whether he can hold up against professional competition. The Durham work ethic is there – you see it in how he transformed from freshman contributor to senior leader – but desire alone doesn’t overcome the gap between weighing 250 and needing to anchor against 320-pound tackles.

Reality hits hard when you study the full body of work beyond the highlight-reel sacks. His tackling grade barely scraping above 58% tells you about missed opportunities that won’t fly on Sundays, while that run defense mark in the low 60s explains why offensive coordinators started targeting his side with outside zone concepts late in games. Teams picking in rounds five through seven will kick the tires on his upside, particularly those with established edge depth who can stash him as a practice squad candidate. His best path involves landing with an organization known for developing late-round pass rushers – think about how teams like Dallas or San Francisco have manufactured production from day-three picks who arrived with similar athletic limitations but refined technique over multiple seasons.

The sixth round feels right for where Anthony lands, possibly sliding to seventh if his combine testing confirms the middling athleticism suggested by that 56th percentile forty time. Teams will debate whether his production spike in 2025 represents genuine growth or just feast games against inferior competition – remember, Elon and similar opponents inflated those sack totals. His calling card becomes that character component; front offices love high-character guys who’ll embrace scout team reps and push starters in practice without complaining about playing time. Anthony strikes me as the type who sticks around practice squads for a couple years, maybe catches lightning in a bottle during a preseason, but more likely becomes a quality coaching candidate who understands the grind from the bottom up. Not every prospect becomes a star, and Anthony’s realistic ceiling looks like special teams contributor who might develop into an emergency fourth edge rusher if everything breaks right. – NFL Draft Buzz

Pick 167 – Dallen Bentley, TE, Utah

Bentley is an all-around tight end who can do a little of everything, but is not going to be a star at any one role for the position. He would be a developmental project, but could be an immediate special teams contributor.

Bentley’s rankings are all over the board right now. Mel Kiper, Jr., has him listed as his number two tight end in the draft. CBS Sports ranks him eighth.

What they are saying:

Doesn’t catch consistently through contact.
Lays out well to make catches outside of his frame.
Tracks the deep ball fairly well over his shoulder.
Good receiver underneath.
Good explosiveness.
Strong run blocker. Impressive strength. – John Vogel

Sixth Round

Pick 205 – Mikail Kamara, Edge, Indiana

What they are saying:

The violent hands and explosive first step translate immediately to passing downs at the next level. Shows refined pass rush plan with counter moves and leverage awareness that will create problems for NFL tackles. Dominant production against Big Ten competition validates rush ability translating to Sundays.

Best fit comes as a designated pass rusher in an aggressive 3-4 scheme that allows him to attack from multiple alignments. Natural leverage and play strength compensate for lack of prototypical size. Ability to convert speed to power and win with technique projects well to sub-package situations.

Medicals and frame limitations cap early-down potential, but advanced rush toolkit and proven production against top competition point to immediate contributor on passing downs. Natural leverage and refined hand usage will allow rapid adjustment to NFL speed. – NFL Draft Buzz

Mikail Kamara, the undersized but technically polished rusher from Indiana, has been making waves in the college football world with his efficient and disruptive play. Standing at 6-foot-1, Kamara may not have the ideal size for an NFL edge rusher, but his skills, instincts, and leadership qualities make him an intriguing prospect for many teams. Kamara excels at winning battles with his hands, leverage, and instincts, allowing him to consistently disrupt opposing offenses and be a productive force on the field. Despite not being the most explosive athlete, Kamara’s ability to thrive in his role as a technician sets him apart from other edge rushers in the 2026 NFL Draft class.

His production in the Big Ten has been impressive, with 47 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, and 10 sacks in a single season. However, questions about his NFL fit have arisen due to his lack of length and size compared to traditional edge rushers. To address these concerns, Indiana has moved Kamara to the STUD position, a hybrid EDGE/outside linebacker role, to showcase his versatility and expand his skill set. This shift should provide Kamara with more opportunities for one-on-one rushes and coverage responsibilities, allowing him to further demonstrate his abilities to potential NFL suitors.

While Kamara may not fit the mold of a prototypical NFL edge rusher, his high floor, NFL-ready skill set, and continued development in new roles make him an enticing prospect for teams looking to add a disruptive force to their defense. With the right coaching and support, Kamara has the potential to solidify himself as a valuable asset in the 2026 NFL Draft and beyond, proving that size isn’t everything when it comes to making an impact on the field. – NFL Mock Draft Database

Kamara projects as a Day 3 selection with the potential to contribute early as a rotational pass rusher. He profiles as a sub-package defender who can provide immediate pressure while developing into a more complete edge rusher in the NFL. – Ryan Fowler, NFL Spin Zone

Pick 208 – Albert Regis, DT, Texas A&M

What they are saying:

Put the tape on and you see a classic space-eating nose tackle who can anchor a run defense but won’t give you much as a pass rusher. Regis profiles as a rotational interior defender who can contribute immediately in run-stuffing situations, particularly for teams running odd fronts where they need a big body to occupy blockers and keep linebackers clean. His elite run defense grades and consistent motor translate to early special teams value while he develops into a more complete player. The concern is whether he can ever become more than a two-down thumper given his height disadvantage and limited pass rush development after four years of Power Four football.

Here’s the deal: teams looking for immediate help against physical running games will find value in what Regis offers. His ability to hold the point, pursue outside his gap, and disrupt passing lanes from the interior gives him a defined role in base packages and short-yardage situations. The athleticism from his high school days still flashes in his lateral movement and chase ability, suggesting there’s untapped potential if a defensive line coach can refine his hand usage and expand his pass rush repertoire. He’s the kind of player who can eat 20-25 snaps per game and do exactly what you ask without beating himself.

The path forward requires significant development as a pass rusher if Regis wants to become a three-down player. His strength and motor give him the foundation, but without improved hand technique, better initial burst, and a more diverse rush plan, he’ll struggle to justify staying on the field in passing situations. Teams that value run defense and cultural fit will appreciate what he brings, but his ceiling appears limited unless he makes substantial technical improvements. He’s a fifth-round investment with the character and work ethic to maximize his physical tools, offering solid depth value for a team that needs interior reinforcements and isn’t expecting him to be a primary pass rush threat. – NFL Draft Buzz

Seventh Round

Pick 256 – Dillon Wade, G, Auburn

What they are saying:

-No draft profiles available as of publishing