2026 NFL Mock Draft: Miami Dolphins scouting 4.0

Summarize this content material to max 500 phrases in an expert sports activities journalism information model, highlighting key details:
Our Miami Dolphins scouting mock draft is again this week with the fourth have a look at a number of the faculty prospects who might be on their strategy to South Florida this 12 months. As we did with the primary three mock drafts, I used Pro Football and Sports Network’s mock draft simulator to provide me a primary construction for the projection. I used the consensus rankings and allowed trades – although I didn’t settle for any on this model of the mock.The thought behind this collection just isn’t essentially to pinpoint who Miami will choose when they’re on the clock, however moderately to check out gamers who may be on the board when the Dolphins are making their choose. In the earlier three variations of this train, as soon as I picked a athlete, I didn’t choose him once more in a later mock, permitting for extra gamers to be thought-about. The fourth mock, nevertheless, I didn’t observe that rule – largely as a result of we at the moment are previous the Senior Bowl, the NFL Scouting Combine, and a lot of the different pre-draft occasions. While Pro Days are nonetheless occurring, this appeared like the fitting time to open again up the total pool of gamers and begin anew in our assessment.CommercialWith that, let’s get into this week’s scouting mock draft:2026 NFL Miami Dolphins Mock Draft Results – 4th Edition(I made picks utilizing the PFSN Mock Draft Simulator)First SphericalPick 11 – Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona StateI used to be not trying to land a large receiver with the eleventh choose, and, given the Packers’ reticence to pick out a receiver within the first spherical, I feel the Dolphins may not take one this early, however Tyson might drive their hand. Miami wants weapons for brand new quarterback Malik Willis, and Tyson could be a giant step in the fitting path. Tyson can line up wherever on the sector and be efficient. I do know the feedback are going to be stuffed with folks mentioning the medical historical past, however he’s sitting on the prime of the draft board for receivers for a purpose. According to analysts, a typical comparability for Tyson is Seattle Seahawks vast receiver Jaxson Smith-Njigba; the Dolphins might use a JSN-like receiver.CommercialWhat they’re saying:Pro Football and Sports Network: Jordyn Tyson entered the 2026 NFL Draft cycle as PFSN’s preliminary WR1, and he stays a really actual WR1 candidate close to the highest of the board. At 6’1″, 195 kilos, Tyson blends the road between greater catch-dominating WRs and smaller route-dominating ones. At his measurement, he’s a simple accelerator, and a quick and fluid short-area mover, with bristling foot quickness and elastic stride freedom that interprets nicely each as a stem operator and within the RAC part.He’s a composed downfield tracker who could make claustrophobic catches at excessive speeds, and he’s a budding route technician whose malleable make-up and panic-inducing pace produces limitless prospects as a separator. The greatest query mark of Tyson’s analysis isn’t something on movie; moderately, it’s his sturdiness. He by no means performed by way of a full year on the collegiate stage, and has a torn ACL, MCL, and PCL on his report from his time at Colorado.That main setback hasn’t in any respect affected Tyson’s mobility or fluidity as an athlete, however the medical analysis on the NFL Combine shall be key if he’s to maintain his standing alongside Tate and Lemon. Nevertheless, if Tyson can keep wholesome, he’s arguably essentially the most full three-level menace within the 2026 NFL Draft.Lance Zierlein, NFL.com: Learning from Super Bowl XL MVP Hines Ward helped unlock Tyson’s manufacturing and elevated his draft inventory. He’s added measurement and improved his route operating during the last two years, displaying he can align in any respect three receiver spots. He sometimes rushes the route however has the short-area quickness and contested-catch toughness to seek out chain-moving grabs in high-leverage moments. He’s not a blazer however has sufficient pace to work down the sector. Also, he has the ball expertise and physique management to victory above the rim with timing on 50/50 throws. Scouts say he places within the time to soak up data and hone his craft. A historical past of accidents would possibly clarify inconsistent competitiveness as a run blocker in 2025. The wiring, versatility and ending expertise level to a WR1 ceiling.NFL Draft Buzz: This is a receiver who wins with craft, physique management, and aggressive fireplace moderately than overwhelming bodily instruments. His 4.5 pace just isn’t going to scare anybody on paper, however his launch package deal and route-running savvy create separation that stopwatches can not measure. He thrives within the intermediate areas of the sector, discovering comfortable spots in zone protection and dealing again to the quarterback on in-breaking routes. His basketball background is not only a enjoyable biographical observe; it genuinely reveals up in how he performs the place, notably in contested-catch conditions the place he packing containers out defenders like he’s working for place within the paint.The positional flexibility is a significant promoting level. Tyson has produced from the skin, from the slot, and in movement, giving offensive coordinators a moveable chess piece who could be deployed in a number of alignments. He matches finest in passing assaults that emphasize intermediate ideas, play-action designs, and timing routes the place his exact stems and dependable fingers can shine. His willingness to dam within the run recreation, a trait drilled into him by Hines Ward, will endear him to teaching staffs who worth full receivers moderately than one-dimensional route runners.The medical questions are actual and can’t be ignored. Three completely different accidents in three consecutive seasons will make group docs earn their paychecks in the course of the pre-draft course of. If the medicals try, Tyson has the talent set to be a official primary receiver on the subsequent stage, somebody who can victory constantly throughout all three ranges of the sector and contribute in high-leverage moments. His flooring is a productive second or third possibility in a passing assault; his ceiling is a Pro Bowl caliber athlete who could be the first goal in a high quality offense. The expertise is apparent on tape, and the manufacturing towards Power Five competitors speaks for itself.Bob Rose, Saints Wire: Tyson and Carnell Tate of the Ohio State Buckeyes are constantly graded as the highest two receivers by most on this 12 months’s draft class. Both have a powerful likelihood at coming off the board inside the prime ten picks. Outside of (main) sturdiness issues, Tyson has all the skills desired in a featured wideout. With the Saints current setback points at each vast receiver and operating again, Tyson’s setback issues all through faculty may be sufficient to move.Jordyn Tyson has proven the flexibility to make highlight-reel catches, but in addition the all-around talent to be a trusted weapon an offense can construct round. Working with former Pittsburgh Steelers Pro Bowler Hines Ward at Arizona State, you’ll be able to plainly see Tyson’s enchancment during the last two years. He has the flexibility to proceed that upward development early within the NFL. Of course, he’ll have to remain wholesome for that to occur, making his choice an additional gamble for the Saints or one other NFL squad.Pick 30 – Kadyn Proctor, OT, AlabamaThe Dolphins touchdown Proctor offers them the competitors they need on the roster and units them as much as put the most effective 5 offensive linemen on the sector. He might be a proper deal with or a guard on the NFL stage. The Dolphins have Austin Jackson at proper deal with, however accidents have been the story of his profession. Could they transfer him inside and have Proctor sequence outdoors? Could they begin Proctor at guard, however then kick him outdoors if Jackson is injured? How do guard Jonah Savaiinaea and Jamaree Salyer issue into the depth chart? If the Dolphins are critical about upgrading the road and constructing from the within out, Proctor could be an important addition.CommercialWhat they’re saying:Pro Football and Sports Network: Kadyn Proctor is a mammoth offensive lineman, and the following in a protracted line of Alabama blockers who’ve made the NFL leap. The query is which place he’ll usettle in at long-term. At 6’6″, 369 kilos, Proctor is a real outlier who performs with domineering measurement and energy.His hand energy and torque could be overwhelming for solo defenders, and his anchor could be suffocating towards opposing energy rushes. Naturally, Proctor doesn’t have elite vary, mobility, or flexibility, and he might stand to trim down his weight on the skilled stage. In specific, his vary and suppleness proved to be constant points towards pace rushers on the skin in 2025.Proctor does flash inspiring foot pace for his measurement, and he’s technically sound for his age, with {smooth} and environment friendly footwork, and a powerful sense of timing and precision as a hand fighter. Those components might permit him to stay at OT as a high quality starter, however he has influence starter upside inside at guard, the place he resembles a chief Leonard Davis along with his throttling hand energy, devastating torque, and suffocating anchor energy.Lance Zierlein, NFL.com: Proctor is a mass of humanity with uncommon measurement and size at his command. He’s succesful as a transfer blocker however shines when rolling downhill as a bona-fide folks mover with bulldozing energy. However, slants and fast first steps beat him to the spot within the run recreation. When set and centered, Proctor is a roadblock to speed-to-power expenses. He has a stout anchor and powerful fingers to stall the frenzy in its observe. He struggles to reflect athletes in house and lacks the vary to guard deeper pocket drops towards pace. Inconsistency in move safety hasn’t helped his draft standing, however he nonetheless has the potential to turn out to be a superb proper deal with or superb guard.NFL Draft Buzz: Proctor’s mixture of measurement and motion is rare. A 352-pound deal with who posts a 32.5-inch vertical and runs within the low 5.2s just isn’t somebody you discover in each class. The mix confirmed what the movie steered at his finest: he can transfer folks within the run recreation and has the vary to deal with NFL pace when his method is correct. His finest match is a spot or energy scheme the place he can fireplace off the ball and create motion. He has the ft for zone ideas, however he’s best attacking defenders moderately than mirroring them laterally.The tape tells a extra difficult story. He will get crushed inside greater than you wish to see from a three-year SEC starter, and the arm size from the mix helps clarify why. For his measurement, the arms are shorter than anticipated, which shrinks his margin for error available placement and makes his method inconsistencies extra expensive. Footwork and pad stage flash at occasions however hardly ever come collectively for a full recreation outdoors of that Georgia attempt. The weight questions are honest, too. His move safety tracked immediately with when he received beneath 360, and groups will wish to know the 352-pound model experiences to camp.This is a skinny deal with class, presumably the weakest since 2015, and that context issues. Proctor’s instruments and SEC expertise will preserve him within the first-round dialog regardless of the issues. The ceiling is a beginning left deal with who anchors a line for years. Getting there requires weight self-discipline, higher hand method to offset the arm size, and actual improvement in move safety. The uncooked materials is uncommon sufficient that the funding is smart.Mike Renner, CBS Sports: Kadyn Proctor is a large, bodily imposing left deal with who blends uncommon measurement with the form of motion expertise you often see from a lot smaller gamers. A freak athlete, he has even been used at vast receiver and operating again in goal-line conditions, showcasing his distinctive versatility. While he’s a powerhouse within the run recreation and able to constantly shifting defenders on the level of assault, he’s nonetheless refining his method in move safety. He confirmed enchancment in the course of the 2025 year. And although he could transition to protect early in his skilled profession, his excessive ceiling and pure instruments make him a cornerstone prospect.Chris Pflum, Big Blue View: Kadyn Proctor initiatives as a developmental offensive lineman with beginning upside on the NFL stage.The huge query could also be the place Proctor performs within the NFL, as that would rely upon the group that drafts him.Some groups could wish to give Proctor the prospect to remain at offensive deal with, notably in the event that they favor downhill man-gap blocking schemes. However, different groups could view Proctor as a candidate to transition inside to protect within the NFL. Moving inside to protect would assist mitigate his points with lateral mobility and fatigue impacting his pad stage. He’s a strong blocker who might simply management defensive tackles and thrive on the inside. That stated, his peak might clog quarterbacks’ sight traces, in addition to make profitable the leverage fight towards shorter defensive tackles more durable.Proctor will probably get drafted comparatively early because of his uncommon bodily traits. There are only a few folks strolling the Earth who’re Proctor’s measurement and nonetheless in a position to be athletic, and an NFL group goes to wager on these traits.Second SphericalPick 43 – Brandon Cisse, CB, South CarolinaCisse is a high-potential draft choose who might want to develop on the NFL stage to interrupt a few of his dangerous habits. He has the instruments to be an important athlete, and a defensive-minded head leader may be precisely what he wants to succeed in his full potential. At solely 21, there may be nonetheless loads of development to come back for Cisse. This choose has some threat, but when the Dolphins hit on him, they’ve locked down one facet of their defensive secondary.What they’re saying:Pro Football and Sports Network: Brandon Cisse is a younger and ascending cornerback prospect who declared for the 2026 NFL Draft after a standout 2025 marketing campaign that noticed him earn a PFSN CB Impact grade of 80.9. Cisse shall be simply 21 years outdated as a rookie, and his protection mobility is a large energy; these two components alone make him a viable early-round prospect. At 6’0″, 190 kilos, with practical size, Cisse is an exceedingly explosive, springy, and nimble mover with propulsive hip sink and elite short-area power.He’s fast to react, with swarming lateral explosive vary, and galvanizing route imaginative and prescient in off-man and zone. Going additional, he flashes high-level coordination as a catch-point playmaker, and he’s extraordinarily aggressive in assist. Where Cisse stands to enhance essentially the most is in press-man — his timing and upper-lower sync are inconsistent — and he may also be liable to biting on double-moves working with cushion.That stated, the entire bodily instruments and the temperament qualities are there to assist Cisse’s continued ascent towards changing into an influence NFL starter.Lance Zierlein, NFL.com: Teams shall be keen to take an opportunity on Cisse’s explosive athleticism and upside, however a refinement runway may be wanted to {smooth} a number of the rougher edges. He’s scheme-versatile in protection and is an A-rated run supporter. Work ethic and athletic testing will work in his favor. However, a scarcity of instincts and break anticipation might price him in protection towards high quality route runners. His press will turn out to be a more practical weapon with technical work and his route recognition ought to enhance with extra reps. Cisse’s traits and competitiveness are clear promoting factors, however a scarcity of on-ball manufacturing and protection consistency create a extra risky flooring.NFL Draft Buzz: When you watch his tape you shortly discover first-round expertise particularly while you watch Cisse function in man protection conditions. He’s received that uncommon mixture of size, pace, and hip fluidity that interprets instantly to Sundays, the place receivers are sooner and route bushes are extra complicated. His means to reflect releases and shut on throws on the catch level offers him a official basis to construct on, and the bodily instruments are completely there for him to develop right into a lockdown boundary nook who can erase half the sector. The explosiveness he reveals triggering downhill on screens and perimeter runs provides worth as a drive athlete within the run recreation, even when his tackling method wants critical refinement. Defensive coordinators will love his willingness to press and jam on the line, figuring out he’s received the restoration wheels to make up for infrequent lapses in method.The issues are actual however fixable with correct teaching and improvement time. His zone consciousness is at the moment a legal responsibility, and the grabbing points should be coached out of him earlier than they turn out to be a penalty downside on the subsequent stage. The psychological facet of the place hasn’t caught as much as his bodily presents but – he’s biting on misdirection, overcommitting his hips, and making the recreation more durable than it must be. That’s typical for a nook with restricted beginning expertise who transferred colleges and solely has one full year as a starter below his belt. The missed tackles and diving makes an attempt are correctable with higher fundamentals, nevertheless it’ll take dedication from each athlete and training employees to get him comfy wrapping up in house. The setback historical past isn’t catastrophic, nevertheless it’s one thing NFL groups will monitor intently in the course of the pre-draft medical course of.Bottom line: Cisse initiatives as a Day One starter who can line up outdoors and sequence press-man in Cover 1 and Cover 3 schemes straight away. His ceiling is a official CB1 who can journey with opposing group’s prime receivers, however he wants one other 12 months or two of technical refinement to succeed in that stage constantly. The bodily traits are already there – the psychological processing and self-discipline will decide whether or not he turns into a superb NFL nook or an important one. For groups selecting within the late first spherical who want quick assist at nook and have sturdy defensive backs teaching, Cisse represents glorious worth with large upside.Daniel Harms, Bleacher Report: Brandon Cisse has distinctive lateral and downhill explosion that he makes use of to set off on perimeter runs/screens and keep sticky man protection. The willingness and physicality to jam in press protection give him a number of instruments to be a menace as a boundary nook.The switch from NC State has shone, taking away deep routes from opposing receivers along with his size and restoration pace to shut when he will get stacked vertically.A former 3-star prospect and 4-star switch, he amassed 65 tackles (41 solo), three tackles for loss, two interceptions, ten passes defensed, and one compelled fumble in his three-year collegiate profession. The ball manufacturing is low, however the upside for a athlete of Cisse’s pure expertise is immense.JT Ruhnke, A to Z Sports: Cisse has all of the intangibles on this planet to be the highest cornerback on this 12 months’s draft. His acceleration and shutting pace can matchup with the NFL’s finest immediately and his imaginative and prescient makes him arduous to trick and is an effective wager to report the quickest 40-time of any cornerback this cycle. He brings fairly a little bit of versatility to his recreation, with the flexibility to sequence each inside and outside positions. However, Cisse’s extra slender body and weaker playstrength means greater bodied receivers can get the most effective of him in press-man and on the prime of routes. At the tip of the day, Cisse’s uncooked method in man protection and tackling wants refinement, however his uncooked athletic expertise is simply too good to move up.Third SphericalPick 75 – Keionte Scott, CB, MiamiThe Dolphins have to rebuild their secondary, they usually double down on cornerbacks within the second and third rounds of this mock. Scott might be not a boundary/subject cornerback, however he is a superb nickel possibility who brings with him blitz and run-support talents. He has the flexibility to maneuver round if wanted, together with probably working at security or as a smaller linebacker in numerous packages. He just isn’t a refined product, and he turns 25 earlier than the year begins, however he might be requested to begin because the nickel cornerback from day one.CommercialWhat they’re saying:Pro Football and Sports Network: Keionte Scott emerged as one of many stars of Miami’s National Championship run, and he has equally ascended as a particularly compelling 2026 NFL Draft prospect. After drawing little nationwide curiosity out of highschool, Scott started his profession at Snow College. After a two-year stretch that noticed Scott function a group captain and two-time JUCO All-American, he transferred to Auburn.For two years, Scott served as a rotational athlete for the Tigers, at occasions battling by way of accidents, earlier than reaching his closing evolution at Miami. In 2025 with the Hurricanes, he amassed 13 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, and two pick-sixes, whereas incomes a PFSN CB Impact grade of 85. As a flexible nickel defender, Scott has one of many strongest foundations in all the class.He’s an uber-explosive long-striding nearer, a springy protection and assist defender, and an elite processor with a fast-flowing model and relentless physicality. He’ll be an older rookie, however Scott has quick influence potential as a nickel, with schematic versatility however a selected affinity for off-man and zone.Lance Zierlein, NFL.com: Scott’s sequence model and deal with manufacturing resemble that of a Will linebacker. He’s edgy and pressing close to the road with a capability to slide or sequence off of blocks. He can snuff out run performs earlier than they get began. Scott lacks ball manufacturing because of inconsistent break anticipation and route squeeze, however he can twitch-and-trigger to shut home windows, wrap and end. He retains yards after contact to a minimal. Scott’s blitz expertise off the sting makes him a value-added rusher. He’s an older prospect and must sequence in a scheme that enables him to maintain his eyes ahead, however Scott’s the ball character ought to make him a group favourite as a beginning nickelback.NFL Draft Buzz: Scott’s NFL path is evident: he’s a nickel nook in a protection that desires its slot athlete to do extra than simply cowl. The blitzing manufacturing interprets as a result of the timing, burst, and ending means are all on tape. His run protection is essentially the most pro-ready a part of his recreation, and that issues in a league the place offenses more and more assault the slot with energy ideas. A coordinator can transfer him round in sub-packages, ship him off the sting, or drop him into beneath zones the place his instincts and sequence pace create issues for quarterbacks working the center of the sector.The issues want trustworthy acknowledgment, although. The tackling has to enhance. Diving at ball carriers works when you will have assist, however NFL backs will punish lazy angles. His protection holds up within the slot the place he can use his fingers and compete on the line, however lining him up outdoors towards greater receivers is asking for hassle. The age and mileage are actual concerns for groups projecting improvement, as a result of what you see now might be near the completed product.There continues to be lots to love for a protection that values toughness and flexibility from its secondary. Scott brings a bodily presence most nickel corners don’t, and his blitz package deal offers coordinators an additional dimension to scheme round. His playoff tape confirmed a athlete who performs when the stage will get greater, and that aggressive make-up counts. He matches finest in a zone-heavy scheme that deploys him creatively as a rusher and in run assist whereas limiting his publicity in man protection on the boundary.Daniel Harms, Bleacher Report: Keionte Scott is a defensive weapon working from the slot, notably as a blitzer. His foot-speed and rush-lane processing assist him shut on quarterbacks and ballcarriers within the blink of an eye fixed. He brings juice each time he steps onto the sector and will get his teammates fired up with each deal with. His playmaking outshines his measurement and makes him an impactful defender.The former 4-star JUCO recruit and Auburn switch made his presence felt at his closing collegiate cease by piling up 13 tackles for loss to go together with 64 whole tackles (42 solo), 5 sacks, two interceptions, 5 passes defensed and two fumbles compelled and recovered. He’s an electrical presence on the nickel and supplies an power that may’t be coached.Chris Pflum, Big Blue View: Scott is a flexible, aggressive, and sensible defender who may help a protection in a wide range of wells. Scott may not match each protection, as he’s finest used as a flexible “defensive weapon” or “nickel defender” than strictly as a cornerback.Scott’s recreation is considerably much like Tyrann Mathieu or Dru Phillips as a athlete who can line up in a wide range of positions and be disruptive. He’s an important run defender and is a harmful athlete coming down hill. He’s additionally a succesful zone protection defender with 5 passes defensed and a pair of interceptions – each of which had been returned for a landing.Teams might range broadly on the place he falls on their boards. Teams which might be pretty conventional in how they make use of their defensive backs might wrestle to discover a good place for him. However, groups that spend loads of time in nickel or dime units, and make use of STAR or pseudo-linebackers so as to add pace on the second stage might view Scott as a excessive second spherical choose.Pick 87 – LT Overton, Edge, AlabamaAfter a few cornerback picks, the Dolphins return to the road of scrimmage with this choose, however leap over to the protection. Overton is listed as an edge rusher, however he would possibly simply be an all-around defensive lineman who can sequence outdoors as a move rusher or inside as a defensive deal with/run stopper. He has to work on his pass-rush methods and turn out to be extra constant along with his fingers, however that’s as much as the teaching employees to show him. His 2025 year was inferior to 2024, however a few of that was opposing recreation planning, ensuring they knew the place he was on the sector always.CommercialWhat they’re saying:Lance Zierlein, NFL.com: Overton is a slow-twitch finish with spectacular energy and a constantly rugged demeanor. He has lengthy arms and performs with the anchor/leverage that helps him safe his hole. However, he hardly ever beneficial properties early positional benefits and isn’t going to be a gap-shooter. He lacks vary in pursuit and gained’t threaten tackles to the nook along with his get-off as an edge rusher. Overton’s sequence energy and leverage create energy on the sting, however energy gained’t trump manufacturing. Adding mass and shifting inside to 3-technique might be in his finest curiosity.NFL Draft Buzz: Overton profiles as a day two choice who earns a rotational function instantly and develops right into a starter with time. His finest match is in a a number of entrance that kicks him inside on passing downs the place his energy and size create issues for guards. The positional versatility is actual: 1,529 profession snaps throughout a number of alignments, and that flexibility issues when coordinators wish to create confusion with pre-snap motion. Teams operating attacking 3-4 schemes can use him as a base finish who threatens from completely different spots alongside the road.The 2025 regression wants context. Teams began game-planning for him, chipping extra regularly, and he had not developed the counter strikes to regulate. That is fixable with NFL teaching. When his fingers fireplace appropriately and he maintains pad stage, he wins towards high quality tackles. The bodily instruments are there: bend for his measurement, practical energy that interprets to bull rush effectiveness, and a motor that doesn’t give up.The flooring is a rotational piece who contributes 400 to 500 snaps and supplies complementary move rush worth. The ceiling is increased than the general rating suggests if a line of defense leader can clear up the technical points and develop his hand counters. The 2024 tape towards Wisconsin and Michigan proves the upside exists, and that’s what a group is betting on with a choose on this vary.Pick 90 – Justin Joly, TE, North Carolina StateJoly just isn’t an in-line, blocking tight finish, however he’s among the many finest pure pass-catching tight ends within the draft. He could be moved round, lining up as a receiver, H-back, or operating again, alongside along with his tight finish place. He is smaller than a prototypical tight finish, however he might be a chess piece the Dolphins offense strikes round to create mismatches.What they’re saying:Pro Football and Sports Network: Justin Joly profiles as one of many higher receiving tight ends within the 2026 NFL Draft, who remained constant in an NC State passing assault that skilled year-to-year fluctuations. Joly first emerged as a top-flight producer as a sophomore in 2023, with 56 catches for 578 yards and two scores. He adopted that up with a career-high 661 yards in 2024, and caught 49 passes for 489 yards and a career-high seven touchdowns in 2025.For a barely undersized TE at 6’3″, 251 kilos, Joly isn’t as fast or twitched-up as desired, and slight hip stiffness limits his final separation upside. Still, regardless of these modest limitations, he’s a reasonably nuanced separator with an affinity for sensing voids in zone and making himself out there, in addition to utilizing his long-strider burst and pace to work up seams. For his peak, Joly is a tank with a thickly-built body and distinctive contact steadiness within the RAC part, and on the catch level, he’s a near-elite operator with physique management, plus positioning expertise, hand energy, and steely composure.Even within the blocking part, Joly no less than competes and contends, although he wants to enhance his hand utilization and energy maintain. Joly profiles as a major receiving TE early on within the NFL, however has the upside to turn out to be a high quality two-phase starter.Lance Zierlein, NFL.com: Undersized pass-catcher with the flexibility to broaden the route tree and problem man protection across the subject. Joly nonetheless wants to shine his route-running however he has the footwork and athletic traits to uncover. He doesn’t catch with a lot hand extension and fights throws now and again however he makes up for it with spectacular physique management/catch toughness. His effort and pressure as a blocker want to enhance. Joly has the flexibility to contribute as a moveable “F” tight finish.NFL Draft Buzz: An offense that strikes its tight ends round and options them as receivers is the place Joly makes essentially the most sense. His receiving means is actual. He tracks the ball nicely downfield, adjusts to off-target throws, and finishes by way of contact in a means that offers you confidence he can deal with tight home windows on the NFL stage. The route operating just isn’t but polished, however there may be craft and really feel there, and a training employees that invests in his footwork might see significant returns. Operating as a moveable piece in 12 and 13 personnel, he can line up hooked up, within the slot, or flexed out vast with out tipping the sequence name.The blocking is the apparent concern. He can wall off and compete on effort performs, and his move safety work was quietly productive in faculty, however the run recreation tape reveals a athlete who wants so as to add practical energy and sequence with higher leverage earlier than any coordinator trusts him on early downs as an inline possibility. At his measurement, he could by no means be a plus run blocker, which limits his snap rely on a group that values two-way tight ends.Still, the receiving upside offers him a transparent lane. He caught passes from a number of quarterbacks throughout two applications and produced in every single place he performed. The Senior Bowl MVP attempt confirmed what the tape already steered: he can separate, catch, and rating towards high quality competitors. Joly can carve out a task early and develop right into a reliable goal in the midst of the sector.Daniel Harms, Bleacher Report: Justin Joly has extremely sturdy fingers with a powerful catch radius to be a weapon at tight finish. He’s a tactician operating routes and brings a workman’s mentality after the catch. A smooth-moving chess piece, Joly traces up throughout a formation, provides as a move-blocker within the run recreation and is a shocking move protector.The former 2-star recruit and UConn switch set career-highs this previous year in catches (49) and landing receptions (seven) however didn’t create the identical explosive influence from 2024 when he averaged practically 15.5 yards per reception. Instead, the first-team All-ACC performer turned a safety blanket for an underwhelming North Carolina State offense and showcased his playmaking means.Chris Pflum, Big Blue View: Justin Joly initiatives as an “H-Back” on the NFL stage who aligns as a good finish or fullback, and could be at his finest because the second tight finish in a 12-personnel package deal.While Joly can be utilized as an in-line or carry blocker in a standard tight finish or fullback function, nevertheless his biggest upside is as an athletic weapon. Joly’s mobility and receiving means make him a flexible and helpful piece for offenses that look to create match-ups and assault the intermediate space of the sector.Because Joly is extra of a distinct segment function athlete, his attraction gained’t be practically as broad as that of a traditional “Y” tight finish. That will make his draft inventory range broadly from group to group and be tough to foretell. Teams that make heavy use of 12-personnel packages to assault the center of the sector might view Joly as a late third spherical prospect, whereas different groups could view him as a mid-Day3 worth.Pick 94 – Bud Clark, S, TCUA rangy, ball hawk who matches nicely as a centerfielder anchoring the protection, however can transfer into the field in run assist or as a nickel cornerback, Clark has a ton of versatility that ought to see him on the sector early in his profession. He most likely wants so as to add measurement, but when it impacts his athleticism, it would change how he performs. He additionally ball-hawks greater than he most likely ought to, placing himself in a boom-or-bust state of affairs at occasions, the place he both makes the stellar sequence or the opposing offense is off and operating. He might be requested to be the third security on protection and a major particular groups athlete early in his profession as he settles into the NFL.CommercialWhat they’re saying:Pro Football and Sports Network: Bud Clark performed six years at TCU, after becoming a member of the Horned Frogs as a four-star recruit in 2020. An setback restricted him to simply 4 video games in 2021, however he went on to begin over 40 video games whole in his profession, whereas serving as a multi-year group captain. In specific, Clark distinguished himself as an elite catch-point playmaker and turnover menace, compiling 15 interceptions and 21 move breakups in his closing 4 seasons.In 2025, Clark achieved an elite PFSN Safety Impact grade of 91.8, and he compounded that energy with a wonderful Senior Bowl displaying. A lean, long-limbed defender, Clark has a really perfect protection mobility profile in split-field seems to be along with his corrective agility, swivel fluidity, hip sink, and shutting burst, and he magnifies his attraction working in house along with his fast route processing, reaction-to-stimulus, and ball-hawking means. But as he reaffirmed on the Senior Bowl, he additionally has the flexibility to match and delay releases in press-man along with his twitchy short-area athleticism and spatial self-discipline, and his size makes him a sprawling disruptive menace on the catch.Clark doesn’t fairly have an elite athletic element, and his physicality generally is a double-edged sword at occasions, rising his penalty threat at stems. Additionally, Clark wants extra consistency with block take-on and tackling conversion in assist. Best in two-high seems to be, Clark generally is a high quality starter with inbuilt function versatility and playmaking gravity.Lance Zierlein, NFL.com: A sixth-year senior, Clark’s traits gained’t pop however his tape most definitely will. Clark is a coverage-versatile security in a cornerback’s physique with the expertise to vary excessive or man up on the slot. He performs with an overriding want to do every part suddenly – which produces spectacular takeaways and occasional breakdowns – however the good outweighs the dangerous. He triggers downhill in run assist and tackles with correct method, however a scarcity of measurement might carry to damaged tackles/sturdiness issues. He would possibly want time to acclimate to the pace/talent of his opponents however his instincts and ball expertise give him a superb likelihood to punish errors on the following stage as an alignment-flexible possibility.NFL Draft Buzz: Clark’s worth on the subsequent stage ties on to his protection versatility and ball manufacturing. Fifteen interceptions in 4 seasons just isn’t a quantity you’ll be able to leader right into a athlete, and his means to line up at deep security, within the field, or as a slot defender offers coordinators choices most Day 3 safeties can not supply. His 2024 movie, the place he graded among the many finest Power Four safeties, confirmed a athlete who might deal with a full workload and make performs in each part. The 2025 tape was barely much less constant however nonetheless produced sturdy run protection marks and 4 takeaways towards a high quality Big 12 schedule.Clark matches finest in a protection that performs split-safety seems to be or Cover 2/Cover 4, the place his vary and instincts can work with out asking him to be a real single-high centerfielder. He is a pure robber who reads the quarterback and drives on throws. His slot expertise makes him a viable huge nickel who can match up with tight ends, including Day 1 worth on passing downs earlier than he earns a full-time beginning function. The Senior Bowl confirmed what movie already confirmed: Clark competes, finds the ball, and doesn’t again down from bodily matchups at his measurement.The issues are honest. His body wants practical mass with out dropping the pace that units him aside. The setback historical past throughout three seasons would require thorough medical analysis. The playing tendencies that produce turnovers can burn him towards quarterbacks who manipulate eyes on the NFL stage. But the ball manufacturing, pace, protection grades, and expertise package deal make Clark a security who can contribute instantly on sub-packages with a probable path to beginning if his physique holds up.Daniel Harms, Bleacher Report: Bud Clark is an instinctual, ball-hawking defensive again who makes quarterbacks assume twice earlier than throwing his means. His ball manufacturing is among the many better of all secondary members within the class, and he reveals the instruments to be a good finish eraser on the subsequent stage.The 6’2″, 190-pound security closes downhill with lengthy, galloping strides and reveals off his vary on the backend.A former 4-star recruit, Clark has been a group captain for 3 straight seasons and is coming off a year the place he earned second-team all-Big 12 honors. He led the Horned Frogs in interceptions with three, bringing his profession whole to 11 (getting into 2025), and had his finest tackling year, including 67 tackles (43 solo), which was fourth on the group. His expertise and management are useful traits and, mixed along with his pure means to be across the the ball, will draw NFL eyes.Chris Pflum, Big Blue View: Bud Clark initiatives as a high-snap third security early in his profession, nevertheless he has beginning upside with a little bit of improvement and the fitting state of affairs.The greatest query is whether or not Clark can add any mass and sequence energy with out compromising his athleticism and motion expertise. If so, he ought to be capable of be a flexible every-down security who can man deep protection zones or the deal with field. If not, he may be restricted to being a deep security or a 3rd security who comes on the sector in nickel conditions.It wouldn’t be a shock to see Clark generate vital buzz amongst coaches due to his the ball IQ and aggressive toughness, and he might be greater than merely a task athlete early in his profession.Draft Nation: Bud Clark initiatives as a high-floor defensive again prospect whose worth lies in versatility, instincts, and reliability. His means to contribute in protection, assist the run, and talk successfully offers him a transparent path to incomes snaps on the subsequent stage, notably in defensive schemes that worth sensible, adaptable gamers.Draft Nation at the moment views Clark as a Day 3 prospect with the potential to rise into Day 2, as his sturdy attempt on the Senior Bowl has opened the eyes of the expertise evaluators. In the fitting NFL setting, Clark has the instruments to turn out to be a reliable rotational defensive again early in his profession, with the upside to develop right into a constant starter who brings stability and playmaking to the secondary.Fourth SphericalPick 130 – Parker Brailsford, C, AlabamaBrailsford picks up comparisons to Dolphins middle Aaron Brewer – which appears to point he could be a superb backup for Brewer. He just isn’t more likely to be an possibility to maneuver out to protect, however he does solidify the depth at middle and may proceed to develop behind Brewer.What they’re saying:Pro Football and Sports Network: Parker Brailsford is the definition of a “natural” on the middle place. He redshirted his first 12 months at Washington, however emerged as an All-American and an All-Big 12 performer throughout the Huskies CFB Playoff run in 2023. In 2024, Brailsford adopted head leader Kalen DeBoer to Alabama, and didn’t miss a beat towards SEC competitors, incomes second-team All-American honors in his first run with the Crimson Tide.And in 2025, he earned third-team All-SEC honors. At 6’2″, 290 kilos, Brailsford is a contact undersized, however he makes up for it with elite athleticism and blocking vary, practically infallible leverage and pad stage, and shocking compact sequence energy and energy output. A fulcrum blocker within the mould of NFL standout Aaron Brewer, Brailsford could be an influence starter in zone-oriented schemes.Lance Zierlein, NFL.com: Brailsford has proven notable grit and consistency. He could be out-leveraged and shoved round on the level of assault, however his mobility offers him a definite benefit on the transfer. A scarcity of practical mass/size might carry to his move safety being uncovered by NFL energy and rush expertise. Brailsford’s tenacity and execution give him an opportunity, however he’s a one-position prospect with zone-scheme dependence. He would possibly have to earn a beginning job to stay round within the league.NFL Draft Buzz: Where Brailsford finally ends up mattering most is in scheme. A zone-heavy offense that desires its middle shifting laterally, climbing to linebackers, and making calls on the line is the place he belongs. His finest reps at Alabama got here when the offense let him use his ft. Against Georgia in 2024, he regarded like a unique athlete on the transfer in comparison with the snaps the place he needed to sit in and soak up energy. That cut up defines his projection.The measurement goes to observe him into each draft assembly. He’s mild and shorter than most NFL facilities, and you may see it when greater nostril tackles sq. him up and stroll him off his spot. Where he retains himself clear is in move safety, the place his hand timing and foot quickness let him survive towards rushers who outweigh him considerably. The penalty challenge ties on to the size downside. When longer defenders get outdoors his fingers, his intuition is to seize and maintain on moderately than forfeit the rep totally. That behavior is manageable in faculty, however NFL officers will flag it constantly, and the bodily limitation driving it isn’t going away.The proper group for Brailsford doesn’t want its middle to be the hardest man within the trenches each snap. Pair him with greater guards who can deal with the soiled work inside, and his motion means and processing turn out to be actual belongings. He can begin on this league, however provided that a training employees builds round what he does nicely. There’s a helpful athlete right here. The query is whether or not the group that takes him understands what they’re getting.Draft Nation: Parker Brailsford is an athletic middle who performs nicely within the run recreation. He is undersized, and might want to discover a means to deal with his lack of size towards the bigger gamers within the NFL. Draft Nation expects him to come back off the board as a prime 3 middle by the tip of day two or early on day three.A very good professional comparability for Brailsford could also be Tyler Linderbaum of the Baltimore Ravens. They are each a bit undersized however have distinctive agility and pace to get to the second stage. Brailsford could also be a giant stronger, however Linderbaum’s wrestling background makes him a more durable one-on-one battler.Fifth SphericalPick 151 – Kaleb Elarms-Orr, LB, TCUElarms-Orr is a right away possibility on particular groups whereas he adjusts to the pace of the NFL recreation. He has the pace and athleticism to turn out to be a starter within the league, however he has to work on his means to diagnose performs and put himself in the fitting place, moderately than making an attempt to chase down the sequence. He is quick and a sure-tackler, which can work to his profit as a rotational linebacker and on particular groups.CommercialWhat they’re saying:Pro Football and Sports Network: Kaleb Elarms-Orr will get misplaced at occasions in a powerful linebacker class, however he’s a possible gem within the middle-round vary. Elarms-Orr started his profession at California, racking up 92 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, a sack, and 5 move breakups with the Golden Bears as a redshirt sophomore in 2023. Elarms-Orr transferred to TCU in 2024, and in 2025, he emerged as a first-team All-Big 12 performer.In his closing year, Elarms-Orr amassed 130 tackles, 11 TFLs, 4 sacks, and two move deflections. His 85.7 PFSN LB Impact rating was fourth-highest within the FBS, and per TruMedia, he logged a sub-10% missed deal with price, whereas additionally eclipsing a 20% stress price on pass-rushing snaps. At 6’2″, 234 kilos, Elarms-Orr has good measurement and lean mass, to package deal with blistering 4.47 pace and full-field vary.On prime of his explosive athleticism and lengthy pace, Elarms-Orr additionally brings glorious baseline urgency and physicality, in addition to energy at contact crashing into gaps. He could be over-aggressive on misdirections at occasions, and his processing and reactions generally is a tick sooner total, however he has improved that a part of his recreation since 2023. He checks the packing containers as a spot attacker, he’s an ultra-competent blitz menace with spectacular pass-rush effectivity, and he’s proven he can sequence sq. to targets in zone protection.Best in downhill response, run-and-chase, and blitz roles, however possessing measured attraction on passing downs, Elarms-Orr has high quality starter potential and is a high quality rotational presence on day one.Lance Zierlein, NFL.com: Elarms-Orr is a well-built linebacker with above-average athleticism however problematic instincts. He has the pace and athleticism to get to the the ball from sideline to sideline. However, he regularly struggles with recognizing blocking schemes and too typically loses observe of sequence improvement. He’s rangy however common in zone protection, with expertise as a blitzer price continued exploration. He will want improved processing however ought to dial in as a backup with a full-time function on particular groups.NFL Draft Buzz: There is an actual the ball athlete in Elarms-Orr, however the tape tells you he’s not a three-down starter on the subsequent stage proper now. What he does nicely is assault downhill and fill the run lanes, and the leap he made in run protection from his Cal days to his closing 12 months at TCU is legitimately spectacular. You can see a athlete who realized to belief his keys, sequence with higher pad stage, and end by way of contact. His blitzing means is a pleasant wrinkle too. He is aware of the best way to arrange a rush and hit the hole with good timing, which provides you one thing to work with on passing downs in particular packages.The downside is every part occurring behind him. When offenses unfold the sector and drive him to course of in house, the recreation slows down for the offense, not for him. Play-action nonetheless pulls him out of place. His zone drops lack anticipation, and receivers discover the open grass round him with an excessive amount of regularity. The low interception whole throughout three years of serious taking part in time just isn’t a fluke. He is a below-the-line athlete in protection, and that limits his function in any protection that asks its linebackers to match up within the passing recreation.The path for Elarms-Orr on the subsequent stage runs by way of particular groups first and a reserve linebacker function second. He has the pace, the motor, and the toughness to be a core particular groups contributor from day one, and his run-stuffing means offers him an opportunity to carve out situational defensive snaps in heavy packages or early-down run matches. A scheme that retains him within the field, limits his protection publicity, and lets him hunt the ball downhill is the place he’ll discover his area of interest. There is sufficient right here for a roster spot and perhaps extra, however he wants continued improvement in his psychological processing to earn constant defensive taking part in time.Sixth RoundNo PicksSeventh SphericalPick 227 – Cameron Ball, DT, ArkansasThe Dolphins add a depth defensive deal with late within the draft right here. Ball has some versatility, with the group in a position to line him up as an even-front defensive deal with or as an odd-front nostril deal with. He wants teaching to succeed in his potential, however he would be capable of function a depth piece on the line of defense this 12 months.What they’re saying:Pro Football and Sports Network: Cameron Ball is a late-round DT prospect with a compelling bodily profile, but in addition untapped potential relative to his expertise stage. He joined the Arkansas Razorbacks as a three-star recruit in 2021, and stayed in Fayetteville all 5 years. After redshirting in 2021, he turned a daily rotational contributor in 2022 and 2023, earlier than serving as a full-time starter throughout the 2024 and 2025 seasons.Across a four-year on-field profession, Ball amassed 138 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, and three sacks, and earned a decent PFSN DT Impact rating of 80.6 in 2025. At 6’4″, with a taking part in weight of near 320 kilos and 33″ arms, Ball has best measurement, energy, and energy capability on the inside, and he’s a wonderful athlete as nicely, as his NFL Combine displaying reaffirmed. His 32″ vertical, particularly, is above the 88th percentile at his place.Ball can be a group chief and energetic in his neighborhood; he was a Wuerffel Trophy watch listing inclusion within the lead-up to the 2025 year. Those mixed components alone ought to assist Ball exist in a rotational function early on, however his improvement past that continues to be polarizing. At his finest, Ball flashed near-elite stacking energy and practical two-gapping potential in run protection at Arkansas, and his explosive athleticism lends nicely to preliminary energy output.That stated, his pad stage and leverage acquisition could be very inconsistent, and frequent upright drift can negate his base and make him simpler to maneuver off the road. He offers up hip-to-gap leverage too simply at occasions as nicely, and as a pass-rusher, he stays extraordinarily uncooked and underdeveloped along with his hand utilization, a fact echoed in his nearly non-existent sack manufacturing. Ball flashed on the Senior Bowl as nicely, however he must develop his operational talent set and enhance his leveraging earlier than he can take beginning reps.In the quick timeline, he’s an alignment-versatile depth DT.Lance Zierlein, NFL.com: Steady inside defender who performs with good preliminary quickness and enough sequence energy. Ball can dart into gaps or maintain the purpose towards single blocks as a two-gapper. While he can deal with hand-to-hand fight, he’s unable to sink a deep anchor and compete at a excessive stage towards double groups and down blocks. He’s an effort rusher with first rate footwork however might turn out to be far more efficient with higher hand work. Ball has common upside as a rotational defender in a good entrance.Pick 238 – Jakobe Thomas, S, MiamiThomas is a developmental athlete who began his collegiate profession at Middle Tennessee State earlier than shifting to Tennessee after which to Miami. He grew as he moved up, and he’ll proceed that improvement within the NFL with the fitting alternative. He is a particular groups athlete from the beginning and can work his means right into a rotational function within the secondary. He might turn out to be a starter down the highway, however early on, his downhill pace will sequence nicely in kick/punt protection.CommercialWhat they’re saying:Pro Football and Sports Network: Jakobe Thomas is a quietly well-rounded Day 3 security prospect with a transparent ceiling but in addition common utility that would assist him see the sector as a rotational defender no less than, and a mid-level starter at finest. Thomas started his profession as a three-star signee for Middle Tennessee State, and after redshirting his first year, he emerged with a four-interception 2022 marketing campaign. After three years at MTSU, Thomas had a one-year interlude with the Tennesse Volunteers, earlier than closing out his profession with the Miami Hurricanes in 2025.Whatever manufacturing he sought however lacked within the SEC, Thomas reclaimed within the ACC. In 2025, he amassed 76 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, 5 interceptions, six move breakups, and two compelled fumbles, whereas incomes a glowing PFSN Safety Impact rating of 88.4. Thomas’ turnover manufacturing stands out most, and it’s emblematic of his means to handle depth and house from two-high or single-high, read-and-react, and break in entrance of passes.In protection, Thomas has good recalibration quickness and fluidity, and whereas his top-end pace is capped, he has sufficient half-field vary to be disruptive when his breaks are well-timed. In run assist, Thomas has related playmaking urgency, and triggers downhill shortly, with the size and mass to carry up taking over blocks. A missed deal with share over 15% displays a have to train higher timing, breakdown self-discipline, and method at contact, however Thomas nonetheless has worth as a fast-flowing and bodily downhill presence.Thomas can chunk prematurely towards Cover 2 beaters, his plant-and-drive footwork and transition steadiness could be extra constant at occasions, and he’s not as dependable monitoring the ball when making up floor vertically. Those inconsistencies are exacerbated by a scarcity of high-end lengthy pace or restoration burst. Having stated all this, Thomas has a decent flooring throughout the board, and may operate nicely as a rotational and depth security with spot-starting utility in two-deep schemes.Lance Zierlein, NFL.com: A productive, fifth-year security prospect, Thomas is wired to sequence ahead and race into the motion wherever it’s current. He overflows pursuit and has too many missed or damaged tackles on his stat sheet, however his influence towards the run is a internet constructive. He has good ball manufacturing however is pretty common in protection. He could be means too fast to overlap or chunk on bait, which permits receivers to get behind him from single-high and split-safety alignments. Thomas has the potential to develop right into a starter as a probable middle-round choose.NFL Draft Buzz: Thomas’ mixture of measurement, instincts, and ball expertise checks packing containers that defensive coordinators desperately want when establishing their again finish, notably as offenses proceed spreading the sector and attacking vertically. The man can cowl, plain and easy. He reads routes, breaks on throws, and makes performs on the the ball with consistency that reveals up while you dig into the numbers. NFL groups in search of a security who can truly sequence in house and deal with protection duties will see a athlete with official beginning potential if the tackling points get cleaned up. The missed tackles are an actual concern and may’t be dismissed, however they’re additionally coachable issues involving angles and method moderately than a scarcity of effort or competitiveness. Thomas performs keen in run assist even when the outcomes haven’t all the time been there.The scheme match for Thomas facilities on maximizing what he does nicely moderately than exposing his weaknesses. He’s constructed for two-high security methods the place he can patrol the deep half, use his size to disrupt throws, and put his route recognition to work. Think Tampa 2 ideas or Cover 2 man schemes the place he’s splitting the sector and taking part in excessive with the liberty to leap routes when he sees them growing. His versatility to drop into robber roles and deal with completely different protection duties offers defensive coordinators flexibility in how they deploy him, and that schematic adaptability has actual worth within the NFL. Teams that lean closely on single-high seems to be may not be the most effective match given his common pace, however most trendy defenses make use of a number of protection shells all through a recreation anyway. The secret’s placing him in positions the place his protection instincts can shine whereas being strategic about when to ask him to sequence downhill and end tackles within the field.Thomas has the instruments to develop right into a official rotational security who contributes on protection and particular groups from day one. His expertise throughout a number of faculty applications reveals he can be taught methods shortly and adapt to completely different teaching kinds, which issues while you’re making an attempt to ascertain your self on an NFL roster. The ball manufacturing all through his profession demonstrates a nostril for the the ball that interprets to creating turnovers on the subsequent stage, and turnovers victory video games. If he commits to enhancing his tackling method throughout his first offseason and provides some practical energy with out dropping his motion expertise, Thomas might push for a beginning function earlier than folks count on.