The time for player projections and mock drafts is almost complete. The Miami Dolphins
' roster is about to grow significantly in size thanks to the 2026 NFL Draft
.
The event of the draft itself is a drama-filled weekend of perceived reaches and steals. But at the end of the day, your value as a prospect is ultimately equal to what someone is willing to pay to acquire you. Each and every time.
So with consideration to the consensus rankings, the Miami Dolphins
have several compelling fits that have become popular projections in certain draft slots. The real thing may necessitate an earlier investment. Here are three players that the Miami Dolphins should be prepared to draft ahead of consensus ranking if they really want them in the 2026 NFL Draft
.
Jan 28, 2026; Mobile, AL, USA; American Team wide receiver Ted Hurst (7) of Georgia State lines up during American Senior Bowl practice at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images
Consensus Ranking: 79th overall
Let this sink in for a minute. Steve Smith Jr. said this past week that Hurst has flashes of a "faster Larry Fitzgerald"
. He's long, fast (4.42s 40), runs well, had a good showing at the Senior Bowl. Hurst has become a mock draft staple for Miami by fans in the collection of 3rd round picks between 75th and 94th overall. I'm not sure Hurst makes it there.
43rd overall is probably too rich for Hurst, too. I have him ranked 59th in my personal rankings this year; so he may be a bit too far in the middle between the Miami Dolphins' currently scheduled third and fourth picks of the draft. If he makes it to 75th overall, Miami should consider themselves lucky.
Michigan linebacker Jaishawn Barham (1) sacks Central Michigan quarterback Joe Labas (2) during the first half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025.Auburn Postgame Press Conference – Oklahoma
Consensus Ranking: 87th overall
Barham feels like a rocket ship right now. A ton of folks that I have respect for in the space are in on his projection to play on the edge. Barham punches above his weight and is a highly competitive player. He could end up being an ideal "tweener" for simulated pressure defensive schemes.
His experience off the ball will be useful to defensive coordinators but he appears instinctive enough to collect edge reps early on. Yes, this class is deep on pass rushers but I would not dismiss him being a scheme-specific target for someone who goes earlier than expected. If he's destined to be a Miami Dolphins target, their last swing may come at 75th overall - if they're lucky.
Oct 5, 2024; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego State Aztecs cornerback Chris Johnson (1) warms up against the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors before the game at Snapdragon Stadium.© Abe Arredondo-Imagn Images
Consensus Ranking: 41st overall
I have seen many mock drafts with Chris Johnson landing in Miami at pick No. 43 overall. It doesn't sound like he's going to make it there. The buzz this past week is that Johnson is a superb character in the locker room. He's considered a consummate professional already, and he pairs all that with a clean resume as a player. He's checked a lot of boxes.
It all adds up to some first-round noise. So Miami, if they're set on acquiring Johnson, may have their last chance to get him at No. 30 overall.
Miami Dolphins News
Kyle Crabbs April 9, 2026
The post Three 2026 NFL Draft prospects the Miami Dolphins may need to draft ahead of consensus rankings if they really want them appeared first on A to Z Sports .
