Story perspectives

Dolphins Draft 13 Size-Focused Players, Open With 6-Foot-7 Tackle

4/26/2026

Summary

Sullivan Prioritizes Size

Dolphins GM Jon-Eric Sullivan and coach Jeff Hafley completed the 2026 NFL Draft with 13 size-focused selections.
Their first two picks were Alabama 6-foot-7, 352-pound tackle Kadyn Proctor (12th overall) and San Diego State cornerback Chris Johnson (27th overall).
Sullivan said the draft favored physical traits over board rankings and he will take full responsibility.

Summary

Dolphins Draft Trio

The Dolphins drafted three wide receivers—Caleb Douglas, Kevin Coleman Jr., and Chris Bell—in 2026, the first such trio since 1975.
They also selected two tight ends, Will Kacmarek and Seydou Traore, the first double since 2018.
Three Texas players—Trey Moore, Michael Taaffe, and DJ Campbell—were taken, the most from one school since three Gators in 2013.
Seydou Traore became the first NFL Academy graduate ever drafted, underscoring the International Player Pathway program.

Summary

Dolphins Draft 13

The Miami Dolphins completed the 2026 NFL Draft by selecting 13 rookies on April 25, 2026.
GM Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley endured a busy weekend to finalize picks.
The team still must sign undrafted free agents, keeping roster work ongoing after the draft.
The recap said Hafley’s squad prioritized “smart, tough” players.
Cornerback Chris Johnson of San Diego State was photographed warming up against Hawaii at Snapdragon Stadium.

History

Historical Context

Mid-1970s NFL drafts stretched to 17 rounds, with the 1974 draft totaling 442 selections and the 1975 draft—where the Atlanta Falcons chose quarterback Steve Bartkowski—matching that scale. After the 1976 draft was trimmed to twelve rounds, the league settled on shorter formats. In 2026 the Miami Dolphins added 13 rookies, recalling the earlier volume-heavy approach.

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Sullivan Prioritizes Size

Dolphins GM Jon-Eric Sullivan and coach Jeff Hafley completed the 2026 NFL Draft with 13 size-focused selections.
Their first two picks were Alabama 6-foot-7, 352-pound tackle Kadyn Proctor (12th overall) and San Diego State cornerback Chris Johnson (27th overall).
Sullivan said the draft favored physical traits over board rankings and he will take full responsibility.

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