NFL.com Mock Draft has Miami Selecting…

NFL.com Draft Profile

Overview

Delane is one of the top cornerbacks in a CB-rich draft. He excels in press coverage, altering release timing with punches and slides. Smooth hips and efficient footwork keep him connected in man coverage, while his processing allows for quick transitions in off-man and short zone looks. He has good top-end speed for vertical phasing but is inconsistent turning to find the football. While he locks in on the route at times, he’s rarely oblivious to the quarterback’s actions, allowing him to slam catch windows shut and play the football. He played through a core muscle injury for much of the 2025 season and still performed at an elite level. Delane’s emergence over the past two years might be indicative of what’s to come, as he’s shown lockdown potential.

Strengths

• Loose-limbed, highly athletic and efficient in his movements.
• Throws jabs and slides feet to cut off release from press.
• Gets hands on the route quickly and flows tightly to the route.
• Anticipates breaks from off coverage and pounces to erase separation space.
• Tracks quarterback without losing route awareness in zone coverage.
• Makes sharp overlaps to play the throw from deep zone drops.
• Smothers the catch point like a dominant shot blocker.
• Full-contact thumper ready to jar the ball loose.
• Engulfs and wraps up pass-catchers to quickly end the play.

Weaknesses

• Plays tall in space, limiting transition quickness at times.
• Can be baited by clever route combinations in deep zone.
• Aggressive hand usage to redirect, which will bring flags.
• Needs to become more consistent in locating deep throws.
• Can be tardy breaking down as an open-field tackler.

Round 1, Pick #30: Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M

“After releasing Bradley Chubb, Miami still has every reason to keep investing in the front, and this would give the new Dolphins regime another young pass-rush piece to develop. Jeff Hafley will love Howell’s motor.”

NFL.com Draft Profile

Overview

Bendy edge rusher with standout sack totals. Burst and elusiveness are on Howell’s rush menu and he pairs it with a refreshing inside spin counter. Though threatening, his rush could use more cohesive sequencing and better hand work to fully unlock its potential. As a run defender he’s frequently knocked around at the point and struggles to consistently execute tasks asked of an NFL edge-setter. Howell might not be a three-down player right away, but his ability to create pressure sets him up for a role as a designated rusher, at minimum.

Strengths

• Three straight seasons of impressive pressure and sack totals.
• Can bend, corner and flatten into pockets.
• Creates smart rush distance, avoiding punch by long tackles.
• Already working with a series of go-to moves in his bag.
• A wicked inside spin counter can defeat tackles.
• Long hop helps gain positioning advantage on vertical rush.
• Major problem for quarterbacks with undisciplined drop depth.
• Trigger quickness to knife into B-gap and blow up play design.
• Above-average change direction and pursuit burst from the back side.

Weaknesses

• Not enough sand in his pants to hold his ground at the point.
• Requires better technique for competent edge-setting.
• Drops eyes and ducks his helmet into first contact.
• Displays occasional indecisiveness in attacking run blocks.
• Pass rush lacks speed variance and diversified setup.
• Hands need more schooling to unlock NFL rush potential.