Should the Dolphins Trade Up?

Should the Dolphins Trade Up?

The Miami Dolphins are looking to rebuild, and the moves they’ve made so far this offseason confirm that. The largest example is the trade of Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos. Additionally, releasing Tyreek Hill and Bradley Chubb also signals that they are tearing the team down in order to build it back up again.

Currently, they hold two first-round picks in the 2026 NFL draft. Their own pick, which is 11th overall, and the 30th pick by way of the Broncos from the Waddle trade. 

It makes sense to hang onto the picks and build towards the future with one blue-chip prospect at 11 and another solid talent at 30. ESPN’s Matt Miller currently has Makai Lemon a wide receiver out of USC at 11 to replace Waddle and Colton Hood a cornerback out of Tennessee at pick 30. I believe that Dolphins fans would be happy with this outcome as the two picks address two of the biggest flaws the Dolphins have, but is there a world where Miami trades up? 

Josh Taylor, a Washington Commanders beat writer for AtoZSportsNFL, seems to believe that Miami is likely to take a swing and move up. He shares what he’s heard on his X account. 

“For what it’s worth, I’m keeping an eye on the Miami Dolphins as a trade back partner for the Commanders at 7th overall. I’m not just randomly picking them either.” Taylor wrote. “I’ve had two separate people tell me whispers about the Dolphins and Commanders. Might be nothing, might be something. Worth watching though.” 

Who could Miami target if they do move up? Keeping with the theme of addressing wide receiver and cornerback, there are two obvious picks. The first being Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate. Tate is the next great receiver from the pipeline that is Ohio State. He’s shown the ability to create highlight reel catches, and at 6’ 3”, 195 pounds, he would provide Malik Willis with a big target. As for corner back, Mansoor Delane out of LSU is the highest rated prospect. He’s coming off of an Unanimous All-American season and could be the first real star at the position for Miami since Xavien Howard and Jalen Ramsey left. 

So should they make the move? It would likely mean giving up their 30th overall pick. I think that if Carnell Tate is available, you absolutely make the move.

Otherwise, it makes more sense to me to get two prospects for the price you’d pay for just one. Should Tate already be off the board, the consolation prize of Makai Lemon is pretty great. 

So what do you think? Should Miami move up with Washington or any other team? Do you value the quantity of prospects over the quality? Let me know in the comments.

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