Apr 26, 2012; New York, NY, USA; A general view of the NFL shield logo before the 2012 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

Three teams who could make sense as a trade-back parter for the Dolphins at No. 11 amid their quest for more draft picks

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Kyle Crabbs | Last updated Feb 15, 2026 3:33 PM ET

It's typically good practice in the NFL Draft to not trade away from elite talents. That's something to keep in mind for April with the 2026 Miami Dolphins.

Miami is scheduled to make their first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft with the 11th overall selection, a choice that could be far enough down in the order to see none of the handful elite prospects in this year's class land in their lap. What could keep hope alive in that regard is that several of the top overall players play "non-premium" positions, like safety (Caleb Downs) and linebacker (Sonny Styles). But given new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan's affinity for draft capital, the possibility of a trade down in this year's draft feels like a looming possibility that is difficult to dismiss. If Sullivan ends up shopping the 11th overall pick, who are some teams that could become sensible trade partners?

Three teams who could be a strong trade-back partner for the Miami Dolphins

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Rams

TOP 100 DRAFT CAPITAL: 13th overall, 29th overall, 61st overall, 93rd overall

Rams general manager Les Snead spoke recently about the team's process regarding their pick at No. 13 overall via the Atlanta Falcons. In short, he and his staff aspired to have very concrete footing on the top of the draft entering the offseason in order to ensure they don't skimp on their Day 2 and Day 3 preparations. What happens if they don't like what they saw? What happens if they're greatly convicted on a position (cornerback?) and a run at that spot threatens? Few GMs wheel and deal more than Snead and having a pick two spots behind Miami with three other top-100 picks could be a place for Sullivan to go poking around if the board falls right.

Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Vikings

TOP 100 DRAFT CAPITAL: 18th overall, 49th overall, 82nd overall, 97th overall

Minnesota, like the Rams, have four picks in the top-100. Their first selection comes a little later in the teens, and so Miami must feel good about a second tier of first-round talents in order to be willing to consider the Vikings an option. Minnesota will execute this draft with no general manager and head coach Kevin O'Connell being a major presence in the selection process. Would that mean they'd prefer fewer bites at the apple and, instead, have a few confident ones instead? If so, there could be some business to be had here.

Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images

The Pittsburgh Steelers

TOP 100 DRAFT CAPITAL: 21st overall, 53rd overall, 76th overall, 85th overall, 99th overall

Two teams currently are projected to have five top-100 selections in this year's draft: the Miami Dolphins are one. The Pittsburgh Steelers , after a projected compensatory pick for OT Dan Moore, would be the other. Pittsburgh also has picks at No. 121, 135, and 159 early on Day 3, as well.

For a Steelers team that was abnormally aggressive this past offseason, perhaps a jump up for a splash draft pick could be the next "aggressive maneuver" to try to get over the hump. There's a lot of draft picks to tap into here, should Miami be able to digest the drop another third of the way down the first-round.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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