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A trade pitch between the Dolphins in Eagles lands Miami additional draft capital

Heading into the 2026 NFL Draft, the Miami Dolphins have a large number of needs on the roster. With seven selections inside of the first 100 picks, the Dolphins have a chance of completely revamping the outlook of the team, especially if they select difference-makers.

Unfortunately, with the team’s first selection at No. 11, there appears to be no slam-dunk selection. While the Dolphins would probably like to address their offensive line, wide receiver, cornerback or edge needs, there is no sure prospect that appears likely to fall to them at 11. 

As a result, a new mock draft has predicted the Dolphins will trade down, in a trade that would result in Miami gaining a large number of future draft capital.

Miami Dolphins Projected Trade

In Connor Orr’s latest mock draft for Sports Illustrated, the Miami Dolphins are predicted to trade down in the first round. The team would exchange the No. 11 pick to the Philadelphia Eagles, netting the No. 23 selection and a 2027 first-round pick.

In Orr’s mock draft, the top cornerback, wide receiver, tackle, guard, and top two edge rushers had already been selected before Miami’s pick. However, Dolphins fans would probably be upset passing up on Miami Hurricanes pass rusher Reuben Bain Jr., who was still on the board.

Gaining an extra first-round pick would probably be too much to pass up for general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan. He already indicated that the Dolphins were more likely to trade down than trade up in the draft.

Although Philadelphia’s future first is not likely to be a top asset, as their first selection has not come inside the top 20 in any of the past three drafts.

Miami’s First Round Plans

That would leave Miami with the No. 23 selection in the draft, which Orr predicted the Dolphins would use on Texas A&M wide receiver KC Concepcion. Orr wrote:

“The Dolphins cannot come out of this first round without at least addressing the fact that both Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle are out of the building. Knowing that Concepcion would be here indicates some savvy board work from the new GM Jon-Eric Sullivan, who comes away with more valuable 2027 capital and at least one contribution to the offense for new quarterback Malik Willis.”

With Miami’s second selection of the first round, Orr predicted the Dolphins would address their secondary need with San Diego State cornerback Chris Johnson. Orr wrote:

“The benefit for Jon-Eric Sullivan is that, when all positions are essentially positions of need, it gets easier to declare a night one victory. After scooping up Concepcion at wideout, the Dolphins can pivot to the defensive side of the ball and select their favorite cornerback.”

If Orr’s mock were to play out, the Dolphins would be set up nicely for 2027. The team would have addressed two needs with their first two selections and added an extra first-round pick in what many believe is a better draft class in 2027.  Whether Concepcion and an extra first is worth more than a player like Reuben Bain Jr., would have to be a decision Jon-Eric Sullivan would have to make.