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Dolphins 7-Round 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Miami could catch the wave just right and get a monster draw in the top-50 picks

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Dolphins 7-Round 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Miami could catch the wave just right and get a monster draw in the top-50 picks


The Miami Dolphins will serve as one of the main characters for the 2026 NFL Draft. Mock drafts across the internet have propositioned countless player combinations for Miami’s seven-pick top-100 haul that is scheduled for the end of the month. I hope you’re ready for another one.

Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) warms up during the NCAA football game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 1, 2025.
© Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Miami Dolphins will serve as one of the main characters for the 2026 NFL Draft. Mock drafts across the internet have propositioned countless player combinations for Miami’s seven-pick top-100 haul that is scheduled for the end of the month. I hope you’re ready for another one.

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Here’s my latest 2026 7-round Miami Dolphins mock draft, in which I used the new A to Z Sports NFL mock draft simulator to make my picks.

Miami Dolphins 2026 7-round NFL mock draft secures plug-in starters at several positions

Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) leaves the field following the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas for the College Football Playoff quarterfinal game against the Miami Hurricanes on Dec. 31, 2025. Ohio State lost 24-14.
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) leaves the field following the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas for the College Football Playoff quarterfinal game against the Miami Hurricanes on Dec. 31, 2025. Ohio State lost 24-14.© Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

11th overall – SAF Caleb Downs, Ohio State Buckeyes

I’d be willing to bet the Dolphins are eager to do as general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan has alluded and build this roster from the inside out. But head coach Jeff Hafley did recently disclose just how important safeties are to how he calls a football game. I’d take 1+1 and accept that it equals two: Downs would have a strong argument for best player on the board and fits a vital position for the Dolphins.

Key players not on the board in this simulation: OT Francis Mauigoa (Miami), EDGE Rueben Bain Jr. (Miami), LB Sonny Styles (Ohio State), CB Mansoor Delane (LSU)

Clemson defensive end T.J. Parker (3) celebrates a tackle against Louisiana State University during the first quarter at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Saturday, August 30, 2025.
Clemson defensive end T.J. Parker (3) celebrates a tackle against Louisiana State University during the first quarter at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Saturday, August 30, 2025. Ken Ruinard / USA Today Network South Carolina / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

30th overall – EDGE TJ Parker, Clemson Tigers

I have long maintained that this draft will get interesting fast for the Dolphins. If Clemson EDGE TJ Parker is on the board, he’d serve as an excellent option for a pass rush room that needs more snap takers, more physicality, and more competition. Parker makes for an excellent foil in skills opposite Chop Robinson and Joshua Uche. The question isn’t if the Dolphins should draft Parker, but rather if he’ll make it to pick No. 30 overall. He did in this simulation and I gobbled him up.

Dec 20, 2025; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies offensive lineman Chase Bisontis (71) blocks the rush during the game between the Aggies and the Hurricanes at Kyle Field.
Dec 20, 2025; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies offensive lineman Chase Bisontis (71) blocks the rush during the game between the Aggies and the Hurricanes at Kyle Field.Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

43rd overall – OG Chase Bisontis, Texas A&M Aggies

The risk Miami is taking from a depth of draft position cannot be underestimated in this draft. There are 10 firm contenders in the offensive line group to hear their names called in the top-40 picks. If that entire group runs off the board, you could be on the outside looking in.

I took the risk at 11th overall because of Downs’ value, then the value at No. 30 because I got a high-volume player to rush the passer. Bisontis does not have offensive tackle flexibility but would likely present an upgrade at offensive guard. Seeing his name on the list of available players list at No. 43 made for a quick decision.

Nov 1, 2025; East Hartford, Connecticut, USA; UConn Huskies wide receiver Skyler Bell (1) reacts after his touchdown against the UAB Blazers in the second quarter at Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

75th overall – WR Skyler Bell, Connecticut Huskies

Miami’s dream scenario in the top-50 still leaves four third-round selections to make and plenty of position groups that need attention. I’ll start with a double-dip at wide receiver to capitalize on the depth of the pass-catcher group in the 2026 NFL Draft with third round picks. Bell is a 2025 breakout player who thrived as a marquee option for the Huskies; he thrived with the ball in his hands and downfield thanks to his speed and explosiveness.

Bell is a little rough around the edges and drops were an issue prior to 2025, which is why he may end up on the board with Miami’s pick here.

Jan 28, 2026; Mobile, AL, USA; American Team wide receiver Ted Hurst (7) of Georgia State lines up during American Senior Bowl practice at Hancock Whitney Stadium.Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images

87th overall – WR Ted Hurst, Georgia State Panthers

As promised, a double dip at wide receiver. There are still going to be major questions about QB Malik Willis’ supporting cast after drafting Bell and now Ted Hurst, but at least there’s youth, explosiveness, downfield ability, and potential for the Dolphins to embrace in a wide open competition for playing time. Hurst is a long-framed receiver who also flashes great open-field ability and vertical receiving as the Dolphins seek to build explosive plays off of their potential running game.

Oct 10, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Washington Huskies cornerback Ephesians Prysock (7) reacts after a play against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Ng-Imagn Images

90th overall – CB Ephesians Prysock, Washington Huskies

There’s a certain DNA that many of the corners in Miami’s position room share this offseason. Big, physical, and long. Prysock is all of the above. He’s a legit 6-foot-3, has an 80.5″ wingspan (95th percentile for cornerbacks since 1999) and he offers the profile of a press corner to compete for playing time in Miami along with the other dozen corners the Dolphins have hoarded.

Michigan linebacker Jaishawn Barham (1) sacks Central Michigan quarterback Joe Labas (2) during the first half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025.
Michigan linebacker Jaishawn Barham (1) sacks Central Michigan quarterback Joe Labas (2) during the first half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025.Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

94th overall – LB/EDGE Jaishawn Barham, Michigan Wolverines

If you like players who are compared to the Tasmanian Devil, you’re in luck. Barham is an absolutely unhinged player in the best way possible. He’s aggressive, he punches above his weight class, and he could serve as a hybrid linebacker/edge defender player for a little front flexibility for Coach Hafley. His profile as an edge is only scratching the surface of his potential but slotting him into the room with Parker and the veteran group gives Miami a chance to see someone emerge.

Sep 6, 2025; Berkeley, California, USA; California Golden Bears defensive back Hezekiah Masses (5) during the third quarter against the Texas Southern Tigers at California Memorial Stadium. Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

130th overall – CB Hezekiah Masses, California Golden Bears

Masses isn’t big like Prysock. But man, is he a tenacious son of a gun out there on the perimeter. Masses is an “in your face” player at the cornerback position and I love his attitude on film. When Jeff Hafley says ‘put on the tape’ to determine if someone loves football, Masses is the kind of player that comes to mind.

Dec 31, 2025; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Utah Utes tight end Dallen Bentley (88) carries the ball against Nebraska Cornhuskers defensive back Rex Guthrie in the first half during the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl at Allegiant Stadium. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

151st overall – TE Dallen Bentley, Utah Utes

Bentley was a breakout player for the Utes offense in 2025. He’s a sure-handed, big-bodied receiving type at tight end who showcases sufficient ability to make plays underneath in the passing game. There’s some surprising “after catch” skills to work with here for Bentley in his bid to win a role in the tight end room.

Michigan tight end Max Bredeson shakes hands with tight ends coach Steve Casula during warmups at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing on Saturday, October 25, 2025.
Michigan tight end Max Bredeson shakes hands with tight ends coach Steve Casula during warmups at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing on Saturday, October 25, 2025.Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

227th overall – FB Max Bredeson, Michigan Wolverines

Miami does not currently have a fullback on the roster and it is probably safe to assume that they will add one. Bredeson fits the mauler play style that I suspect this team is after amid the talk of the tone and intensity they play the game with.

Nov 30, 2024; Waco, Texas, USA; Kansas Jayhawks quarterback Jalon Daniels (6) hands the ball off to running back Devin Neal (4) against the Baylor Bears during the first half at McLane Stadium.
Nov 30, 2024; Waco, Texas, USA; Kansas Jayhawks quarterback Jalon Daniels (6) hands the ball off to running back Devin Neal (4) against the Baylor Bears during the first half at McLane Stadium.Chris Jones-Imagn Images

238th overall – QB Jalon Daniels, Kansas Jayhawks

Daniels is my mock draft quarterback of choice to join the quarterback room behind Malik Willis. Getting a signal caller with some similar traits, even if they aren’t the same caliber, should be an objective to allow the identity of the offense to stay the same if injuries arise in 2026.

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2 more Miami Beach Commissioners endorse Vicki Lopez for Miami-Dade Commission

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2 more Miami Beach Commissioners endorse Vicki Lopez for Miami-Dade Commission


Miami-Dade County Commissioner Vicki Lopez’s campaign to keep her District 5 seat now has support from a majority of the Miami Beach Commission.

This week, Lopez’s campaign announced endorsements from City Commissioners Laura Dominguez and Monica Matteo-Salinas.

They join two other Miami Beach officials — Commissioners Tanya Katzoff Bhatt and Alex Fernandez — backing Lopez.

Dominguez, who handily won re-election alongside Fernandez in early November, called Lopez “a proven partner for Miami Beach who understands what our residents need.”

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She cited Lopez’s work as a state lawmaker on condo safety and “real solutions on housing.”

“Vicki is thoughtful, collaborative, and knows how to turn priorities into action,” she said in a statement. “I look forward to continuing to work together to keep Miami Beach safe, resilient, and strong.”

Matteo-Salinas, a former City Hall aide who won her seat in December with 71% of the vote, said Lopez has earned the trust of her constituents “not with words, but with action.”

“Vicki shows up prepared, principled, and genuinely committed to getting it right. She doesn’t lead for the headlines. She leads for the people,” she said in a statement.

“She has been a true partner to our city by being accessible, collaborative, and never too busy to pick up the phone when our residents need answers. Vicki Lopez is the kind of leader our community deserves: experienced, accountable, and deeply rooted in the values that make this county a place we’re proud to call home. I am proud to support her campaign to continue to lead as our county commissioner.”

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Lopez, in a statement, expressed gratitude for “the support of leaders who are working every day to serve Miami Beach residents.”

“Our partnership with municipal leaders is essential to tackling the issues that matter most — from housing and safety to infrastructure and quality of life,” she said. “I look forward to continuing that work together.”

Lopez, who was appointed by her County Commission peers last year, raised nearly $589,000 last quarter, far outpacing her lone challenger, Florida Highway Patrol trooper and former Miami Commissioner Joe Sanchez.

Both Lopez and Sanchez are Republicans. Bhatt, Domiguez, Fernandez and Matteo-Salinas are all Democrats.

District 5 includes the cities of Miami and Miami Beach.

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All County Commission candidates will be on the Aug. 18 Primary ballot, as those races and others in the county are technically nonpartisan.

If no candidate in a given contest receives more than 50% of the vote, the top two candidates will compete in a Nov. 3 runoff.



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A new airport? A larger port? All that was said at the ‘State of the Ports’ in Miami

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A new airport? A larger port? All that was said at the ‘State of the Ports’ in Miami


Once a year, leaders in transportation and trade come together to discuss the “State of the Ports” and what the future holds.

Could a second airport be coming to Miami-Dade?

Last week, the county commission moved forward with studying the possibility, warning that Miami International Airport could reach capacity within the next 15 years.

“We are working through that right now. It is a long process that takes anywhere from 15 to 20 years,” said Ralph Cutie, Director and CEO of Miami International Airport.

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As for expanding PortMiami, Director and CEO Hydi Webb says building outward isn’t an option.

“We really can’t build on our island and make it bigger, but what we are doing is building vertically,” Webb said.

These are just some of the discussions highlighted at this year’s “State of the Ports” event, which examines how the industry is adapting to growing demand, population increases, and rising tourism.

Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava emphasized the need to stay ahead.

“We have to make sure that we stay not only current, but that we get ahead—that’s why we call it ‘future-ready,’” she said.

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Cutie says the airport’s Capital Improvement Plan now totals $14 billion. The plan will roll out over the next 15 years to accommodate an estimated 77 million passengers and 4.2 million tons of cargo by 2040.

That includes major upgrades across the airport.

“From replacing all of our passenger loading bridges to upgrading elevators, escalators, moving walkways, and renovating all of our restrooms,” Cutie said.

There are also improvements planned for concourses and terminals.

“We have a new Concourse K under construction—a $750 million project expected to be completed by 2029. Concourse D60, a $1.1 billion project, will break ground in 2027 and be completed by 2030,” he added.

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Another major focus is cargo. Cutie says volume has grown for six consecutive years.

“We are finalizing our cargo development master plan, which will add a few million square feet to our cargo facilities,” he said.

At PortMiami, the strategy is similar—grow upward and operate more efficiently.

“We are stacking containers higher with modern infrastructure. We’re also building garages and facilities that can include parking, intermodal areas, and even office space,” Webb said.

She added that future plans could include shifting some operations off-site.

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“We are studying the concept of an inland port—looking at what functions we can move off the port, like empty container storage,” Webb explained.

It’s important to note that these projects are expected to be funded through public-private partnerships, not taxpayer dollars, according to Tax Collector Dariel Fernández.



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Storms fire up over mainland Monroe: South Florida heat builds into the weekend

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Storms fire up over mainland Monroe: South Florida heat builds into the weekend


Next Weather radar tracks intensifying storms over inland Monroe County, bringing dark skies and heavy rain away from the coasts. As showers wind down overnight, South Florida braces for rising heat—temperatures could hit the 90s for the first time this season. Find out what to expect in your neighborhood and when rain chances will drop off in the days ahead.



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