The Miami Dolphins entered Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft with a focused plan: to add immediate contributors and build depth across key positions. On April 24, 2026, the team successfully executed this plan by selecting four promising players during the second and third rounds, enhancing both their offensive and defensive units.
General Manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and his staff brought in inside linebacker Jacob Rodriguez with the 43rd overall pick. They further reinforced their offensive skill positions by drafting wide receiver Caleb Douglas at No. 75, tight end Will Kacmarek at No. 87, and added wide receiver Chris Bell at pick No. 94. Each selection aligns with Miami's roster needs and strategic vision.
Round 2, Pick 43: LB Jacob Rodriguez
The Dolphins commenced Day 2 by addressing a critical need on defense--linebacker. Jacob Rodriguez, a 6-foot-1, 231-pound inside linebacker from Texas Tech, was their choice. Rodriguez boasts exceptional sideline-to-sideline range, solid instincts, and versatility, appearing ready to contribute as an every-down linebacker from the outset.
Rodriguez's collegiate career culminated in an outstanding 2025 season, earning multiple awards including the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Lombardi Award, Bednarik Award, and Butkus Award. He finished the year as a first-team Associated Press All-American and the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, leading the FBS with seven forced fumbles and amassing 128 tackles. Known for his ability to read plays quickly and excel in coverage against tight ends and running backs, Rodriguez addresses Miami's need for a reliable tone-setter and communicator at linebacker.
Round 3, Pick 75: WR Caleb Douglas
At 6-foot-3 and 206 pounds, wide receiver Caleb Douglas from Texas Tech offers Miami a big-play threat capable of stretching the field vertically. His competitive nature, ability to track the ball, and impressive catch radius make him a valuable asset in contested catch situations.
Douglas has demonstrated durability and production, recording 54 receptions for 846 yards and seven touchdowns during the 2025 season. His versatility to line up both outside and in the slot enhances the Dolphins' offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik's play-calling flexibility. Moreover, Douglas's willingness to contribute as a blocker in the run game enhances his value in the Dolphins' offense, which emphasizes explosive, timing-based plays.
Round 3, Pick 87: TE Will Kacmarek
Tight end Will Kacmarek, at 6-foot-5 and 261 pounds from Ohio State, adds multi-dimensional skill to Miami's offense. Known for both reliable receiving and strong blocking, Kacmarek fits the modern NFL tight end mold--capable of lining up inline, in the slot, or wide, providing schematic diversity.
In his 2025 season, Kacmarek earned Honorable Mention All-Big Ten Conference honors, contributing with 15 receptions for 168 yards and two touchdowns over 14 games. His ability to contribute in the blocking game supports the Dolphins' multiple tight end sets and physical playing style, promising to earn meaningful snaps early in his career.
Round 3, Pick 94: WR Chris Bell
Rounding out the Dolphins Day 2 haul was wide receiver Chris Bell, a 6-foot-1, 222-pound receiver from Louisville, taken at pick 94 via trade with the Denver Broncos. Bell's college career showcased steady growth highlighted by a First-team All-ACC selection in 2025. Though he suffered a torn ACL late in his senior season, Miami's investment reflects confidence in his potential as a dynamic playmaker.
Bell's ability to contribute as a reliable target and special teams weapon adds depth to Miami's receiving corps. His presence alongside Douglas and the existing playmakers augments the Dolphins' offensive explosiveness and depth.
Day 2 Draft Philosophy and Roster Fit
Miami's Day 2 selections reveal a disciplined approach focused on schematic fit, positional need, and long-term potential. The Dolphins made no excessive trades but trusted their evaluations, finding value picks within their draft range.
Defensively, Rodriguez addresses a fluid linebacker situation by providing talent capable of starting and leading on the field. Offensively, Douglas, Kacmarek, and Bell inject youth, versatility, and competitive instincts to skill positions that are vital in coordinator Bobby Slowik's scheme emphasizing vertical and multiple personnel packages.
Together, these four players bolster Miami's roster with immediate competition for starting roles and special teams contributions, all while helping build a foundation for sustained success.
Looking Ahead
Miami's draft haul through Day 2 sets a strong footing as the team looks ahead to further strengthening on Day 3 and beyond. The organization's commitment to building a balanced, competitive roster through the draft is evident in their selections and approach.
Coach Jeff Hafley and General Manager Jon-Eric Sullivan both underscored the importance of these additions in press conferences following the selections, praising the players' character, work ethic, and upside.
As Miami integrates Rodriguez, Douglas, Kacmarek, and Bell into offseason programs and evaluates further additions, the team's fan base can be optimistic about a draft class contributing soon and supporting Miami's playoff aspirations.
Stay tuned for continued coverage as the Dolphins complete their 2026 draft class and prepare for the upcoming season.
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