The 2026 NFL Draft is just days away, and all eyes are on how the Miami Dolphins will use their 11 picks. With needs across the roster, the secondary stands out as a critical area for GM Jon-Eric Sullivan to address, especially with new head coach Jeff Hafley—a former defensive backs coach—at the helm. Hafley is known for having a specific prototype for his defensive backs, prioritizing height, length, and, above all, versatility.

Enter Treydan Stukes, an All-American defensive back from Arizona who has emerged as a perfect potential fit for Miami. Stukes brings the complete package: a 6'1" frame, elite 4.33-second 40-yard dash speed, and the positional flexibility to play cornerback, safety, or nickel. His leadership as a team captain and his standout performance at the NFL Scouting Combine, where he ranked fifth in Athleticism Score among safeties, have solidified his status as a rising prospect.

On the field, Stukes' ball skills are undeniable. He racked up 29 passes defensed and seven interceptions in college while excelling in various coverage schemes, including Cover 1, Cover 3, and Cover 2. His ability to thrive in zone coverage and contribute on special teams makes him an ideal chess piece for Hafley's defensive system. Mock drafts have frequently linked him to the Dolphins, potentially as early as their second-round pick.

Of course, no prospect is without questions. Stukes, who will be 24 when the season starts, suffered an ACL injury in 2024. While GM Sullivan has been cautious about drafting players with injury histories, Stukes silenced many doubters by returning to have a stellar 2025 season, during which he allowed zero touchdowns and snagged four interceptions. His stock has been steadily climbing ever since.

As the draft approaches, Treydan Stukes represents exactly the kind of dynamic, versatile defensive weapon the Dolphins' secondary desperately needs. If Miami calls his name, he could quickly become a foundational piece in their defensive rebuild.