The Miami Dolphins have hit rock bottom in the latest 2026 NFL power rankings, and it's easy to see why. After a tumultuous offseason that saw more changes than almost any other team, expectations have been tempered—and for good reason.
Following a disappointing 2025 campaign, the Dolphins decided to hit the reset button in a big way. The team cleaned house, parting ways with head coach Mike McDaniel and jettisoning countless productive players to free up cap space. But while the moves were plentiful, the impact signings were few and far between.
The biggest gamble? Bringing in quarterback Malik Willis in free agency. Willis has a limited track record, and while the potential is there, it's a risky bet for a team in transition. The rest of the free-agent additions were largely average, leaving many analysts unimpressed.
The draft, however, offered a glimmer of hope. The Dolphins selected a whopping 13 players in the 2026 NFL Draft, signaling a clear focus on building for the future rather than competing right now. Most analysts praised the haul, but the consensus is clear: this is a team looking toward 2027 and beyond.
Unsurprisingly, that sentiment is reflected in the power rankings. Sports Illustrated's Conor Orr slotted the Dolphins at No. 31, ahead of only the rebuilding Arizona Cardinals. Orr didn't mince words, noting that "the Dolphins succeeded in the draft, insofar as they could not fail." He added that the roster was so thin that any pick would have made sense for new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan, and that swinging for Kadyn Proctor was the right move for a team lacking grit and toughness.
It's never a good sign when an analyst suggests your roster is so barren that any draft pick is an upgrade. Unless Willis plays like a top-10 quarterback, wins will be hard to come by. The pass-catching group, in particular, is arguably the worst in the league, leaving little room for optimism in 2026.
For Dolphins fans, this season is about development and patience. The foundation is being laid, but the basement might be where they stay—for now.