Dolphins predicted to pick OT and CB with injury risk in Round 1 of ESPN mock draft originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Miami Dolphins own two picks inside the first-round of the 2026 NFL Draft, with the 11th selection (their own) and the 30th selection (Denver Broncos).
Jeff Hafley and Jon-Eric Sullivan will have the chance to make a few important picks as this is their first year of a major rebuild for Miami.
ESPN's Peter Schrager, in his final mock draft, made a pair of draft pick projections for the Dolphins that would be high-risk, high-reward, as he has Miami taking an offensive tackle and a cornerback with some major injury concerns in Round 1.
"11. Miami Dolphins: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami," Schrager writes. "... I could absolutely see this new Dolphins regime shoring up the offensive line and building out from there."
Miami needs to upgrade the offensive line, and Francis Mauigoa, the big Miami offensive tackle, would make a ton of sense. The issue is that he has a herniated disk in his back, which is, obviously, a concerning diagnosis.
But, a rebuilding team like the Dolphins can take the chance on Mauigoa in hopes that he can use his rookie year to put that herniated disk issue behind him and become a stalwart at right tackle for years to come.
"30. Miami Dolphins (via DEN): Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee," Schrager writes. "The concerns around McCoy's knee are real, so I think he does go a little later than previously thought. But ... I don't think he falls out of the first round."
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Similar to Mauigoa, McCoy has an injury he's dealing with. His issue is a knee injury that he sustained in 2024, which forced him to miss the entire 2025 season.
His college tape in 2024 was elite, and if there weren't any injury concerns, he would be going a lot higher than No. 30 overall in Schrager's mock.
Thanks to the Dolphins' abundance of picks (11 in total), including seven inside the top 100 selections, this is a risk well worth taking. As Schrager notes, "When healthy, McCoy can be a difference maker."
Hafley and Sullivan will have safe jobs for 2027 as this upcoming season is a rebuilding year. Barring something drastic, they can take risks in this year's draft without worry of losing their job.
That's why going with Mauigoa, a right tackle with a back issue, and McCoy, a cornerback with a knee issue, wouldn't be too outlandish or as risky for the Dolphins.
Some fans might balk at the double-down of players with injury concerns, but with an abundance of picks and the need for so many players to complete the rebuild, there's no better time to take these chances than right now for the Dolphins.
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