The Miami Dolphins went all-in during the 2026 NFL Draft, making a whopping 13 selections—including two first-rounders and a flurry of Day 2 and Day 3 picks. It was a clear signal that the front office is reloading for the future, and many of these rookies are expected to see significant playing time right away under new head coach Jeff Hafley.

But according to ESPN's Ben Solak, only two of those 13 draftees have even a distant shot at taking home a major end-of-season award. The candidates? First-round cornerback Chris Johnson and second-round linebacker Jacob Rodriguez.

Johnson, a dynamic cover man from San Diego State who Miami traded up to grab in Round 1, has the raw tools to turn heads. "It would be so cool if, mired in what's sure to be a terrible Dolphins season, Johnson snagged seven picks and won Defensive Rookie of the Year," Solak writes. "It's not impossible..."

Think back to Sauce Gardner's rookie campaign with the Jets in 2022—that's the blueprint. If Johnson can lock down opposing wide receivers and pile up interceptions, he could follow a similar path to the award. The Dolphins are certainly hoping he can be the next Quinyon Mitchell or Sauce Gardner in their secondary.

On the other side of the ball, Rodriguez brings an intriguing skill set to the linebacker room. Solak calls him the "most Schwesinger-esque" of the five second-round linebackers—a nod to Carson Schwesinger, who won Defensive Rookie of the Year for the Browns last season. At 6-foot-1 and 230 pounds, Rodriguez is a bit undersized but plays with relentless energy and a nose for the football.

The one catch? Playing time. Rodriguez will have to battle veteran Jordyn Brooks for snaps, which could limit his opportunities to make a splash. Still, in a different defensive scheme, Solak believes he has the instincts to be a fun candidate if things break his way.