The Miami Dolphins made some exciting moves on Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft, adding strength to both their offense and defense. They picked inside linebacker Jacob Rodriguez from Texas Tech with the 43rd overall pick, followed by wide receiver Caleb Douglas at 75th. They also secured tight end Will Kacmarek from Ohio State at 87th and Louisville’s wide receiver Chris Bell at 94th.
Rodriguez stands out as the first defensive player from Texas Tech drafted by the Dolphins since the legendary Zach Thomas in 1996. General Manager Jon-Eric Sullivan praised Rodriguez, highlighting not only his skills on the field but also his character. “He makes plays everywhere,” Sullivan said. His college stats are impressive—over four years, he recorded 316 tackles, 6 sacks, and 6 interceptions, playing a key role in Texas Tech’s first Big 12 title and College Football Playoff appearance in 2025.
Caleb Douglas has made a mark as a reliable target. He transferred from Florida and in just two years with the Red Raiders, he made 114 catches for 1,733 yards and 13 touchdowns. Sullivan noted Douglas’s athleticism, emphasizing his ability to adjust and catch the ball in challenging situations.
Kacmarek, too, has a strong resume. In his time at Ohio State, he appeared in 55 games and helped the Buckeyes secure two College Football Playoff spots, including a national championship title in 2024. Sullivan believes his blocking skills will be vital for Miami’s offensive strategy.
Chris Bell has shown great potential, even with an injury that sidelined him last season. In his four seasons at Louisville, he posted 151 receptions for 2,166 yards and 12 touchdowns. Sullivan sees Bell as a valuable long-term investment, noting the high talent ceiling he possesses.
Overall, the Dolphins have made a splash by drafting six players in the top 100, tying for the most in team history. The last time they had this many top picks was in 2020, 1997, and 1968.
Looking ahead, Miami has seven picks remaining for the final day of the draft, including two in the fourth round and three in the fifth. This draft is shaping up to be one of their most active since the current seven-round format began in 1994, showing the team’s commitment to building a strong roster.
For further insights, you might find this NFL Draft Report useful, as it provides comprehensive statistics and trends for this year’s selections.
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