With the start of the NFL regular season just around the corner, the Miami Dolphins are already looking ahead to the 2027 NFL Draft. This forward-thinking approach is particularly relevant as the team undergoes a significant rebuild, aiming to secure their next franchise player in the upcoming draft.
The college football landscape is also shifting, with Week 0 having recently kicked off. This timing makes it an ideal moment for analysts and fans alike to speculate on potential draft picks, especially as the Dolphins prepare for a season that could see them in contention for a high draft position.
According to USA TODAY's Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, the Dolphins are projected to select Jeremiah Smith, a wide receiver from Ohio State, with the second overall pick. Smith, who hails from Miami Gardens and made a name for himself at Chaminade-Madonna, is currently regarded as the top player in the high school class of 2024. Over his two seasons at Ohio State, he has accumulated impressive statistics, including 163 receptions for 2,558 yards and 27 touchdowns across 29 games. His prominence is further highlighted as he appears on the cover of this year's EA Sports college football video game.
Middlehurst-Schwartz suggests that the Dolphins might be in a position to draft a quarterback early in the draft, given their current roster's deficiencies. However, he cautions that the team's situation may not be ideal for integrating a top quarterback into a lineup that still requires considerable rebuilding.
The mock draft also features several players from the Miami Hurricanes, indicating a potential resurgence for the program. Notably, the New York Jets are projected to select Hurricanes quarterback Darian Mensah at the eighth overall pick. Mensah, a transfer from Duke, is following in the footsteps of other successful transfer quarterbacks. Meanwhile, the Cleveland Browns, via the Los Angeles Rams, are expected to take Miami defensive lineman Justin Scott at the end of the first round.
Middlehurst-Schwartz notes that while the Jets have a solid foundation, their draft position may not allow them to secure one of the top quarterbacks unless they can elevate their performance this season. He highlights Mensah's potential to rise in the draft rankings, especially if he can establish himself as a reliable playmaker with the Hurricanes.
In addition to the Dolphins, the other NFL teams in Florida are also making headlines in the mock draft. The Jacksonville Jaguars are slated to pick 17th, with a projected selection of Oklahoma defensive tackle David Stone, whose combination of power and speed could be a valuable asset for the team. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, picking 18th, are expected to draft LSU tight end Trey'Dez Green, who could provide a significant matchup challenge for defenses, especially if the team decides to retain quarterback Baker Mayfield.
Finally, the Houston Texans are projected to take Florida running back Jadan Baugh at the 30th pick. Baugh's size and versatility could make him an impactful addition to the Texans' backfield, aligning with the team's desire for a strong, multi-dimensional running game.
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