New Miami Dolphins Mock Draft Expert Roundup for 1st-Round Picks

The Miami Dolphins are in a solid position to start rebuilding with a new regime.

After trading Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos, they will work with two first-round picks to build a roster with several needs. Selecting the best player available could be a sensible approach.

Ahead of the first round of the draft on April 23, here's a look at what experts are projecting the Dolphins to do with the Nos. 11 and 30 picks:

Expert: B/R NFL Scouting Department (3/31)

Selections (No. 11 & 30): OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia & CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson

Monroe Freeling

When overhauling an offense, three key steps define the process. First, a quarterback is necessary. The Dolphins made their splash this offseason by signing Malik Willis. Second, a solid front five is necessary to ensure the quarterback can succeed. Finally, a strong supporting cast completes the plan.

Miami finds itself in Stage 2, hence the selection of Georgia's Monroe Freeling. The Dolphins can add pieces to the skill positions later since talented big bodies are more difficult to acquire.

"The Dolphins have an opportunity to upgrade at right tackle," B/R Scout Brandon Thorn said, "because Austin Jackson is returning from an injury and expects to hit free agency after the 2026 season. This Miami regime also has extensive roots with the Green Bay Packers organization, which typically favors the selection of collegiate left tackles over finding a home for them somewhere else along the line.

"Freeling offers an ideal blend of size and athletic ability at tackle, while Jackson's presence could serve as a bridge before the rookie transitions from the left to the right side."

Avieon Terrell

The Dolphins have to address cornerback sooner rather than later, and the extra first-round pick acquired from the Broncos for Waddle is a perfect time to do so.

Currently, Miami's cornerback depth chart primarily consists of Storm Duck, JuJu Brents, Jason Marshall Jr., Lonnie Johnson Jr. and Darrell Baker Jr. It's not pretty, particularly for a new head coach in Jeff Hafley, who used to be a secondary coach.

"Duck is likely the best corner that Miami currently has on the roster, which must change," B/R Scout Daniel Harms said. "Clemson's Avieon Terrell brings inside-and-outside versatility, shows incredible instincts in zone coverage and is sticky and competitive in man coverage. He's relentless in pursuit and a capable tackler when he wants to be.

"Terrell's addition to the defensive back room is a great step forward for a team looking to rebuild from the studs by adding studs."

Terrell, who didn't take part in Clemson's pro day, aggravated his hamstring injury during Monday's private workout, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. While it would have been nice to get one final look at the 21-year-old in a workout setting, his tape justifies a late-first-round selection.

Game speed beats track speed, and Terrell's injury shouldn't impact his long-term NFL outlook.

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Expert: Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN (3/17)

Selections (No. 11 & 30): WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State & Edge Keldric Faulk, Auburn

Expert: Field Yates, ESPN (3/24)

Selections (No. 11 & 30): OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami & WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M

Expert: Matt Miller, ESPN (3/30)

Selections (No. 11 & 30): WR Makai Lemon, USC & CB Colton Hood, Tennessee

Expert: Lance Zierlein, NFL.com (3/31)

Selections (No. 11 & 30): OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami & S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo

Expert: Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com (3/17)

Selections (No. 11 & 30): CB Mansoor Delane, LSU & Edge Keldric Faulk, Auburn

Expert: Dane Brugler, The Athletic (3/4)

Selections (No. 11 & 30): OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia & N/A due to mock draft publish date coming before Waddle trade

Expert: Danny Kelly, The Ringer (3/4)

Selections (No. 11 & 30): WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State & N/A due to mock draft publish date coming before Waddle trade

Summary

In what is considered to be an excellent offensive tackle class, it's not surprising to see the Dolphins projected to select one. Drafting an edge-rusher or a cornerback is likely due to struggling in both areas last season. Wide receiver is another possibility in the first round, as Willis needs skill-position players he can trust.