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

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

After trading Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos, they have two first-round picks to improve a roster with several needs. Selecting the best available player for at least their first pick would be sensible.

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 (4/15)

Selections (No. 11 & 30): OT Spencer Fano, Utah & S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo

Spencer Fano

With Malik Willis now set as the Miami Dolphins' new starting quarterback, the organization can help him find success by improving the overall talent level around the position.

Miami could and should consider a wide receiver after the organization traded Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos. That position can be addressed later. Instead, the Dolphins can concentrate on building a stronger front five by adding the class' best all-around blocker in Utah's Spencer Fano.

"Miami is expected to remain a zone-based run scheme under new offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik," B/R scout Brandon Thorn said. "The Dolphins could upgrade at right guard or right tackle. The 2025 Outland Trophy winner offers a potential answer at either position, with a tailor-made skill set for this zone-run, play-action-oriented system."

Emmanuel McNeil-Warren

The Miami Dolphins simply need to add talent, because an argument can be made they currently feature the league's worst roster. Two first-round picks will go a long way.

Earlier, the organization added the reigning Outland Trophy winner to bolster its offensive line. Now, the Dolphins land a super-sized, playmaking safety in Toledo's Emmanuel McNeil-Warren.

"McNeil-Warren is a really good player, albeit from a non-Power Four program," B/R scout Daniel Harms said. "His instincts in coverage are underrated, along with a natural feel for space and route-recognition. Mainly, the former Rocket is a hard-hitting, downhill player, who will be a menace in run support and as a sure tackler across the field.

"Incoming head coach Jeff Hafley is a defensive-minded guy with a secondary background. EMW gives him an integral piece as he starts his new job."

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Expert: Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN (4/15)

Selections (No. 11 & 30): OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami & N/A due to projected trade with Arizona

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 (4/15)

Selections (No. 11 & 30): Edge Keldric Faulk, Auburn & CB Chris Johnson, San Diego State

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