The Miami Dolphins are going to look a lot different in 2026. After another disappointing season in 2025, the team moved on from head coach Mike McDaniel and general manager Chris Grier.
Now, with new leadership, the team could look to make changes at other positions as well. One recent mock draft has the team taking an intriguing quarterback prospect in the 2026 draft.
Dolphins Predicted To Draft Another SEC QB in 2026 Draft
It will be interesting to see how the team handles the quarterback position. Tua Tagovailoa was benched last season, and this new regime has no ties to the quarterback.
However, it won’t be easy to move on from Tagovailoa given his massive contract. The team could still choose to take a swing on a quarterback in the 2026 draft, though, and that’s exactly what PFSN’s own T.J. Randall predicts.
Randall has the Dolphins selecting LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier in the third round. Regarding that selection, Randall offered the following:
“I’m a firm believer in drafting a quarterback every single year, preferably no earlier than the end of Day 2 (depending on the roster). Former Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers appears to have potential as a functional spot starter, but it’s absolutely worth taking a stab at the quarterback once thought to be a first-round pick.”
As Randall mentioned, it’s worth it to take a developmental quarterback every year. The team took Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers late in last year’s draft, but there’s no guarantee he can be the starter going forward.
KEEP READING:Â 2026 7-Round NFL Mock Draft: Jets and Dolphins Select QBs of the Future, While 5 WRs Go in Round 1
Before 2025, Nussmeier was considered to be a top quarterback prospect. Unfortunately, the LSU product’s draft stock took a hit in 2025, as he played only nine games and was far less productive.
Nussmeier threw for 1,927 yards with 12 touchdowns and five interceptions in 2025. However, in 2024, Nussmeier threw for over 4,000 yards and 29 touchdowns, showing off his big arm and playmaking ability. Throughout his time at LSU, he has logged a total of 57 touchdowns (52 passing and 5 rushing).
PFSN’s College QB Impact metric gave Nussmeier a 75.9 grade for his 2025 performance. He may no longer be considered a top prospect, but prior production and intangibles make him an intriguing selection regardless.
Dolphins Have Big Decisions To Make This Offseason
After the 2023 season, it seemed like the Dolphins may be on the cusp of becoming a contender in the AFC. The team made the playoffs in both 2022 and 2023 and ranked among the league’s most explosive offenses.
However, the team slipped to an 8-9 record in 2024 and slipped again to a 7-10 record in 2025. McDaniel and Grier were fired, and the team is hoping a fresh start will bring renewed success.
Tagovailoa is slated to carry a cap hit of over $56 million in 2026. Even if the team found a willing trade partner, they would have to eat over $45 million in dead money. However, Tagovailoa’s cap hit is simply too big to keep around in a backup role.
