The Miami Dolphins enter the 2026 NFL Draft in a strangely comfortable position. While few teams would choose to trade places with the Dolphins in terms of current roster construction, the sheer number of needs in Miami makes the upcoming draft less nerve-wracking. There's no one do-or-die prospect the team must have to compete next season.
Jon-Eric Sullivan can truly choose to go with the "best player available" approach, as the Dolphins have needs just about everywhere. The latest draft intel from Tony Pauline identifies a familiar prospect to South Floridians, one who Pauline reports the Dolphins have spent an "inordinate amount of time" with in the pre-draft process.
"When it comes to [Francis] Mauigoa, except for the Las Vegas Raiders and New York Jets, most of the teams at the top of the draft have spent significant time with him. I’m told the sweet spot is the Chiefs with the ninth pick or the Miami Dolphins with pick No. 11, as both teams have spent an "inordinate amount of time" with the right tackle. Few believe Mauigoa gets past the Miami Dolphins, where he would be a Week 1 starter."
Francis Mauigoa would be a dream addition for the Miami Dolphins
In recent years, Dolphins fans in particular have become keenly aware of the trend of top-tier offensive lines and their correlation to winning big games at the NFL level. Unfortunately, the Dolphins' former GM — who infamously told assembled media "I think you guys are more worried [about the offensive line] than we are," in April of 2023 — never seemed to prioritize the position group.
If Pauline's report proves prescient, it would mean a tangible difference in how things are going to be in Miami going forward. Francis Mauigoa is Pro Football Focus' No. 7-ranked player (first among offensive tackles). The 6'5 1/2", 329-pounder turned in a 2025 season that PFF graded at an elite 82.6, ranking 16th among 613 offensive tackles.
The only reason Mauigoa is even a possibility for the Dolphins at pick No. 11 is the fact that he is considered unfit for the ever-valuable left tackle position. Well, Miami's in luck. They have no need for a blindside protector, as Patrick Paul has already solidified himself as a foundational piece for the future at that spot.
For some fans who still lament the Dolphins' 2021 selection of Jaylen Waddle over all-world Detroit Lions tackle Penei Sewell, there is a chance to rewrite history in 2026. Yes, the Dolphins could opt for a receiver like Makai Lemon or Jordyn Tyson in this spot. Why repeat a method that didn't work, though?
If Francis Mauigoa is available at pick No. 11, Jon-Eric Sullivan need not overthink it. Write down the name, turn in the card, and enjoy solidified bookend tackles along the offensive line for the next 10 years. The trail to sustained success has always been building the trenches first, and it's about time the Dolphins got with the program.