The Miami Dolphins sit at the top of early projections for the 2027 NFL Draft order following a sweeping roster deconstruction and a front-office overhaul led by general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley. According to reports from the team and sportsbooks, the franchise has systematically traded or released much of its veteran core, setting up a multi-year rebuild that has analysts forecasting one of the league’s lowest win totals for the upcoming campaign.
A Systematic Roster Purge in Miami
The franchise reset took shape during the early months of 2026, following a mid-season leadership change that saw Chris Grier and the Dolphins part ways in October 2025. Sullivan, a former executive for the Green Bay Packers, took over in January 2026 with a mandate to execute a financial reset and accumulate draft capital. On March 9, 2026, the team announced the release of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa with a post-June 1 designation. Beyond the quarterback position, the Dolphins parted ways with wide receiver Tyreek Hill, traded Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos, and let go of defensive stalwarts Bradley Chubb and Jalen Ramsey.
Win Projections and Draft Capital Overload
Major sportsbooks and analysts have adjusted their expectations downward for Miami’s 2026 season based on the talent drain. DraftKings established the team’s over/under win total at 4.5, tying the Dolphins with the Arizona Cardinals for the lowest projection in the NFL. Meanwhile, ESPN analyst Mike Clay projected Miami for just 3.5 wins. Compensating for the losses on the field, the front office has accumulated significant draft assets. The trade of Jaylen Waddle and other moves secured 11 total selections for the 2026 NFL Draft, including seven picks inside the first three rounds, highlighted by two first-round choices at No. 11 and No. 30.
An Experimental Quarterback Room
With Tagovailoa off the roster, the Dolphins shifted their focus to a rebuilt quarterback room designed around competition and upside. In free agency, Miami signed Malik Willis to a three-year, $67.5 million contract. The room also features Quinn Ewers, a 2025 seventh-round pick, and Cam Miller. Head coach Jeff Hafley stated that training camp decisions will prioritize whichever player gives the team the best chance to win, creating an open battle for the starting job heading into the summer.
Schedule Difficulty and the Long-Term Outlook
Adding to the challenges of a youthful roster, the Dolphins face the second-toughest schedule in the NFL for 2026, calculated using their opponents’ combined win percentages from the previous season. Analysts note that the combination of a stripped-down roster and a brutal fixture list places Miami in a prime position to secure the No. 1 overall selection in the 2027 NFL Draft. That top capital could potentially position the franchise to target a prospect like Arch Manning. Sullivan has emphasized a philosophy prioritizing consistent investment and evaluation in the quarterback position, noting that the organization must continually look to find its long-term answer under center.
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