The Miami Dolphins have made a significant move by trading wide receiver Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos. This transaction occurred on March 18 and will have a significant impact on their future NFL draft strategies.
Dolphins Secure Valuable Draft Picks
In exchange for Waddle, the Broncos handed over three key draft picks for the 2026 NFL Draft: Nos. 30, 94, and 130. This gives the Dolphins an impressive total of seven selections within the first 100 picks of the draft.
- Miami Dolphins: 7 picks in the top 100
- Pittsburgh Steelers: 5 picks in the top 100
- Average number of picks per team: 3.1
Draft Landscape Comparison
This year, the first three rounds of the NFL Draft will feature exactly 100 picks. The Dolphins’ advantage is considerable, as they are the only team with more than four picks in the top 100. The Pittsburgh Steelers, while strong competitors, hold only five top-100 selections.
As of now, the Steelers possess the most overall picks in 2026, totaling 12, followed closely by the Miami Dolphins, Jacksonville Jaguars, Baltimore Ravens, and New England Patriots, each armed with 11 selections.
Potential for Historical Success
The Dolphins’ ability to secure seven picks in the early rounds could tie an all-time record for the league. Since 2002, only the Arizona Cardinals in 2024 have matched this feat of acquiring seven picks in the first 100 selections.
- Historical Context: Miami last achieved six top-100 picks in 2020.
- Records: Minnesota had the most total picks in 2020 with 15.
As the NFL Draft approaches on April 23 in Pittsburgh, the dynamics of team selections could still shift. The event is known for its fast-paced trades, with last year’s draft featuring 35 related transactions.
As the Dolphins prepare for the 2026 NFL Draft, their trade of Jaylen Waddle has set them up for what could be a groundbreaking year.
