Last week, I introduced a new post I am trying to add to The Phinsider this year, and it seemed to be well received. I would like to take a weekly look at one college football game on Saturday’s schedule and find players to watch who could be on the Miami Dolphins’ 2027 NFL Draft radar. While the Dolphins have not started their 2026 season yet and we do not know when they will pick in the first round, I also do not want this to be only about first-round prospects.
Because of that, you will find 10
players to watch in today’s Oklahoma at Michigan game, five for each. They range from a player who might be the first player at his position selected to players who may be waiting until day three to hear their names called.
This game is heavy on defensive prospects, especially with players who could be day-one or day-two picks. Given that Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley came up as a defensive coach, this could be a scouting feast for Miami.
Oklahoma 2027 Draft prospects
David Stone, defensive tackle (Junior) – If he stays on track through this season, Stone will likely be the first defensive tackle off the board when the Draft kicks off. He feels like he was built in a defensive tackle mold, and he can play any role along the defensive interior. He plays with power, and he pushes into the backfield well. His primary focus has been on getting into the face and throwing lanes of opposing quarterback, so he needs to clean up run stuffing a little, but he can do that this year. He tends to rely on his bull rush more than anything else, so adding more to the repertoire will help his success at the NFL level. The Dolphins have spent several draft picks on defensive tackles in recent years, and if they select as early as predicted, Stone may not realistically be on their radar.
Jayden Jackson, defensive tackle (Junior) – Stone is the top defensive tackle to watch, but Jackson could use that focus on the defensive line to make sure people see him as well. Jackson is probably better suited as a true nose tackle than playing a little further outside in the NFL, and he has to work on his pass-rush technique to make himself into a sure-fire prospect, but he can anchor against the run and clog up the middle of the defense. He should see one-on-one matchups this year as offenses scheme around Stone, so Jackson needs to flash to solidify his draft stock.
Peyton Bowen, safety (Senior) – A likely day-two prospect, Bowen feels like a Swiss Army Knife kind of player who can work as a centerfielder, as a coverage player, or in run support. That could play perfectly into Hafley’s defensive scheme, but it might already have the better option in Kyle Louis. Bowen will gamble on making the big play and getting burned rather than making the sure play.
Eli Bowen, cornerback (Junior) – The Dolphins’ secondary is the biggest question mark on the defense, and they could be looking hard at cornerbacks coming into the 2027 Draft. Bowen is likely a day-three pick, and he may be relegated to use only as a slot/nickel corner based on his size – a little smaller than Brent Grimes. He reacts and closes well and plays bigger than his actual size, but it probably is not enough to jump him up draft boards or turn him into a boundary or field option. He feels like someone who does everything you would want, but just cannot get past the size limitations, unlike Grimes.
Taylor Wein, defensive end (Redshirt Junior) – Wein is not going to challenge for the top pass rusher in the Draft, likely coming in late on day two or early on day three. He has a fast first step, but he adds little technique after that. If he can avoid being stood up, he can make an impact, but he needs to add strength to fight through tackles and guards. Wein barely played his first two seasons at Oklahoma, then jumped into the starting lineup last year; another year of experience could be pivitol in his chances as a professional. He is probably a rotational player early in his NFL career, but the potential is there to add to his game with further development.
Michigan 2027 Draft prospects
John Henry Daley, defensive end (Senior) – Daley is an older prospect, having deferred college for service on a two-year mission before going to BYU. He then transferred a year later to Utah, where he spent two seasons, and then transferred to Michigan for this season. He relies on power as his pass-rush options, with little else behind that. He might sneak into the first round based on his past play, but a strong 2026 campaign could cement him there, especially if he adds more than just a bull rush to his arsenal.
Andrew Sprague, tackle (Redshirt Junior) – Sprague has been stuck at right tackle throughout his time at Michigan, but he has the technique to switch to left if the Wolverines need it. He has the size and footwork needed to succeed in the NFL and on the left side, but his experience at right tackle could play into what the Dolphins need if injuries continue to be an issue with Austin Jackson. If Sprague continues to develop and adds some more strength this year, he could jump into the late first round, but he is likely a second-round pick right now if he declares for the Draft.
Jyaire Hill, cornerback (Redshirt Senior) – Cornerback could be high on the Dolphins’ target list for 2027, and Hill could be in consideration. He is a fast corner who can play field or boundary, and he matches up well against receivers. His size and arm span allow him to get to the ball and break up receptions. He does not like to tackle, which will drag him down on draft boards, especially for a team that wants run support from cornerbacks. If he cleans up the tackling, he is a day-two prospect that could add size to a presumed area of need for the Dolphins.
Zeke Berry, cornerback (Redshirt Senior) – Smaller than his teammate Hill, Berry makes up for it by just being nasty. He will go out there and just get it done. He can play in any role, but might be best suited as a slot/nickel corner in the NFL. He knows how to break up passes, especially with swatting the arms of a receiver right as the ball arrives – and his timing allows him to get away with it without a penalty. Like Hill, Berry has struggled with tackling. He does not provide much run support, and he has to clean up the finish once a catch is made. He is probably a day-three pick.
Jake Guarnera, center (Redshirt Sophomore) – After a redshirt seasons in 2024, Guarnera started all season at right guard for Michigan last year, while he also filled in at center when needed; he was penalized only once and allowed just two sacks. He moves to center this year. Guarnera is an extremely solid prospect – he is not flashy and going to stand out, but he is not going to make mistakes either. That could be a perfect role for him in the NFL, where he might begin his career as a backup center/guard option, then develop into the reliable starter whose name you never hear – a good thing for an offensive lineman. He is probably a late day-three prospect.
