The Miami Dolphins had two first round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft — Jon-Eric Sullivan’s first as the team’s new general manager. Offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor was taken with the 12th overall pick, while cornerback Chris Johnson was nabbed with the 27th selection after Miami traded up with the San Francisco 49ers.
ESPN’s Marcel Louis-Jacques provided updates on both rookies in an article released by the four-letter network on Monday morning.
On Proctor, Louis-Jacques had this to say:
“Proctor has
made a positive impression on his teammates, with center Aaron Brewer saying he looks like a veteran through two months of offseason practice. Without pads, it’s difficult to gauge how much an offensive lineman has acclimated, but Proctor has seemingly learned his new position (left guard) quickly and is penciled in to start as a rookie.”
Proctor having a positive impact on Miami’s offensive line could go a long way towards the team being competitive in 2026 — a year most are chalking up to being somewhat of a lost season before it even begins.
While Proctor earned the praise of teammate Aaron Brewer, it was the coaching staff who had positive things to say about their potential new starting cornerback, Chris Johnson.
“Johnson was one of coach Jeff Hafley’s favorite players in the draft, and he lauded the rookie every chance he got this spring. On a team that lacks a true top cornerback, Johnson has cross-trained at multiple positions and made a positive impression on Miami’s coaching staff with his football instincts. The Dolphins need a new starter at all three cornerback spots — Johnson will fill one of them.”
While the team may not win a lot of games in 2026, the development of their two first round picks — plus the rest of their 2026 rookie class — will be a major storyline to watch during the upcoming season as the Dolphins embark on their latest rebuild attempt.
