Jason Burgos
A player that looked likely to be taken early in the top 10 of the NFL Draft will fall into the Miami Dolphins‘ lap at No. 11, according to ESPN’s updated NFL mock draft.
Following a disappointing 7-10 season, change was expected. However, Miami fans have gotten even more than they expected. They fired head coach Mike McDaniel and replaced him with Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley. Then they went to work on reimagining the roster.
The Dolphins took on a lot of dead cap to cut ties with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, linebacker Bradley Chubb, and receiver Tyreek Hill. Then they traded veterans Minkah Fitzpatrick and Jaylen Waddle. The bold overhaul has created clear holes on the roster, especially in the wide receiver room.
It is why the Dolphins have been linked to several pass catchers with their pick at No. 11 in the draft, including USC’s Makai Lemon and Jordyn Tyson of Arizona State. However, ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper believes a stud WR prospect many thought could go in the top five will fall to Miami.
Carnell Tate to fall to Dolphins at No. 11 in NFL Draft?
“Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill are gone. But Carnell Tate’s route-running ability, sure hands, and range as a pass catcher would give quarterback Malik Willis a go-to WR1 and would provide a boost to the Dolphins’ lacking receiver room,” Kiper wrote in ESPN’s new NFL mock draft.
The Ohio State star has long been considered the top receiver in this year’s class, with projections having him going to the New York Giants at No. 5 or the Cleveland Browns at No. 6. However, in ESPN’s mock, he is the second WR off the board after the Browns take Lemon with their first pick.
Some draft pundits, obviously, believe the Trojans’ star is the best receiver in the 2026 class. But many are very high on Tate’s all-around skills and ability to make an impact immediately in the NFL. If he falls to the Dolphins at 11, Miami decision-makers will not be disappointed.
Tate had a breakout season in 2025, posting 875 receiving yards and nine touchdowns on 51 catches.
