The Miami Dolphins and Caleb Downs would be a match made in heaven.
Think back to what Jeff Hafley did with Green Bay Packers safety Xavier McKinney.
Not only did McKinney have arguably his best two seasons under Hafley, securing a total of 10 interceptions en route to a first and second-team All-Pro selections in 2024 and 2025, respectively, the Dolphins have a need at safety — especially if they plan to trade Minkah Fitzpatrick.
Enter Downs. Arguably one of the best players in the draft, Downs’ versatility sets him apart. He can play in the box, the slot and cover deep. The best part: he can make plays regardless of where he lines up as evidenced by his nine takeaways (six picks and three forced fumbles) in college.
“Being able to play multiple positions is what makes people useful,” Downs said Thursday.
The issue: Downs might not be there if the Dolphins stay at No. 11. Mock drafts have the Ohio State standout going anywhere from No. 5 to the New York Giants to No. 10 to the Cincinnati Bengals.
Miami could potentially trade up if it believes Downs could be the guy — keep in mind, Hafley’s Ohio State connection makes it that he likely has some serious inside information even if he didn’t coach the star safety – yet it should be noted that general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan wants to accumulate more picks rather than let them go.
“The more likely scenario is that we would be looking to move back and get picks,” Sullivan said, even invoking the name of Green Bay Packers legendary general manager. “That’s the Ted Thompson in me. The more swings at the bat you have, the better chance you have to hit.”
Dolphins back on top
The Miami Dolphins received the top ranking in the leaked 2026 annual player report cards, according to ESPN’s Kalyn Kahler.
This is the third consecutive year that the Dolphins ranked No. 1.
“Players consistently describe the organization as ’the best in the NFL,’” the NFLPA survey wrote.
Conducted by the NFL Players Association, the survey was initially shuttered after the NFL won a case that stated the reports defy the CBA. The NFLPA, however, will continue to collect responses even if it can no longer publish them.
A total of 1,759 players contributed to the NFLPA survey.
Canes’ standout moments
The Miami Hurricanes had one of the best seasons in program history this past year.
Not only did the team make its first appearance in the College Football Playoffs, it beat a trio of teams en route to championship game loss to Indiana. With the Canes’ storybook season officially in the books, what were some of the best moments?
“Akheem’s sack against Notre Dame,” safety JaKobe Thomas said, referring to his teammate Akheem Mesidor. “That’s going to forever stand out because that’s when I knew we had something special.”
For defensive back Keionte Scott, that moment was like his pick-six against OSU in the Cotton Bowl.
“It all goes back to the preparation throughout the week,” said Scott, calling the situation nothing more than muscle memory. “That play was made on Tuesday. All week we were seeing that play, seeing the tips and reminders during the game, before the game.”
Scott, who has met with the Dolphins, would be a special addition in Miami. A versatile defender who starred in a hybrid nickel-linebacker role for the Canes, Scott could certainly be a nice weapon in the secondary for the Dolphins, especially considering Kader Kohou’s impending free agency. In his sole season with the Canes, Scott posted 13 tackles for loss, five sacks and two interceptions, both of which he returned for touchdowns.
RUEBEN BAIN JR. SHOWED UP WITHOUT A HAIRCUT
A lot was made of the the fact Rueben Bain Jr. showed fup without a haircut for Wednesday’s media session.
And as much as people want to comment on his arm length, one thing should be noted: anybody who willingly shows up without a haircut to one of the most important moments of their life should be considered a certified dawg.
You don’t need Mel Kiper Jr., Lance Zierlein or Daniel Jeremiah to tell you that.