The Miami Dolphins‘ decision to trade playmaking wide receiver Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos Tuesday, for a package that includes a first-round pick sent shockwaves through South Florida that reverberated across the NFL. It also could impact the NFL Draft.
Just over one week after agreeing to terms with quarterback Malik Willis in the early hours of free agency, the Dolphins now add premium draft capital to build around him–and whoever the franchise might target in the 2027 NFL Draft class at quarterback, while creating a fairly significant void at receiver.
NFL Draft 2026: Miami Dolphins’ best WR fits to replace Jaylen Waddle
NFL Draft
Nov 29, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans wide receiver Makai Lemon (6) celebrates with tight end Walker Lyons (85) after catching a 32-yard touchdown pass against the UCLA Bruins in the second half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
At pick No. 11, Miami is in prime position to land a true blue-chip replacement for Waddle, in Willis’ supporting cast.
Makai Lemon – USC
From a scheme and need standpoint, Lemon might be the Dolphins’ best fit, and an ideal target with their first of two first-round picks.
Miami has already hosted Lemon for a Top-30 visit, which certainly telegraph’s the Dolphins’ interest.
Lemon, the 2025 Biletnikoff Award winner, is a high-volume technician often compared to Detroit Lions star Amon-Ra St. Brown. His elite hands and fierce competitiveness make him a perfect “plug-and-play” slot or “Z” receiver for new offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik’s system.
Carnell Tate – Ohio State
This one may require a trade-up, which the Dolphins are now equipped to pull off, potentially offering two first-round picks to a team inside the top-five, in order to nab the premier receiver in a loaded class.
At 6-foot-2, Tate is a refined route-runner who specialized in contested catches and vertical separation for the Buckeyes. He would provide the play strength the Dolphins have lacked on the perimeter, offering a more traditional “X” profile while still maintaining the speed to threaten defenses deep.
KC Concepcion – Texas A&M
Miami, and new general manager John-Eric Sullivan also have the luxury of taking the best player available at No. 11, and potentially still adding a difference-making wide receiver at No. 30.
A triple-threat as a receiver, runner, and returner, Concepcion’s YAC ability mirrors the explosive versatility that the Dolphins might look to create, after moving off Tyreek Hill and Waddle in the same offseason.
NFL Draft
Feb 28, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Texas A&M wideout KC Concepcion (WO16) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images