The Miami Dolphins have gutted their roster, trading away Jaylen Waddle, cutting ties with Tua Tagovailoa, Bradley Chubb, and Tyreek Hill as they enter a rebuild.
But that doesn't mean there aren't valuable players on this roster. De'Von Achane, Aaron Brewer, Chop Robinson, Patrick Paul, and recent first-rounders Chris Johnson and Kadyn Proctor, alongside new quarterback Malik Willis, all hold value for Miami.
However, in projecting the Dolphins players' worth at least a first-round pick, ESPN's Bill Barnwell highlighted three players, but not the three that might be normally expected to be worth a first-round pick on this roster.
Dolphins have three players worth a 1st, but not who's expected
"One first-round pick: DT Kenneth Grant, OT Patrick Paul, OT/G Kadyn Proctor," Barnwell projects. "... Missing out: RB De'Von Achane, C Aaron Brewer, LB Jordyn Brooks, CB Chris Johnson, Edge Chop Robinson."
Paul being worth a first-round pick isn't too big of a surprise, as he's shown to be a good offensive tackle, something many teams around the NFL would love to have.
Proctor isn't a huge surprise either, as a recent top-12 overall pick from the 2026 NFL Draft, it would be a bit alarming if he weren't worth a first-rounder.
But, considering Grant's struggles this past year, and the lack of inclusion for Achane, Brewer, Brooks, Johnson, Robinson, and maybe even Willis, it's a noteworthy group of players worth a first-rounder in Barnwell's eyes.
Achane makes some sense as running backs, especially ones making as much as Achane ($64 million over four years), don't hold as much trade value.
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The same goes for Brooks and Brewer, as off-ball linebackers and centers typically aren't worth a first-rounder, even if they are very good, like both of these players are.
Johnson is a bit of a strange omission, as he was just taken with a first-round pick this past draft. But, he was a late first, and teams around the league might not see him as worth such a high pick in a future draft class with likely better talent.
Robinson and Willis are interesting, but of the two, Willis makes more sense to be worth less than a first. He's a big unknown at QB, and while he might be good, the jury is still out. Spending a first on Willis is far too great a risk, and no team would do that.
Robinson, on the other hand, is a former first-round edge rusher who's shown promise and could be a good option for a contender in a trade. But, nearing the end of his rookie deal, it does make some sense why he wouldn't fetch a first.
Overall, this is an interesting collection of players to be worth a first-rounder for the Dolphins. While it might not be the expected trio to be worth a first-round pick, Paul, Proctor, and Grant all are young and have sky-high upside, which is worth a first-rounder.
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