- Head coach: Jeff Hafley (former Packers DC)
- Offensive coordinator: Bobby Slowik (former Dolphins pass game coordinator)
- Defensive coordinator: Sean Duggan (former Packers LBs coach)
The Dolphins might have one of the most intriguing, revealing and wide-open draft strategies this April after a major exodus to start the new league year, the signing of unique QB Malik Willis and the accumulation of an NFL-high seven picks in the top 100. Overseeing the reset will be former Packers Jeff Hafley and Sean Duggan on defense and leaf-off-the-Shanahan-tree Bobby Slowik on offense. That trio will be working with a roster that’s without numerous star players, including Tyreek Hill (released), Jaylen Waddle (traded to Denver), Bradley Chubb (Buffalo) and Minkah Fitzpatrick (traded to the Jets), among others.
On defense, expect a shift from Anthony Weaver’s aggressive scheme to a more zone-heavy outfit under Hafley and Duggan. The 2025 Dolphins primarily used a 3-4 front and blitzed at the sixth-highest rate (32.9%) in the NFL, while Green Bay featured a 4-3 front and blitzed at the seventh-lowest rate (23%). Hafley’s Packers also used man coverage at the fourth-lowest rate (18.6%) and cloud coverage at the third-highest rate (33.9%) in 2025. It’s a scheme that requires fast, athletic, rangy linebackers and safeties.
The offensive plan is a little murkier. Slowik’s tendencies over two years calling plays in Houston and another coordinating Miami’s passing game have been somewhat fluid. Neither he nor really any Shanahan disciple has had a quarterback with Willis’ run-first skill set. And outside of running back De’Von Achane, the skill-position group is sparse, to say the least. Slowik’s offense is often predicated on precise route-runners, in-breaking routes and yards after the catch, so after shipping out Waddle, Miami will need to refill across the board.
What can we expect in the draft? How about all of the above. New GM Jon-Eric Sullivan and Co. have two first-round picks (Nos. 11 and 30) and five more on Day 2. They’ll likely prioritize some combination of defensive back, edge rusher, interior offensive lineman and talented pass catcher, and head into 2026 with a very young, very green roster.
