The Miami Dolphins went into the 2026 draft with a perceived clear need at wide receiver and two first-round picks.

Conventional wisdom was that the Dolphins, who were looking to replace Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, would use one of those top picks on a receiver to help support their new quarterback, Malik Willis.

Instead, the Dolphins took the approach of painting by numbers, which could represent a shift in philosophy when it comes to their pass catchers.

Moving Forward

When the Dolphins traded Jaylen Waddle, they publicly vowed they would have players to whom their new quarterback could throw the ball.

They were not in the market for expensive free agents or any trade assets.…