MIAMI — The Miami Dolphins’ offensive identity is undergoing radical surgery. After the stunning departures of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, the franchise is officially in “rebuild the air attack” mode. According to ESPN’s latest combined mock draft, the solution arrives at No. 11 with Ohio State star Carnell Tate joining quarterback Malik Willis to ignite a depleted receiving corps.
The move marks a hard pivot for General Manager Chris Grier. For years, Miami relied on the track-star speed of “The Cheetah.” Now, the roster leans on the dual-threat capability of Willis and a desperate need for a refined, alpha possession receiver. Mel Kiper Jr., alongside Matt Miller, Jordan Reid, and Field Yates, argues that Tate is the missing piece to keep this offense from stalling in 2026.
Miami’s current depth chart looks thin. With Hill and Waddle gone, the heavy lifting falls to Malik Washington, Tutu Atwell, and Jalen Tolbert. While that trio offers flashes of talent, none have proven they can draw double teams or carry a passing game. Tate brings a different pedigree. During his three-year stint at Ohio State, he hauled in 121 passes for 1,872 yards and 14 touchdowns.
The tape shows a technician. Tate isn’t just fast; he wins with leverage. He played a massive role in the Buckeyes’ 2024 National Championship run and capped off his college career with a 51-catch, 875-yard final season. Kiper notes that Tate’s “sure hands and range” make him the ideal safety blanket for Willis, who needs a receiver capable of winning 50-50 balls when the pocket collapses.
“We know the expectations in this building. People look at who left, but we’re looking at who is coming in. We need guys who can win on third down and keep the chains moving. The focus is on the future, not the past.”
— Mike McDaniel, Dolphins Head Coach
The Dolphins are at a crossroads. By holding two first-round picks in the 2026 draft, they have the capital to fix the offense in one night. Drafting Tate at No. 11 provides an immediate starter, but the pressure will be immense. Miami fans are used to explosive, 70-yard touchdowns. Tate offers a more methodical approach—polished routes and reliable hands that move the sticks.
If Miami hits on this pick, Willis gets a legitimate primary target to grow with. If they miss, the AFC East standings could become a lonely place for the Dolphins. All eyes now turn to late April to see if Grier follows Kiper’s lead or searches for speed elsewhere.
