Dolphins latest deal sets Rams up with potential draft day trading partner

The Los Angeles Rams are set to select the 13th overall rookie during the 2026 NFL Draft. Two picks earlier, the Miami Dolphins are set to make their first selection. But after trading away wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, many expect them to salvo the wide receiver position during this year's draft.

But the thing is, another scenario could take place.

First round selections are paid handsomely. This year's NFL scale for the 11th overall selection is over $5 million. The 13th overall selection will earn under $4.5 million. In NFL terms, $500,000 may not sound like much. But for an NFL team with over $175 million in dead money, every little bit helps.

And the difference in a draft between 11th and 13th overall selections may be negligible in terms of talent.

The Dolphins can be expected to seek a trade partner on draft day, and not to trade up. After the Waddle trade, Miami boasts picks at 11, 30, 43, 75, 87, 90, 94, 130, 151, 227, 238. And at the moment, they may not view the salaries paid for rookies in 2026 and value added, or even affordable.

Meanwhile, Los Angeles is armed with picks at 13, 61, 93, 207, 232, 251, 252. Historically, LA first wants to trade up on Day 1. If they continue the tradition, they could find a willing trade partner with the Dolphins.

Who might Les Snead wish to trade up for in the 2026 NFL draft?

Of course, no general manager makes a draft day trade for the sake of trading. So, who might fall to the 11th overall pick that would trigger general manager Les Snead to work the phones seeking a trade partner? We have several players who might warrant that spontaneous action:

Quaterback Ty Simpson - Alabama

The abundance of quarterback talent in this draft is perceived to be limited. With that in mind, NFL rumors have linked Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson to Los Angeles repeatedly. Some NFL draft experts project Simpson off the board before LA selects at 13th. So, if he lasts until the 11th, Snead could make a trade to get his guy.

Running back Jeremiyah Love - Notre Dame

Los Angeles loves running back Kyren Williams. So, why not go back to Notre Dame to add another runner? Running back Jeremiyah Love may be talented enough to persuade Snead and company to covet his power in Horns. But he won't fall far. If LA wants him, they'll need to trade up to get him.

Cornerback Mansoor Delane - LSU

Despite adding two elite cornerbacks in the offseason, the secondary remains shallow. And that begs the front office to add more playmakers. Mansoor Delane is one of the best in this draft. If he falls to 11, he could move the Yellow and Blue to go after him.

Wide receiver Makai Lemon - USC

USC is in LA's backyard. And there is just too much to love about Makai Lemon to pass him over. If the Dolphins view their finances as a motivating factor in this draft, they could opt to trade back for less expensive options. LA would be delighted to help them do so.

Tight end Kenyon Sadiq - Oregon

How many tight ends are enough? After sending three tight ends onto the football field in 2025, there should be room for more. And Kenyon Sadiq brings the luster that has prompted LA to attempt trading up in the past. Can Snead break old habits? If Sadiq falls to 11, don't bet on it.

Cornerback Jermod McCoy- Tennessee

Tennessee's Jermod McCoy is among the top three cornerbacks in this draft class, but where in the ranking depends on which draft analysts you consider. While he projects as low as a late Round 1 selection, if Delane is selected early, the risk of losing McCoy could force Snead to trade up to ensure landing McCoy.

Of course, if Los Angeles views all six prospects listed here as worthy of a first-round selection, they may be content to sit tight if three or more from this list fall to 11. Snead will be certain to get a value-added rookie prospect at 13.

Draft day trades are dependent upon a specific set of parameters. It's almost impossible to predict which specific prospects and teams are needed to make a trade happen. But with a Dolphins team bleeding salary cap due to dead cap money, they certainly appear to be a potential trade partner.

As always, thanks for reading.