Dolphins rumor after Jaylen Waddle trade has WR in play with 11th pick in 2026 NFL Draft

The Miami Dolphins are undergoing major changes this offseason, and what might be the most notable, other than Tua Tagovailoa's release and Malik Willis's signing, is the trade of Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos.

It's a major deal for the Broncos and for the Dolphins, as Denver lands a new top wide receiver, while the Dolphins desperately need help at the position this offseason.

As ESPN's Field Yates speculated, the Dolphins are now in play to draft a WR with the 11th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. It's not a pairing that's been mentioned often, but now, it's a fit that makes too much sense.

Dolphins rumor has WR in play with 11th pick in NFL Draft

"The trade of Jaylen Waddle puts WR squarely in play for the Dolphins at pick 11," Yates posted. "Their current WR room is the thinnest in the NFL now."

With Waddle now on his way to Denver, and Tyreek Hill released, the Dolphins' WR room consists of Jalen Tolbert, Tutu Atwell, Malik Washington, Tahj Washington, Theo Wease Jr., and Terrace Marshall Jr.

To say the Dolphins need wide receiver help would be an understatement. The team's best wide receiver left on the roster for a young quarterback who will need a lot of help is a wide receiver three at best.

Miami desperately needs WR help, and why not take one on in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft with multiple first-rounders? It's a move that makes too much sense.

While they could wait until the 30th pick for a new WR, there is a good chance one of the top three wide receivers makes it to the Dolphins at pick 11.

More: Dolphins agree to $67.5 million deal with Malik Willis

Carnell Tate out of Ohio State, Makai Lemon out of USC, and Jordyn Tyson out of Arizona State are the best options for the Dolphins at pick No. 11.

But, if the Dolphins miss out on all three, or elect to trade down or pass on one, they could go after KC Concepcion, Omar Cooper Jr., or Denzel Boston in the first round.

However, the Dolphins would be best off landing one of the top three options. Getting one to make it to 11th overall is very possible, as a few teams picking behind them will have interest, while teams ahead of them might not.

The Dolphins need more wide receiver help, and with extra draft capital, fans should expect a wide receiver or two to be selected this upcoming NFL Draft.

More Dolphins news:

• De'Von Achane expected to have extension talks with Dolphins
• Tua Tagovailoa is big winner of free agency after joining Falcons
• Tua Tagovailoa quickly picked Falcons after release from Dolphins
• Dolphins trade Minkah Fitzpatrick to Jets for late round pick
• Tua Tagovailoa will have $60+ million cap hit for Dolphins in 2026