Breaking Down the Expectations for the Large Group of Former Second-Round Picks

As the 2026 NFL draft approaches, the Miami Dolphins' current roster includes more players who came into the NFL as second-round picks than any other round.

Most of those former second-round picks, though, have yet to establish themselves. They’ll get another chance in 2026 and their ability to take the next step could be key for the Dolphins if they’re going to have success next season.

The majority of them were drafted by different teams starting in 2019 and they signed with the Dolphins in either the 2025 or 2026 offseasons.

Some of those players will be competing for a spot on the final 53-man roster, and others will look for a starting position come Week 1 of the regular season.

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Lonnie Johnson Jr., Safety

The oldest former second-round pick for Miami is Lonnie Johnson Jr., who was drafted by Houston in 2019. He spent three solid seasons with the Texans, during which he racked up 172 total tackles and three interceptions, all of which came in 2021.

Johnson then was traded to Kansas City but was waived not long after. He has since spent every ensuing season with a different team, most recently in Las Vegas. He recorded his most total and solo tackles since 2021 — 25 and 14, respectively.

Immediately, Johnson can provide needed depth. With Las Vegas, he spent time at free safety as well as at corner, either posted wide, in the slot or right on the line of scrimmage. Versatility like that can prove important for filling gaps across all major positions in the secondary.

Josh Uche, Edge Rusher

Josh Uche is no stranger to the Dolphins, having faced them multiple times in his five seasons with New England. Drafted in 2020, he recorded 11.5 sacks in 2022, his best season in the NFL. He was most recently with Philadelphia, providing 23 total tackles in limited action.

A hometown kid from Columbus High School, Uche shines in pressuring the quarterback — even if the sacks haven't come along. With the Eagles, he managed 23 quarterback pressures on 142 pass rush snaps. That's a 16.2% pressure rate, which is on par with superstars like Micah Parsons (18.1) and Myles Garrett (16.6).

He’s agile with great bend and has recorded pressures from both inside and outside the defensive line for both pass and running plays. It feels like he has immediate starting potential if given more opportunities with Miami as opposed to more situational usage with prior teams.

Willie Gay Jr., Linebacker

Miami signed Gay last offseason and, despite being given more situational snaps, still proved serviceable with 20 total tackles and two sacks. After re-signing as a free agent a few weeks ago, Gay still will look to provide meaningful minutes while providing Super Bowl-level expertise to the younger additions on the defense.

Gay was drafted by Kansas City in 2020 and brings championship experience to the linebacker position. He racked up 150 solo tackles with the Chiefs, but has proven most serviceable in the postseason.

He’s not afraid of the bright lights. Gay has registered a sack, a forced fumble, and 29 total tackles in nine playoff games, including eight in Super Bowl LVII and four in Super Bowl LVIII.

Tutu Atwell, Wide Receiver

An immediate contender for a starting spot, Tutu Atwell returns to South Florida. The former quarterback for Miami Northwestern High brings speed and versatility to a depleted wide receiver room, making him fit right in with the program.

Drafted in 2021 by the Los Angeles Rams, Atwell was Mr. Reliable for the Rams in his four seasons there, with 1,535 yards and five touchdowns. In 2024, he caught nearly 70% of all footballs thrown his way, a career high. Being placed on IR slightly derailed his 2025 campaign.

Expect Atwell to thrive in an offense scheme that heavily utilizes pre-snap motions, as that was his bread and butter with the Rams, especially in 2024.

Terrace Marshall Jr., Wide Receiver

It likely will be more of an uphill battle for Terrace Marshall Jr., who was drafted by Carolina in 2021. The former LSU Tigers standout played his first two seasons with the Panthers, with almost 500 yards in 2022. However, his stats fell off in 2023, matching his rookie season.

Carolina moved on quickly, and he signed with Las Vegas but barely saw the field in 2024. He kept being released and re-signed to Philadelphia’s practice squad this past season before signing with Miami back in February. Miami and its open wide receiver room could prove to be the break Marshall has been looking for.

David Ojabo, Edge Rusher

David Ojabo was drafted in 2022 by Baltimore and faced adversity early. After suffering an Achilles injury during his Pro Day, Ojabo battled with health issues and playing time in his first two seasons. However, he’s played 27 games over the last two seasons with 16 total tackles in 2025.

He's still young — only 25 years old — and will have to prove his worth in practices for a shot at playing time once again.

JuJu Brents, Cornerback

Drafted in 2023 by Indianapolis, Juju Brents is entering his second season with Miami. Unfortunately, injuries have been a major derailment for him in his professional career, with season-ending injuries to his knee and foot in 2024 and 2025.

In Miami’s win against Buffalo last season, Brents was primarily matched up against Keion Coleman. He played a smart, disciplined game, with five solo tackles and a pass deflection. If he can replicate that type of performance further while staying healthy, he could prove a reliable piece in the secondary.

Patrick Paul, Offensive Tackle

We’ve finally reached the second-round draft picks on Miami’s roster who ACTUALLY were selected by the Dolphins. Patrick Paul was drafted in 2024 and did not get many snaps as a rookie. However, he moved into the starting lineup in 2025 after the retirement of Terron Armstead and did not disappoint.

Through the first five weeks, Paul only allowed a 2% pressure rate and an average of 3.3 seconds until pressure hit in the pocket, which were some of the best numbers for an offensive tackle in the NFL. He ended up allowing 25 pressures and four sacks over the course of a full season, while being flagged nine times.

Paul looks to be a long-term anchor in the pass game and a solid building block as Miami looks to upgrade its offensive line.

Jonah Savaiinaea, Offensive Guard

Miami’s second-round draft pick in 2025 once again was spent on the offensive line.

Jonah Savaiinaea had the opportunity to not just play, but start in all 17 games as a rookie. He struggled with giving up sacks (eight total) and hits allowed to opposing pass rushers (five total).

He was criticized for his pass blocking, rated dead-last by PFF among 81 qualifying (enough snaps) guards.

Savaiinaea will need to raise his level of play significantly if he hopes to remain in the starting lineup for any significant amount of time.