The Miami Dolphins have revealed the assigned jersey numbers for the 13 draftees from the 2026 NFL selection event. Among these fresh assignments, some carry significant historical weight or were previously sported by notable athletes before the current offseason period.
It’s important to note that these numerical designations are not definitively fixed. Adjustments may occur once the Dolphins finalize their roster, reducing it to 53 active players. However, these are the current numbers that the Dolphins’ draft selections are slated to wear.
Understanding Permissible Player Numbers
It is also relevant to understand the range of numbers players are permitted to choose. Since 2023, an amendment to the NFL’s regulations has broadened the options for jersey numbers across various positions.
Field generals are allowed to select numbers from 0 to 19.
Defensive secondary players can choose digits between 0 and 49.
Specialists handling punts and kicks have access to numbers from 0-49 and 90-99.
Ball carriers, fullbacks, tight ends, and pass-catchers may pick numbers from 0-49 and 80-89.
Offensive line personnel are restricted to numbers between 50 and 79.
Defensive line members and linebackers can select from 50-79 and 90-99.
Below are the jersey numbers for Miami’s 2026 NFL draft class, accompanied by the background stories for each selection.
JERSEY NUMBERS FOR DOLPHINS’ DRAFT PICKS
Chris Johnson, CB, #3
As one of two rookies to pick a single-digit number, Johnson is adopting a completely new designation. During his time at San Diego State, he wore #1 and #21, but neither of these numbers was available for the 27th overall selection. Jalen Tolbert currently occupies #1, while Marco Wilson possesses #21.
One hopes Johnson will experience more success than the recent Dolphins players who wore #3, a group that includes Odell Beckham Jr. and Robbie Chosen.
Caleb Douglas, WR, #7
Douglas will wear a different number for his tenure in Miami. He continues his preference for single digits, having previously worn #4 at Florida and #5 at Texas Tech.
Perhaps due to a prevailing belief, #7 is not a commonly chosen number by Dolphins athletes. Jason Sanders sported it from 2018 to 2015, but prior to his period, there was a seven-year vacancy after Chad Henne last used it from 2008-2011.
Jacob Rodriguez, LB, #10
Apologies to those who anticipated Rodriguez would select the number of fellow Texas Tech alumnus Zach Thomas. Instead, Rodriguez will proudly display #10, a number previously associated with Tyreek Hill.
Rodriguez wore #10 during his time at Texas Tech, making it a familiar choice for him. Before his four seasons with the Red Raiders, he used #98 in his single year at Virginia.
Trey Moore, LB, #17
It’s noteworthy how numbers famously worn by two significant offensive playmakers in recent seasons have now been assigned to a defensive player. Moore will don #17, a number last worn by Jaylen Waddle, and before him, Ryan Tannehill.
Moore utilized four different numbers during his collegiate career, none of which was #17. He wore #56, #31, and #1 at UTSA, then #8 at Texas. All of these numbers are currently assigned, with #31 specifically given to another new player in this draft class.
Chris Bell, WR, #18
Bell will also have a new number in Miami, which is #18. This number was most recently worn by a fellow wide receiver, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine. Erik Ezukanma, another pass-catcher, also used this number for the Dolphins for a couple of seasons.
Bell’s two numbers at Louisville were #80 and #0, covering a wide numerical range. #0 is currently in use by Ollie Gordon II, while #80 is assigned to tight end Jalin Conyers.
Kyle Louis, LB, #19
Considered a significant acquisition for Miami in this draft, Louis was unable to secure a number he was accustomed to at Pitt, thus settling on #19. He had worn #38 and #9 with the Panthers.
Cedrick Wilson was the most recent Dolphin to wear this number, preceded by Skylar Thompson. #19 has also historically been a common choice for wide receivers over the years—Wilson, Jakeem Grant, and Brandon Marshall are a few examples.
Michael Taaffe, S, #31
No rookies opted for a number in the twenties, so we transition to Taaffe. #31 will be his number, a fresh assignment for him—five digits away from #36, which he wore at Texas along with #16.
Jason Maitre was the last Dolphins player to wear #31. Just as #19 was a popular choice among receivers, #31 has been equally favored by running backs, with Ollie Gordon II and Raheem Mostert recently wearing it.
Seydou Traore, TE, #49
Traore is also taking on a new number in Miami, which is #49. He used several numbers during his college career—#18 at Arkansas State, then #82, #18, and #8 at Mississippi State. Only #82 was available, which punter Seth Vernon had briefly held earlier in the offseason.
Max Llewellyn, EDGE, #57
Another player with a new number, Llewellyn will sport #57. He exclusively wore #48 at Iowa, but that number is presently assigned to punter Bradley Pinion.
DJ Campbell, OG, #63
Campbell will wear #63 this season, marking another new numerical assignment. He solely wore #52 at Texas, but Patrick Paul holds the rights to that number. #63 is a frequently seen number among Miami linemen, having most recently been worn by Mason Brooks.
Kadyn Proctor, OT, #74
Depending on one’s perspective regarding Liam Eichenberg and his time in Miami, it might be unsettling to discover that the Dolphins’ 12th overall draft pick is wearing #74. This is not intended as a tribute to Eichenberg; it simply corresponds to the number Proctor wore during his three seasons with Alabama.
Will Kacmarek, TE, #82
Kacmarek has been assigned a new number in Miami, but #82 is remarkably close to the two numbers he wore in college—#87 with Ohio and #89 with Ohio State. Both of these numbers are currently in use by Miami tight ends, Cole Turner and Ben Sims. Dee Eskridge was the last Dolphins player to wear #82.
Kevin Coleman Jr., WR, #83
Coleman is adapting his collegiate number, #3, by adding 80 to it. He wore #3 at Louisville, Mississippi State, and Missouri, but that specific number was ultimately taken by Chris Johnson.
This information was initially featured on www.si.com/nfl/dolphins/onsi under the title “An Analysis of Draft Class Jersey Numbers.”
