Dolphins draft Ohio State TE with Jaelan Phillips pick in 2026 NFL Draft

The Miami Dolphins drafted Ohio State Buckeyes tight end Will Kacmarek with the 87th overall pick in the third round on Day 2 in the 2026 NFL Draft, Friday night, using a selection originally acquired from the Philadelphia Eagles last November in a trade involving edge rusher Jaelan Phillips, who later signed with the Carolina Panthers in free agency.

Kacmarek, a native of St. Louis, stands at 6-foot-6 and 258 pounds. He spent three seasons at Ohio University before transferring to Ohio State, where he played two seasons and helped the Buckeyes win a national championship in 2024. At Ohio State, he managed 8 receptions for 86 yards across six starts in 2024 and then improved to 15 catches for 168 yards and 2 touchdowns over 10 starts in 2025.

Across his college career, Kacmarek recorded 42 receptions at Ohio, including 20 catches for 264 yards in 2022 and 22 receptions for 243 yards with two touchdowns in 2023.

Kacmarek is renowned for his blocking ability, with Ohio State tight ends coach Keenan Bailey calling him “the best blocking tight end in the country” during his time in Columbus. His role in Miami is expected to be centered on blocking first and foremost.

The Dolphins entered the draft needing tight end depth after losing Julian Hill and Darren Waller. They signed veteran Ben Sims in free agency, and Kacmarek will now compete for snaps behind Greg Dulcich and alongside Sims

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