Dolphins Select British Tight End Traore in NFL Draft as Miami Looks to Boost Passing Attack

The Miami Dolphins shocked NFL observers on Thursday by selecting British tight end Ademola Traore with the 127th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, adding a raw but intriguing prospect to their offensive arsenal.

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Traore, who played his college football at Missouri after arriving from the UK through the International Player Pathway Program, posted impressive testing numbers at his Pro Day, including a 4.58-second 40-yard dash and a 36-inch vertical leap despite his 6-foot-5, 248-pound frame.

The Dolphins have been searching for a reliable tight end to complement their receiving corps after Jonnu Smith's departure in free agency. General manager Chris Grier sees significant untapped potential in the 23-year-old London native.

"Ademola is exactly the type of athlete we're looking for," Grier stated. "He's still developing, but his physical tools are exceptional. He can stretch the field and create mismatches against linebackers."

Traore becomes the 17th player from the UK to be selected in an NFL Draft since the IPP began in 2017. He joins a Dolphins offense led by Tua Tagovailoa, who is coming off a Pro Bowl season where he threw for 4,247 yards and 25 touchdowns.