Miami Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan has indicated the type of player he's targeting in the upcoming NFL draft several times over the last few months and weeks. With the selection process just a few days away, there are several traits to look for when trying to mock or predict what names are called by Sullivan on Thursday, Friday and Sunday.From a football standpoint, it's clear that size and physicality are huge factors, as well as versatility around the field. Also, not to be overlooked, are things like character and culture-fit to enter a team looking to rebuild and tailor a new organizational identity moving forward.When cross-referencing those aspects of prospects to new head coach Jeff Hafley’s “type of player,” two stand out who could fit the bill for the new one-two punch in Miami.

Sullivan and Hafley seem to be in lockstep on who and what they are looking for, and their time together in Green Bay helps a bit with predicting who they could be targeting.Of course, one of his most repeated and popular quotes is, “Fast gets slow...but big doesn't get small." Mixing that, along with versatility, especially across the trenches, let's take a look at two prospects that scream to be a “Sullivan and Hafley guy.”When it comes to the offensive line, top-tackle prospects Francis Mauigoa of Miami and Utah’s Spencer Fano are clearly on the radar. Both have the ability to be a future franchise right tackle, while having the ability to play guard as a rookie.

If either is available at pick No. 11, it wouldn't shock anyone if Sullivan writes one of those names on his first draft card that he'll turn in as a general manager.Beyond those two on the line, a player that is clearly perfect for this new regime is Penn State guard Olaivavega Ioane. Physicality is the main trait here and adds versatility, being a threat at either guard slot. He could help create toughness for a Miami team that has been dismal in the short-yardage running game, while also being a pure pass protector for new quarterback Malik Willis.

Ioane allowed zero sacks in 2024 and 2025.Watching the film of Ioane, anyone could see his value in being a nasty blocker, who finishes the play and can get to the next level while making defenders look foolish in playing through the whistle. He could be a sneaky player to watch for at 11, regardless of the stigma of positional value. Sullivan stated that he doesn't believe in that, and if he deems a player to be "generational,” he won't worry about selecting him too early.On the flip side of the trenches, a polarizing player not just in Dolphins’ circles, but across the league landscape, has been Auburn edge rusher Keldric Faulk.

Despite a statistical regression from his 2024 sophomore year to his junior season, Faulk is a run defender who could improve his overall pass-rushing ability. He recorded seven sacks and 11 tackles for loss as a sophomore, yet last season was tasked with more run-stopping duties and was frequently double-teamed. He finished 2025 with just five tackles for loss and a pair of sacks.A high character kid with leadership capabilities and versatility across the defensive line in multiple techniques, his name is certainly one to know, especially for the defensive-minded Hafley, who deploys a base 4-3 defense, where Faulk could play both the edge as well as the interior.Faulk is a player who can draw consistent double-teams even in the pros and open things up for teammates to get home and bring down the quarterback.

At 6-foot-6 with a long arm length, he can move very well and certainly fits the size mold for Sullivan and Hafley. Run defense is also a major prerequisite for Hafley’s defenders, and Faulk is NFL-ready in that aspect of his game.He has been selected in mock drafts by experts anywhere from a pick or two before Miami and as far down as the last selection in the first round. Several mocks have Faulk taken by Miami, but the key here is when?

Many believe No. 11 could be too early, but at No. 30, he could be long gone.Should Miami move via trade in the first round, Faulk would be a player to target in the mid-teens or early 20s if available. He's been compared to Carlos Dunlap, who played in the NFL for 13 years and was similarly sized. Dunlap had 100 career sacks in his career and made a pair of Pro Bowls.More Dolphins: All-American DB has become a player to watch for the Dolphins in the 2026 NFL draftThis article originally appeared on Dolphins Wire: NFL draft: 2 prospects could perfectly fit what Dolphins GM looks for