Will Kacmarek: Dolphins’ Overlooked Tight End With High Upside

Dolphins Add 13 New Faces in 2026 Draft

Sean Payton and his staff built a seven‑round haul that added 13 new faces across three days of the 2026 NFL draft. While the early picks—Kadyn Proctor, Chris Johnson and Jacob Rodriguez—have dominated the conversation, later selections also carry hidden potential. The draft class reflects Miami’s usual blend of immediate contributors and long‑term projects. Each of the 13 newcomers will now compete for a role in the rebuilding timeline.

Kacmarek’s College Career and Stats

Young tight end Will Kacmarek arrived in Miami with a résumé that reads like a college timeline of success. The 23‑year‑old spent three seasons at Ohio before transferring to Ohio State for two more campaigns, combining for 53 games with 59 catches, 713 receiving yards and four touchdowns. He was part of the Buckeyes’ national championship roster as a freshman, giving him a championship pedigree to accompany his statistical pedigree. Kacmarek also brings a reputation as a solid blocker, a skill set the Dolphins value in their tight‑end room.

• Games Played: 53 across Ohio and Ohio State
• Catches: 59
• Yards: 713
• Touchdowns: 4
• National Championship: 2020 (first year with Buckeyes)

Why Bleacher Report Calls Him Overlooked

Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report recently placed Kacmarek on a list of overlooked rookies entering training camp, suggesting the league may undervalue his upside. The label fits because many fans and analysts are already fixated on the Dolphins’ higher‑profile draft picks. Kacmarek’s skill set could fill gaps that other contributors might miss at the next level. If his play in camp mirrors his collegiate work, the narrative could quickly shift. The label may also motivate him to prove the naysayers wrong.

Roster Dynamics: Tight End Depth Chart

Miami’s tight‑end depth chart currently features veteran Greg Dulcich, who returned on a one‑year deal, as the starting option. Behind Dulcich sits Ben Sims, a free‑agent acquisition who was expected to provide depth and versatility. Coach Payton envisions Kacmarek using his blocking prowess to push Sims for that second spot. Should Kacmarek demonstrate reliability as a pass catcher, he could quickly leapfrog Sims and even give Dulcich a competitive challenge.

What It Means for Miami’s 2026 Season

The eyes will be on Kacmarek as he battles for a roster spot, a process that could decide the Dolphins’ receiving corps depth. A successful rookie campaign would add a versatile tight end who can block and catch, giving the offense more options in both run and pass schemes. Miami’s offensive line and play‑callers will benefit from an extra dependable tight end, especially with the team’s focus on balanced attacks. If Kacmarek lives up to the hype, the “overlooked” tag could become a story of the draft’s best hidden gem.