Drive Time: Jeff Hafley Addresses Day 1, 2026 NFL Draft Edge Preview
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In this episode of Drive Time with Travis Wingfield, the focus shifts from the Miami Dolphins' offseason program to a deep dive into the 2026 NFL Draft's edge rusher class. Head coach Jeff Hafley makes his first public appearance since the offseason, emphasizing a process-driven culture centered on toughness, accountability, belief, and trust. He outlines a phased offseason plan that prioritizes mental preparation and team-building in the absence of pads, while stressing the importance of showing up with maximum effort every day. Hafley also discusses the development of young defensive linemen, particularly praising veteran Zach Seeler’s selfless play and leadership, and expresses excitement about the potential of players like Kenneth Grant. The second half of the episode is dedicated to a comprehensive preview of the top 15 edge rushers in the 2026 draft, with Travis Wingfield offering a highly personalized and contrarian ranking. He highlights Miami natives Reuben Bain Jr. and Akeem Mezador as elite prospects, praises the physicality and versatility of players like Arvel Reese and TJ Parker, and advocates for a preference for big, run-defensive edge rushers in today’s NFL. He also identifies several under-the-radar players with high upside, including Gabe Akis and Malachi Lawrence, while cautioning against overvaluing pure pass rush specialists.
Coach Jeff Hafley prioritizes mental toughness and daily effort over immediate results, emphasizing a process-driven culture in the offseason.
Zach Seeler is lauded as a selfless, intelligent veteran whose ability to create opportunities for others is invaluable to the Dolphins' defensive line.
The Dolphins’ edge rusher class is considered the deepest in the 2026 draft, with multiple players capable of immediate impact.
Travis Wingfield favors big, powerful, run-stuffing edge rushers over pure speed specialists, citing the NFL’s increasing emphasis on run defense.
Reuben Bain Jr. and Akeem Mezador are ranked among the top three prospects, with Bain’s power and Mezador’s experience and versatility standing out.
…and 2 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Coach Hafley’s First Press Conference: Culture, Process, and the Road Ahead
“Show up on time and give everything you have every single day. I mean, that's kind of how I view everything. I mean, it's process driven to the point where there really is no end game result right now. It's show up, do everything you can every single day and do the best you can at it.”
Inside the Dolphins' Defensive Line: Youth, Experience, and Zach Seeler’s Impact
Hafley praises the young Dolphins defensive line for their progress despite limited experience, highlighting Kenneth Grant’s development. He singles out veteran Zach Seeler for his elite positioning, ability to create pressure for teammates, and selfless play. The coach emphasizes Seeler’s value in both run defense and pass rush coordination.
2026 Edge Draft Preview: Top 15 Prospects and Contrarian Rankings
“I think the rest of the class does not have the same level of violence as Reese, Bain, and Mezador. And that’s the gap.”
“Show up on time and give everything you have every single day. I mean, that's kind of how I view everything. I mean, it's process driven to the point where there really is no end game result right now. It's show up, do everything you can every single day and do the best you can at it.”
“I think the rest of the class does not have the same level of violence as Reese, Bain, and Mezador. And that’s the gap.”
“He's a freak and the tape, the bend is absurd. His strength is his ability to rush from different angles of attack and wind up in the exact same position with his shin angle low to the ground, full extension and length into the tackle.”
Host
Guest
Jeff Hafley
person
Miami Dolphins
organization
Zach Seeler
person
Reuben Bain Jr.
person
Akeem Mezador
person
Arvel Reese
person
NFL
organization
Gabe Akis
person
TJ Parker
person
Zion Young
person
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Drive Time: Kyle Smith, Offensive Line 2026 NFL Draft Preview
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