Why Dante Moore is emerging as a potential long-term answer for the Dolphins

T he Miami Dolphins entered the 2026 season knowing they were beginning a new chapter at quarterback. After parting ways with Tua Tagovailoa in March, the franchise turned to Malik Willis, signing the former Tennessee Titans and Green Bay Packers quarterback to a three-year, $67.5 million contract. The move signaled Miami's desire to reset at the game's most important position, but it also came with significant uncertainty.

Willis arrived in South Florida with limited starting experience, having made just six starts across his first four NFL seasons. While the Dolphins believe he possesses untapped potential, several analysts expect Miami to endure growing pains as it navigates the transition away from Tagovailoa.

That possibility has already sparked speculation about the team's long-term plans under center. In a recently released 2027 NFL mock draft, FOX Sports analyst Rob Rang projected the Dolphins to select Oregon quarterback Dante Moore with the No. 2 overall pick. The projection suggests that even if Willis receives an extended opportunity to prove himself, Miami could still be in the market for a franchise quarterback if the season does not unfold as hoped.

A blue-chip quarterback doesn't come often

Rang acknowledged that he remains optimistic about Willis' prospects as a starter but believes the Dolphins could struggle because of their roster limitations and difficult schedule. "I'm more bullish on Malik Willis as a starting quarterback in the NFL than the folks at DraftKings seem to be," Rang wrote. "But like the aforementioned Cardinals , it seems unlikely that Miami is going to jump in the standings given its own limitations as well as its schedule."

The analyst noted that pairing Willis with an elite playmaker such as Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith would be tempting. However, he argued that passing on a quarterback prospect of Moore's caliber would be difficult.

"I would love to match Willis with Ohio State's phenomenal receiver Jeremiah Smith here, but the opportunity to land a blue-chip quarterback doesn't come often, and Moore is certainly that," Rang added. "He is currently a more instinctive and accurate passer than Manning and looks like a lock at this point to be among the first two players selected next spring."

Evaluators view him as one of the premier quarterback prospects

Those are lofty expectations, but Moore has steadily built a résumé that supports the growing hype. The Detroit native entered college football as one of the nation's top recruits. A five-star prospect out of Martin Luther King High School, Moore originally committed to Oregon before flipping to UCLA . As a freshman with the Bruins , he appeared in nine games and made five starts, throwing for 1,610 yards, 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions.

His development took a major step forward after transferring to Oregon. Following a redshirt season spent backing up Dillon Gabriel, Moore took control of the Ducks' offense and delivered one of the most impressive campaigns in college football. He started all 15 games, guided Oregon to a 13-2 record, and completed 71 percent of his passes for 3,565 yards, 30 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

The combination of accuracy, decision-making, and arm talent has helped elevate Moore into the conversation for the top of the 2027 NFL Draft. Several evaluators view him as one of the premier quarterback prospects in the country, and some believe he could challenge for the No. 1 overall selection. For the Dolphins , much will depend on what happens this season.