Texas Longhorns Safety Michael Taaffe Drafted by Miami Dolphins
Texas Longhorns safety Michael Taaffe was selected by the Miami Dolphins in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. The former walk-on player made the All-SEC first team and won the Wuerffel Trophy in his final college season.
Michael Taaffe completed one of college football's best success stories when the Miami Dolphins picked him in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. The Texas safety started as a walk-on player with no scholarship and worked his way up to becoming a key starter.
Taaffe had a breakout final season at Texas. He earned All-SEC first team honors after the Longhorns joined the conference. He also won the Wuerffel Trophy, which goes to the college player who best combines athletics with community service.
The safety became the first Texas player ever selected as a finalist for the Burlsworth Trophy on December 8. That award honors the best former walk-on player in college football. Taaffe declared for the NFL Draft on December 15, 2025.
Taaffe will try to become the 12th player from Westlake High School to play in the NFL. That list includes former Super Bowl MVP quarterbacks Drew Brees and Nick Foles. Texas now looks to replace his production with another safety who could follow the same path to professional football.
Taaffe's story shows how walk-on players can still make it to the NFL through hard work. His success keeps Texas football's pipeline to professional football strong, which helps the program recruit future players.
Taaffe will report to Miami Dolphins training camp. Texas will need to find his replacement in the secondary for next season.
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