Three Dolphins Rookie Free Agents to Watch

After the 2022 NFL Draft got here to an finish, the Miami Dolphins started on the lookout for undrafted free brokers to spherical out their roster.

They’re hoping they’ll complement their choices of Georgia linebacker Channing Tindall (drafted at choose 102), Texas Tech vast receiver Erik Ezukanma (drafted at choose 125), California exterior linebacker Cameron Goode (drafted at choose 225), and Kansas State quarterback Skylar Thompson (drafted at choose 248).

As of early Sunday night, the Dolphins had agreed to phrases with 14 UDFAs who can have a chance to compete for a 53-man roster spot this summer season. Miami has had some success with UDFAs in recent times, together with cornerback Nik Needham, vast receiver Preston Williams and offensive lineman Robert Jones.

We’ve determined to forecast which of Miami’s UDFAs has the most effective probability to make the lively roster this upcoming season.

Kellen Diesch, offensive deal with, Arizona State

Diesch transferred to the Solar Devils after spending 4 seasons at Texas A&M. When he arrived on campus, he instantly locked down the Solar Devils’ beginning left deal with place. He had a powerful NFL mix, recording a 4.89 40-yard sprint, a 32-inch vertical bounce, and a 4.43 20-yard shuttle.

Diesch is listed at 6-7 and 301 kilos and is an above-average athlete, which makes him excellent for brand spanking new head coach Mike McDaniel’s offense. He’s skilled working zone ideas and is able to beating defensive linemen to their spots to seal off speeding lanes.

Miami has the left deal with spot locked down by free agent acquisition Terron Armstead, however the precise deal with place is much less sure. Gamers like Austin Jackson, Liam Eichenberg, Greg Little, and Larnell Coleman sit above Diesch within the pecking order.

Whereas it’s unlikely Diesch will compete for the beginning proper deal with spot, he’ll get a chance to beat out gamers like Coleman, Adam Pankey and Kion Smith for a backup deal with spot. His athletic profile and familiarity with zone operating ideas may give him a leg up in that battle.

Verone McKinley III, defensive again, Oregon

McKinley III was a starter within the Geese’ secondary for 2 seasons and had his greatest season in 2021 when he completed tied for the FBS lead in interceptions with six. He additionally was a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award.

The Dolphins love versatile defensive backs, and McKinley matches the invoice. He performed in deep zones whereas at Oregon — primarily in two-high alignments — the place he confirmed a nostril for the soccer and fast psychological processing.

McKinley III, who’s listed at 5-10 and 198 kilos, additionally performed as a slot cornerback. There, he confirmed enough man-to-man protection capability mixed with a scrappy mentality, permitting him to compete with larger receivers.

The Dolphins have Needham as their returning slot cornerback, and their security room doesn’t have a variety of reps up for grabs. With that stated, McKinley’s capability to play each spots makes him a invaluable backup possibility for a workforce that has had a variety of success growing defensive backs in latest seasons.

McKinley additionally might be a high quality particular groups participant given his pedigree as a productive tackler whereas at Oregon.

Ty Clary, offensive lineman, Arkansas

Whereas Diesch has a variety of names to leap on the offensive line depth chart, Clary possible will compete at certainly one of Miami’s thinnest positions: heart. The one different participant on Miami’s roster listed as a middle is Michael Deiter.

Clary was a multi-year starter for the Razorbacks with all of his begins coming at both heart or guard. He’s a wise lineman who understands find out how to use leverage to uproot defensive linemen and create operating lanes for his operating backs.

Clary doesn’t have a ton of athletic upside, and it’s extremely unlikely he’ll beat out Dieter for the beginning heart spot. Nevertheless, Dieter does have an harm historical past and having a participant who can again up each the middle and guard positions is extremely invaluable.

If the 6-4, 315-pound offensive lineman proves he generally is a serviceable backup for all three inside offensive line spots, that is perhaps his ticket to the roster.