The Miami Dolphins open training camp Tuesday with 22 rookies getting started a week before the veterans join them. Fifteen of those first-year players were undrafted, which has been a treasure trove for the Dolphins in the past.
In fact, one of the longest tenured players currently on the roster is defensive back Nik Needham, who signed with Miami in 2019 as an undrafted free agent.
While he started as a practice squad player, Needham earned his way onto the active roster a month and a half into his first season with the Dolphins.
Another undrafted cornerback gem was Kader Kohou, who was among the top 40 graded cornerbacks in the NFL as a rookie, according to Pro Football Focus.
Offensively, the Dolphins found tight ends Tanner Conner and Julian Hill, as well as offensive lineman Robert Jones in recent years.
So who’s next? Miami’s group of undrafted rookies in 2024 includes a potential backup quarterback project, several defensive backs, and a pair of offensive linemen to watch. Additionally, with Miami dealing with the rehabbing of star pass rushers Jaelan Philips and Bradley Chubb, a few edge rushing prospects have a chance to emerge.
The rookie wide receivers have a tall task making a loaded position group, though. The same can be said about the running backs. Even drafted rookie wideouts Malik Washington and Tahj Washington will have to compete for roster spots in the crowded room of veterans.
A more intriguing spot is at safety where a few rookies have a real shot at a roster spot. The Dolphins spent a sixth-round pick on California safety Patrick McMorris before adding a pair of undrafted players at the position in Jordan Colbert from Rhode Island and Mark Perry from TCU.
Perry could be the sleeper as a fast prospect who can lay booming hits. Coaching and fine-tuning could make him a player Miami keeps around.
Elsewhere in the secondary, Louisville’s Storm Duck, Syracuse’s Isaiah Jones, and Wisconsin’s Jason Maitre all have a chance at the 53-man roster. Last season, cornerback Ethan Bonner was an undrafted rookie who eventually found himself on the full-time active roster.
The Dolphins could certainly benefit from a rookie standing out on the offensive line after losing right guard Robert Hunt in free agency. Ohio State’s Matthew Jones is a pure right guard, while UTEP’s Andrew Meyer could work at center and guard,. Ireland Brown from Rutgers is another rookie free agent who earned his way into the mix with an impressive tryout in the spring.
