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5 Miami Dolphins undrafted free agents with potential impact

joe schad, palm beach post
·3 min read
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Dolphins general manager Chris Grier and his scouting staff work hard to identify a crop of undrafted free agents with a chance to compete for a roster spot.

"Hidden gems," Grier said this week.

And Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel promises to give those players enough reps to make a case.

"We’re a place where the best players play, and that’s something that I think is a draw for players," McDaniel added.

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The Dolphins have a track record of success with undrafted players, including cornerbacks Kader Kohou and Nik Needham, guard Robert Jones, safety Verone McKinley, Jr. and receiver Preston Williams.

And with only eight draft picks over the last two years — unprecedented for Miami — it's essential that Miami hits on one or two this year.

Here are 5 undrafted Miami Dolphins to watch for this spring and summer:

Defensive end Mitchell Agude, Miami

Clemson quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei (5) runs by Miami defensive lineman Mitchell Agude (45) during the third quarter at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022.
Clemson quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei (5) runs by Miami defensive lineman Mitchell Agude (45) during the third quarter at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022.

Why him? Agude is thin but quick and has a good ceiling worth developing. Like Jaelan Phillips, Agude began his career at UCLA and transferred to Miami. Agude had 4.5 sacks in 2 years at UCLA and 4 in one season at Miami.

Did you know? Agude suffered traumatic brain injury as a 9-year-old. He experienced a miracle recovery and has gone on to have a full life.

Defensive tackle Brandon Pili, USC

Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Joey Yellen (18) throws a pass against USC Trojans defensive lineman Brandon Pili (91) in the first half on Nov. 9, 2019 in Tempe, Ariz.
Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Joey Yellen (18) throws a pass against USC Trojans defensive lineman Brandon Pili (91) in the first half on Nov. 9, 2019 in Tempe, Ariz.

Why him? Pili is 6-foot-3, 345 pounds and has a chance to back up at nose tackle following the departure of veteran John Jenkins. Pili spent six seasons at USC and sustained an Achilles injury in 2021.

Did you know? Pili was USC’s first-ever football letterman from Alaska.

Linebacker Aubrey Miller, Jackson State

Jackson State linebacker Aubrey Miller Jr. (45) looks down the line of scrimmage during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Southern University in Jackson, Miss., Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022. Jackson State won 35-0. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Jackson State linebacker Aubrey Miller Jr. (45) looks down the line of scrimmage during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Southern University in Jackson, Miss., Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022. Jackson State won 35-0. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Why him? This is a former 4-star recruit capable of delivering punishing blows. Miller has the potential to be an impact special teamer, which is key for any undrafted player. Miller is known for his ferocity and he had a solid performance in Senior Bowl practices.

Did you know? A former Tennessee Mr. Football, Jackson began his college career at Missouri.

Punter Michael Turk, Oklahoma

Oklahoma's Michael Turk (37) punts during a Bedlam college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Oklahoma State University Cowboys (OSU) at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022. Oklahoma won 28-13.
Oklahoma's Michael Turk (37) punts during a Bedlam college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Oklahoma State University Cowboys (OSU) at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022. Oklahoma won 28-13.

Why him? Michael is the nephew of former Dolphins punter Matt Turk. This is a player with a powerful leg who could have easily been drafted. Miami signed former All-Pro punter Jake Bailey, but he's trying to prove a recent downturn in success is not a negative trend.

Did you know? Turk began his career at Lafayette and also played for Arizona State. He was undrafted in 2020 but allowed a special exemption by the NCAA to resume his college career. Turk once had a game with punts of 62, 64, 65 and 75 yards.

Edge rusher Garrett Nelson, Nebraska

Nebraska Cornhuskers defensive end Garrett Nelson (44) takes to the field ahead of the NCAA football game against the Purdue Boilermakers, Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.
Nebraska Cornhuskers defensive end Garrett Nelson (44) takes to the field ahead of the NCAA football game against the Purdue Boilermakers, Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.

Why him? The motor doesn't stop. Potential to contribute right away on special teams. More straight power than a bag of tricks. Nelson is 6-4, 245 and had 5.5 sacks for the Cornhuskers.

Did you know? Nelson’s father, Chris, was an All-American wrestler for Nebraska in the early 1990s. The younger Nelson captured the Class B heavyweight wrestling title as a junior.

Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at.jschad@pbpost.com and follow him on Instagram and Twitter @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe's free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Miami Dolphins undrafted signings include 5 potential impact players