Miami Dolphins add eleven to roster with undrafted free agent signings

Though most rookies that make the NFL roster will be drafted during the NFL Draft, there have been some that can make a lasting mark on a team without ever being drafted. This is where the newest class of undrafted free agents comes in for the Miami Dolphins.

Going after players that could potentially add depth to the team’s roster this season, the Dolphins have made some wise pickups this offseason. The eleven players signed as undrafted free agents are no exception to this.

While undoubtedly most of these players will be cut from the team in the near future, this could be the beginning of a career for a lucky few. Depending on how training camp and the preseason goes in terms of performance and injuries, look for some of these players to make the Miami Dolphins week one roster.

Below is a quick list of the players the Miami Dolphins have signed as undrafted free agents thus far.

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Akil Blount — Linebacker — Florida A&M

The undisputed leader of the Rattlers defense as described by the FAMU athletics website, Blount is not doubt a tackling machine. Converting that skill to the NFL will be key, but given the Miami Dolphins weak overall situation at linebacker, this pickup will no doubt help.

James Burgess — Linebacker — Louisville

Though undersized for an NFL linebacker, Burgess plays with a ton of passion and heart. While his strength and toughness may be questioned, his overall speed and ability to get to the ball could make him a perfect addition for the Miami Dolphins.

Ruben Carter — Offensive Lineman — Florida State/Toledo

Moving to Toledo his senior season, Carter was a member of the 2013 FSU National Championship team. Given the overall lack of depth on the Dolphins’ offensive line, I’d give Carter a 50/50 shot at making the team.

Ryan Di Salvo — Long Snapper — San Jose State

Depending on the performance of the Miami Dolphins other special team players, Di Salvo could make the roster. How well others play will ultimately determine his fate though.

Tyler Gray — Linebacker — Boise State

Another linebacker, he will be in a tight competition to make the roster. Right now I’d give the edge to either Blount or Burgess with Gray trailing. That could change though should he have a good training camp.

Gabe Hughes — Tight End — Florida Tech

Given the current tight end positions depth, Hughes should have a good shot at making the roster. However, his performance in the preseason and training camp will be the ultimate determining factor.

Farrington Huguenin — Defensive Tackle — Kentucky

Running a 4-3 defense, Farrington Huguenin will have a shot at making the roster. Given the need for a situational lineman, Huguenin will need to play well as separate himself from the veterans along the defensive line.

Marshall Koehn — Kicker — Iowa

Much like Di Salvo, this will be determined by the play of Miami Dolphins current kicker Andrew Franks. If Franks plays well, Koehn will not be on the roster come week one.

Lafayette Pitts — Cornerback — Pittsburgh

With the Dolphins in need of some depth at the cornerback position, this may have been the pickup of the year. Pitts offers both speed and range when one-on-one and could be the surprise playmaker for the Dolphins during the preseason.

Rashawn Scott — Wide Receiver — Miami FL

With the Miami Dolphins drafting two wide receivers to along with their already loaded receiver class, Rashawn Scott really has no chance of making the team.

Brandon Shippen — Defensive Back — Temple

A wide receiver turned defensive back, Shippen will likely move to the safety position. Depending on how he adapts and the play of others at the position, Shippen has an outside chance to make the roster.

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