Dolphins Sign Undrafted OL Pedro Sosa

Comfortably under today's new 75-man roster limit, the Dolphins added rookie offensive lineman Pedro Sosa on Monday. Sosa had initially worked out for the Dolphins in July but was not signed. He will wear number 78.

Background

Sosa was a three-year starter at Rutgers at the left tackle position. He was named a second-team All-Big East selection as both a junior and a senior. A knee injury hampered his senior season and prevented him from participating in the NFL Scouting Combine. Originally projected as a mid-round selection, the injury caused Sosa to go undrafted in the 2008 NFL Draft. He initially worked out for the Dolphins in July but was not signed.

Analysis

This is a good, low-risk move by the Dolphins. Sosa is a legitimate NFL prospect and provides good competition for Miami's lacking offensive line depth. He has good quickness and athleticism, which make up for being slightly smaller (6-3, 310) than the ideal NFL size. He played tackle at Rutgers but probably projects more at guard at the next level. That being said, his experience at tackle does help his versatility in the NFL.

One would initially assume such a late arrival would significantly hurt Sosa's chances of making the squad. That being said, Miami is sorely lacking both talent and experience in offensive line depth and none of their current backups (except Trey Darilek) are locks to make the team.

Sosa initially worked at right guard, and if he remains there he will provide direct competition for fellow undrafted rookie Matt Spanos (USC). Spanos has been working with the second-team at right guard lately, but he is a strong candidate to be replaced on the roster once final cuts are made and the Dolphins claim players from other teams.

I'm going to predict that Sosa makes the team ahead of Spanos, though if he does not he'd be a viable candidate for the practice squad. If Sosa proves he is healthy, he is a much better prospect than Spanos and should be able to jump him on the depth chart.