Miami Dolphins Free Agency: 7 Undrafted Free Agents Dolphins Should Sign

According to the post-Lockout proposal, teams will have the opportunity to sign undrafted free agents starting on July 25th. The Miami Dolphins, like every other NFL team, will make an absolute mad-dash to sign prospects in hopes of landing the next Davone Bess or Dan Carpenter.

The primary focus for teams approaching undrafted free agency boils down to a few things: camp bodies, special teams and long-term developmental projects. Most of these guys will be relegated to practice squads, and the lucky few will make a 53-man roster as a special teams contributor.

For a team like the Dolphins that has struggled immensely with special teams, undrafted free agency present a particularly important period.

Teams don't expect to dig diamonds Kurt Warner, John Randle or Arian Foster out of the rough here (though that would be awesome). Instead, they're looking for depth, development and special teams.

Keep that in mind when reading over this list of prospects the Dolphins might target.

No. 7: Keith Darbut, Defensive End / Outside Linebacker, Baldwin Wallace College

History has proven time and time again that teams should stray from "Workout Warriors"—players who sparsely produce in college but post incredible workout numbers.

But Keith Darbut, a defensive end from little known D-III school Baldwin Wallace College, defies Workout Warrior. He would be better described as a Workout Navy Seal Team 6. Darbut wasn't a big contributor for the Yellow Jackets, but look at his measurables: 6'4", 230 pounds, 4.32 speed.

He has drawn league wide intrigue, visiting with numerous teams including the Dolphins before the Draft. Darbut has the makings of a special teams assassin, and it will be interesting to see if the 'Fins makes a run at the Miami native.

No. 6: Damien Berry, Running Back, Miami

The recent success of undrafted free agent running backs bodes well for this year's class. Teams will probably place added emphasis on the position while in search of the next Arian Foster or LaGarrette Blount.

The University of Miami's Damien Berry will be one of the most sought after options once the market opens. He does not boast any extraordinary times or intangibles, but still possesses a favorable blend of size and speed (5'10", 211 pounds, 4.6 40).

Berry was only a one-year starter and posted just marginal numbers, but given time to develop, he could become a bruising back capable of shouldering some carries for the Dolphins.

No. 5: Willie Smith, Offensive Tackle, East Carolina

With Jake Long and Vernon Carey already in the fold, Miami doesn't necessarily need to pursue an NFL-ready backup. Both players have displayed outstanding durability, but the Dolphins do need to add some quality depth to the position, and a developmental project makes the most sense.

East Carolina's Willie Smith is a 6'5", 310 pound converted tight end, who, with some more bulk and grooming could become a very serviceable NFL lineman.

The Dolphins can't feel too comfortable with Matt Kopa and Lydon Murtha as their primary reserves, so pursuing a promising project like Smith should be a top priority once the lockout ends.

No. 4: Mike Holes, Safety / Cornerback / Returner, Syracuse

Special teams, special teams, special teams. They cannot be stressed enough—particularly for a unit that ranked 29th in the league last season. And if you still don't believe that special teams needs to emphasized to a great degree, watch this.

Of course, the Dolphins should also aim for players whom they can also develop into contributors, and Syracuse’s Mike Holmes is a picturesque prospect for the team to target. He plays with reckless abandon that could translate very well onto both a special teams and defensive unit.

Holmes, though undersized, has extensive experience at both cornerback and safety.

No. 3: Ugo Chinasa, Outside Linebacker, Oklahoma State

Koa Misi and Cameron Wake figure to provide the Dolphins with a truly dangerous and dynamic set of outside linebackers next season, but that does not mean the team is situated at the position.

In fact, it’s one of Miami’s most pressing needs. The team only has one other outside linebacker under contract (Ikaika Alama-Francis), so adding depth there is a vital and top priority.

Oklahoma State’s Ugo Chinasa headlines the DE/OLB undrafted class. He recorded a combined 69 tackles and  15 sacks between 2009 and 2010—good, but not great numbers. Instead, it’s Chinasa’s 6’4”, 264 pound build, coupled with 4.6 speed that makes him an appealing prospect with voluminous upside; one whom the Dolphins should pursue.

No. 2: Derrick Locke, Running Back / Returner, Kentucky

In all likelihood, the Dolphins will only be in the market for one undrafted free-agent running back. The team remains invested in Lex Hilliard, and Kory Sheets will be given every opportunity to shine.

But Sheets is still completely unproven, so the Dolphins might want to bring in some scat-back competition, and Kentucky's Derrick Locke is the best of this year's bunch.

Locke, a former track star, boasts two key traits that increase his chances of landing in Miami: he is an experienced return-man and has great hands. Locke posted a scorching 4.4 40 (and allegedly once ran a 4.21) time and caught 34 passes for the Wildcats in 2010. If he can pack onto his 188 pound frame and polish his return skills, Locke could be the next Darren Sproles.

No. 1: Scott Tolzien, Quarterback, Wisconsin

Check out what Pro Football Weekly’s Nolan Nawrocki (the same guy who blasted Cam Newton a few months ago) had to say about Wisconsin quarterback Scott Tolzien prior to the 2011 NFL Draft:

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“Outstanding intangibles. Really studies the game. Terrific work ethic — self-made, a film junkie. Understands football concepts. Highly respected, competitive, a team leader. Takes great pride in his craft — football is very important to him. Mentally and physically tough — will stand in the pocket and take a hit. Emotional, take-charge leader with moxie.”

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Although he doesn’t have a favorable physical build (6’2”, 212), Tolzien clearly has the mental and emotional make up of an NFL quarterback. Tolzien’s arm strength is also a concern, but then again, so was Chad Pennington’s before he led the ‘Fins to the playoffs.

This isn’t to say Tolzien will ever be a starting quarterback—he probably won’t be. But he could definitely compete and eventually earn a roster spot as a backup quarterback for a team like the Dolphins. And it's worth taking note when a respected scout like Nawrocki gushes about a player to this extent.