Tracking Miami Dolphins' 2012 NFL Undrafted Free-Agent Signings
If I never have to type the words "mock draft" again, it may be too soon.
And though the final selection in the 2012 NFL draft was handed in on Saturday, the action hasn't ended, and neither have the chances of any draft-eligible player who wasn't selected.
Here's a look at all of the players the Miami Dolphins have signed as undrafted free agents. In the coming slides, we'll look at a scouting report for each player, his biggest competition for a roster spot, his chances of making the roster (on a scale of 1-10) and some overall thoughts.
Undrafted free agents list provided by NEPatriotsDraft.com.
Jacquies Smith, DE, Missouri
1 of 12Scouting Report via Wes Bunting of National Football Post:
"An intriguing looking DE prospect with some natural athleticism and closing speed, but he struggles out of his stance and does play as dynamic as his athletic skill set says he should. Looks more like an underachieving reserve at this stage.
"
Biggest Competition: Olivier Vernon/Derrick Shelby/Jarrell Root/Jacquies Smith
Chances of Making the Roster: 6/10
As the Dolphins transition to a hybrid front, they need hybrid-style players who can carry out the responsibilities of both a defensive end and an outside linebacker. Smith is just that, although he's no Aldon Smith (no relation, I don't think), even though the two both call Mizzou their alma mater.
He had 21 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks in his career, and he showed improvement over the course of his collegiate career. If he can continue that upswing, he could make the roster as a versatile piece to the Dolphins defense.
Jonas Gray, RB, Notre Dame
2 of 12Scouting Report via Wes Bunting:
"Looks most comfortable as a zone guy, but is limited with his initial burst and ability to make defenders miss. However, has a good feel picking his way through traffic and runs hard once he sees daylight creating yards through contact.
"
Biggest Competition: Daniel Thomas
Chances of Making the Roster: 3/10
At 5'10" and 230 pounds, Jonas Gray is a little ball of punch. He does his best work between the tackles, picking his way through traffic and fighting through contact.
The Dolphins just used a second-round pick on running back Daniel Thomas last season, but with a new system in place, it's down to whoever's the best fit for Joe Philbin's offense.
Derrick Shelby, DE, Utah
3 of 12Scouting Report via Wes Bunting:
"Overall, is a limited pass rusher who works hard through blocks on contact, but doesn't extend/use his hands well enough to disengage. Displays slightly above average natural power vs. the run game. Initially, does a much better job keeping his base down off the snap and extending his arms into contact in order to gain leverage.
"
Biggest Competition: Olivier Vernon/Jarrell Root/Jacquies Smith
Chances of Making the Roster: 2/10
Bunting says Shelby, "Doesn't offer a dynamic attribute in either the run or pass game and doesn't look like a NFL lineman." If the Dolphins didn't need as many movable pieces in their front seven as they will with their switch to a hybrid front, I'd put his chances at 1 or even 0/10.
Derek Moye, WR, Penn State
4 of 12Scouting Report via West Bunting:
"A big wide out who uses his skill set to get off press and has some sneaky strider speed down the field. Isn't going to separate a ton in the NFL, but can win in the three step game, work the middle of the field.
"
Biggest Competition: Julius Pruitt
Chances of Making the Roster: 3/10
The Dolphins waited until the sixth round to add a wide receiver, which was a big position of need, thus Moye might have a fighting chance to make the roster. The Dolphins already lacked talent at the position, and it will ultimately come down to which players are the best fit for Philbin's offense.
Moye's size and his ability to work the middle of the field will be welcome attributes to the Dolphins' new-look short to intermediate passing game and West Coast style of offense. He was also a captain of his team and is a strong character guy who has been through a lot of adversity.
Jeff Fuller, WR, Texas A&M
5 of 12Scouting Report via Wes Bunting:
"A talented kid who looked like one of the draft's best receiver prospects as a junior, but his game has really fallen off as a senior. A lack of focus, dropped footballs and questionable separation skills will cause him to fall.
"
Biggest Competition: Chris Hogan
Chances of Making the Roster: 6/10
Why do I give Fuller such a solid shot at making the roster? Because if anyone can make him look good, it's his old college friend in Ryan Tannehill, who I'm sure will be stoked to see a familiar face around Dolphins training camp.
Kelcie McCray, S, Arkansas State
6 of 12Scouting Report via Wes Bunting:
"He does have some natural coverage ability for his size and should run well for the position. There are some questions about desire as a tackler and instincts in the deep half. However, a guy at his size with his athleticism at worst deserves a shot late.
"
Biggest Competition: Reshad Jones
Chances of Making the Roster: 6/10
McCray was a draft favorite of mine as well as Bunting, and I was surprised to see him not get selected. He was projected as a fourth to sixth-round pick, and he has the measurables to cover well in a zone scheme, but doesn't have the mental tools just yet. If he can quickly get up to speed, he could fight for a roster spot.
Derek Dennis, OL, Temple
7 of 12Scouting Report via Wes Bunting:
"Is worth a pick because he moves so well for a 325-pound lineman. Needs to learn to play lower though if he ever hopes to be anything more than a reserve. However, his fluidity on the move says he has a chance to mature into a starter.
"
Biggest Competition: Ray Feinga
Chances of Making the Roster: 4/10
Dennis will be battling with Ray Feinga, who also made the roster as an undrafted free agent two years ago. As Wes indicates, his athleticism for his size is what makes him such an intriguing prospect, and Philbin is looking for linemen who can move well; a plus-sized one should be an added bonus.
Albert Evans, S, Purdue
8 of 12Scouting Report via Wes Bunting:
"A compact kid, but I can't see him holding up in space vs. an NFL pass game and isn't dynamic enough vs. the run to make up for it.
"
Biggest Competition: Tyrone Culver
Chances of Making the Roster: 1/10
Let's be realistic: Wes could have stopped with the comment on his inability to play in space against the pass. If you can't hold true to one of the most important aspects of being a safety at the pro level, your value is already diminished greatly enough that your chances at a roster spot are pretty slim.
Jarrell Root, DE, Boise St
9 of 12Scouting Report: N/A
Biggest Competition: Derrick Shelby/Olivier Vernon/Jacquies Smith
Chances of Making the Roster: 1/10
Considering Boise State's rise to prominence of late, you'd figure there would be at least one scouting report out there on Root, who played opposite first-round pick Shea McClellin in the Broncos defense.
No such luck.
If he had such a hard time turning heads in what was a great defense with a lot of talent, he'll have an even harder time cracking the roster of an NFL squad.
Josh Samuda, OL, UMass
10 of 12Scouting Report: N/A
Biggest Competition: Ray Feinga/Derek Dennis
Chances of Making the Roster: 2/10
Samuda started 11 games as a redshirt freshman and was a solid presence throughout the rest of his career according to MassLive.com, but we all know it's a big leap from college to the NFL. He wouldn't be the first UMass student to do it (see: Ihedigbo, James and Cruz, Victor) but it's never easy.
Terence Brown, OL, BYU
11 of 12Scouting Report: N/A
Biggest Competition: Derek Dennis/Josh Samuda
Chances of Making the Roster: 4/10
Brown was on the Rimington Trophy Watch List in the 2011 preseason. He is versatile between center and guard, which should help him fight for a roster spot as depth at either or both positions.
Dustin Waldron, OT, Portland State
12 of 12Scouting Report via Wes Bunting
"He's a taller kid at nearly 6-6, is a bit narrow framed, and I don't see the natural width from him to comfortably add much more weight. However, he can bend, is able to quickly get into blocks inside, fit and slide his feet through contact. Anchor strength is a slight concern. However with a little physical development he's a guy who could be able to fight for a roster spot after a year or two on the practice squad.
"
Biggest Competition: Derek Dennis/Josh Samuda
Chances of Making the Roster: 5/10
That narrow frame may actually work in Waldron's benefit as he tries to prove himself a fit for Philbin's offense, which calls for smaller, quicker offensive linemen.
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