NFL Draft 2011: 15 Undrafted Free Agents the Miami Dolphins Must Target
While negotiations between the NFL and the NFLPA remains influx, there is only one thing for fans to speculate about for the time being: undrafted free agents. Normally, teams would have already scavenged the undrafted pool in search of the next Kurt Warner, John Randle or Dick "Night Train" Lane. But because of the lockout, these overlooked prospects will have to wait a while longer.
The primary focus for teams approaching undrafted free agents boils down to a few things: Camp bodies, special teams, and developmental projects. Most of these guys will be relegated to practice squads, and the lucky ones will make the 53-man roster as a special teams hopeful.
Teams don't expect to land the next Kurt Warner 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. 15: Adrian Taylor, DT, Oklahoma
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An Achilles’ injury derailed Adrian Taylor’s senior season. Had he stayed healthy, there’s a chance the former Oklahoma defensive tackle could have been a middle-round draft pick.
Instead, Taylor slipped through the cracks into the undrafted pool where he figures to be hotly pursued. If Miami feels confident that Taylor’s Achilles tendon has healed sufficiently, they could pursue him as another project to develop alongside seventh-round pick Frank Kearse.
Taylor, at 311 pounds, projects more as a 4-3 defensive tackle, but if he packs onto his 6’4” frame, there’s no reason to believe he can’t make the transition into a space-eating nose tackle.
No. 14: Jake Kirkpatrick, C, TCU
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Prior to the Draft, TCU center Jake Kirkpatrick projected as mid-round selection. He was an All-American in 2009, and anchored the Horned Frogs fifth-ranked rushing offense in 2009 and 10th-ranked rushing offense in 2010.
Even with the addition of Mike Pouncey, Jeff Ireland needs to bolster the depth along the interior line. Neither Ray Feinga or Nate Garner, while very serviceable players, have much of a ceiling. Miami would benefit from adding youth and skill to one of its thinnest units.
No. 13: Will Yeatman, TE, Maryland
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Even if sixth-round pick Charles Clay is relegated to tight end duties, Miami could still use depth at one of their thinnest positions. Set aside Anthony Fasano, the only tight ends on the Dolphins' roster are Mikey Shuler, Dedrick Epps and Jeron Masturd. Not exactly a top flight unit.
Maryland's Will Yeatman is the prototypical tight end Miami seems to desire. He boasts a 6'6", 273 pound frame, and made his mark as a nasty blocker. He's not a spectacular receiver, but the Dolphins rarely rely on the tight end to produce numbers. At the very least, the former All-American lacrosse player could make for a great camp body.
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No. 12: Mario Fannin, RB, Auburn
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Three short months ago, Mario Fannin began following in a former teammate's footsteps. At last year's combine, Auburn running back Ben Tate tore up the Combine and his draft stock absolutely catapulted. Fannin pulled similar moves in February, running a 4.43 despite a 5'11", 230 pound frame.
Had Fannin produced in college, he could have gone as high as the second round; however, he was a backup and occasional return man for the Tigers.
Still, he is obviously seething with potential. You have to imagine Fannin is a more talented back than either Lex Hilliard and Kory Sheets, so the Dolphins should show interest.
No. 11: Keith Darbut, DE/LB, Baldwin Wallace College
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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 if a team doesn't have to waste a draft pick on such a player, then why not take the risk?
Keith Darbut, a defensive end from little known D-III school Baldwin Wallace College, wasn't a stud 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. 10: Ugo Chinasa, DE/OLB, Oklahoma State
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Just because Koa Misi and Cameron Wake cemented their status as starting-caliber linebackers in 2010, it does not mean the Dolphins are set 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 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 plenty of upside; one whom the Dolphins should pursue.
No. 9: Byron Bell, OG/OT, New Mexico State
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Anybody who weighs in at 6'5", 348 pounds deserves a shot on an NFL roster.
New Mexico's Byron Bell is a behemoth of a man, and if the Dolphins value size on the offensive line as much they historically have, then he will definitely be on their radar.
Bell will likely be a developmental project, but he could still add depth to a thin offensive front and his upside is tremendous. Jeff Ireland and Tony Sparano seem to have an uncanny knack for finding quality offensive linemen in the darkest depths of the football world (Joe Berger, Nate Garner, Donald Thomas, Pat McQuistan and others) and Bell seems to fit the criteria.
No. 8: Pat Devlin, QB, Delaware
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Easily the hottest name on the undrafted free-agent market is Delaware quarterback Pat Devlin. The former top-rated high school quarterback and Penn State transferee demolished I-AA competition and led the Blue Hens to the national championship game this past season.
However, there are reasons Devlin was not drafted. He played in a very simple spread offense where his numbers were inflated by receivers' yards after the catch. Also, there seems to be an aura around him because he is Joe Flacco's successor.
Obviously, Devlin is nowhere near as talented as Flacco. All that being said, he posted great numbers, proved he is a winner and seems to have his head straight on his shoulders. If the Dolphins don't pursue competition for Chad Henne, then bringing on a developmental quarterback like Devlin would be a wise move.
No. 7: Damien Berry, RB, Miami
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There are plenty of free-agent running backs for Miami to pursue, but the University of Miami's Damien Berry might be the most enticing. He does not boast any extraordinary times, but still possesses a favorable blend of size and speed (5'10", 211 pounds, 4.6 40).
Granted, 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 carrying a significant workload for the Dolphins.
No. 6: Mike Holmes, S/CB/KR, Syracuse
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Remember: special teams, special teams, special teams. They cannot be stressed enough, particularly for a unit that ranked 29th in the league last season.
Of course, the Dolphins should also aim for players whom they can also develop into contributors. Syracuse’s Mike Holmes is a picturesque prospect for Miami to pursue. He plays with reckless abandon that could translate very well onto a special teams unit. Also, Holmes, though undersized, has experience at both cornerback and safety.
No. 5: Derrick Locke, RB/KR, Kentucky
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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, in fact nobody knows if he is good at all. 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, has two key traits that increase his chances of landing in Miami: he is an experienced return-man and he has great hands. The Dolphins need a running back who can do both and if Locke can pack onto his 188 pound frame and still boast 4.4 speed, he could make a roster.
No. 4: Ian Williams, NT, Notre Dame
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Initially projected as a late-round selection, Notre Dame nose tackle Ian Williams fell into free agency. It’s difficult to see why he fell so far, but a limited 6’1”, 320 pound frame might be the chief catalyst.
Still, Williams, a highly regarded high school recruit, was highly productive for the Fighting Irish. He racked up 38 tackles and 3.5 sacks despite missing four games with a torn MCL in 2010. Williams will likely be one of the most sought after undrafted free agents, and the Dolphins would be wise to pursue another developmental project to add depth at nose tackle.
No. 3: Willie Smith, OT, East Carolina
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With Jake Long and Vernon Carey already in the fold, Miami doesn't necessarily need to pursue an NFL-ready backup. But they 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. 2: Joseph Lefeged, S, Rutgers
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After teammate Eric LeGrand was paralyzed from the neck down during a game last season, Rutgers safety Joe Lefeged lost his passion for football. Subsequently, his draft stock plummeted.
Initially projected as a middle-round prospect, Rutgers' safety Joe Lefeged fell into the undrafted free agency pool—and somewhat righteously so. Lefeged's play completely dropped off during his senior season; however, he quickly rebounded with a great Senior Bowl and a promising Combine.
Lefeged looks as though he is back on the right path, which means one NFL team might land a third-round talent in the undrafted pool. Even with Reshad Jones and Jonathan Amaya already battling for backup reps, Miami could absolutely use a talent like Lefeged whose upside and special teams potential are huge.
No. 1: Scott Tolzien, QB, Wisconsin
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Check out what Pro Football Weekly’s Nolan Nawrocki (same guy who blasted Cam Newton) had to say about Wisconsin quarterback Scott Tolzien: “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.”
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 earn a roster spot as a backup quarterback for a team like the Dolphins.
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