The Miami Dolphins have bolstered their roster with the addition of a quarterback and an ex-college hoops standout among several rookie free agents shortly after the conclusion of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Continuing their search for fresh talent into Sunday, the Dolphins have successfully signed 12 undrafted rookies to their squad. Among these new acquisitions are a mix of promising athletes with varying backgrounds.
Leading the group of new Dolphins is Gavin Hardison, a quarterback from UTEP. Despite having a senior year cut short by Tommy John surgery in November, Hardison’s strong arm has caught the attention of scouts, though concerns about his accuracy persist. An AFC scout highlighted to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero that while Hardison boasts a notable arm, his precision and health are areas of concern.
The Dolphins have also inked a deal with safety Mark Perry from TCU, known for his remarkable speed, clocking in a 40-yard dash at 4.40 seconds, and his formidable height at 6-3. Perry’s aggressive playstyle and ability to disrupt the run game could make him a valuable addition to Miami’s defense, with a signing bonus that includes $150,000 in guaranteed money, as per Ryan Fowler from The Draft Network.
Adding depth to their receiving options, the Dolphins turned to Je’Quan Burton from FAU. Burton, an outside receiver and Orlando native, was spotlighted by Bruce Feldman on his “Freaks List” for his impressive physical attributes, including a 345-pound bench press and a 45-inch vertical jump. NFL writer Aaron Wilson reported Burton’s rookie free agent agreement.
Wisconsin’s Hayden Rucci, a tight end with NFL lineage, joins Miami as well, boasting a history of academic and athletic prowess. A three-time Academic All-Big Ten and with 11 receptions last season, Rucci could bring both brains and brawn to the Dolphins.
Amongst others, the Dolphins have secured talent across the board including defensive lineman Grayson Murphy from UCLA, known for his edge-rushing skills, and versatile offensive lineman Matthew Jones from Ohio State, who has shown exceptional ability in both pass and run blocking.
Intriguingly, the Dolphins have given a chance to a former college basketball player, Bayron Matos from USF. Matos, standing at 6-7 and weighing 313 pounds, is seen as a project with significant potential given his physical attributes and an impressive pro-day showing despite limited football experience.
Rounding out their early list of rookie signings, the Dolphins have also added talents like cornerback Storm Duck from Louisville, offensive lineman Andrew Meyer from UTEP, and safety Jordan Colbert from Rhode Island, each bringing unique skills and potential to the Miami roster.
The Dolphins’ approach of integrating a diverse group of undrafted rookies, from seasoned football players to a basketball convert, underscores their commitment to building a competitive team through all available means.