In the days following the conclusion of the 2024 NFL Draft, the Miami Dolphins didn’t waste any time and started crafting agreements with a group of undrafted free agents. However, it wasn’t until nearly two weeks later that these transactions were officially confirmed by the team.
On Friday, the Dolphins excitedly announced the signing of 12 undrafted rookies, just as rookie minicamp was poised to kick off. These newly signed players, along with a handful of rookies attending on a tryout basis and the seven players selected in the draft, compose the official rookie roster for the Dolphins for the 2024 season.
Here’s a rundown of the 12 undrafted rookies that the Dolphins officially welcomed to their team:
– Bayron Matos, an offensive tackle from South Florida, brings an unusual path to the gridiron. Originally from the Dominican Republic, Matos first showcased his athletic prowess on the basketball courts for New Mexico and South Florida before switching to football. Despite his limited experience in the sport, his impressive stature of 6’7 and 313 pounds, coupled with great athleticism, presents a unique prospect.
– Andrew Meyer, who played center at UTEP, enters the professional ranks after a solid four-season tenure, where he was recognized for his reliability and strength on the offensive line, standing at 6’2 and weighing 303 pounds.
– From TCU, safety Mark Perry joins the Dolphins with noteworthy speed, evidenced by his 4.37 40-yard dash. His performance also earned him an All-Big 12 honorable mention last year, reflecting his potential impact in the secondary.
– Je’Quan Burton, a receiver from Florida Atlantic, amassed 1,277 receiving yards and nine touchdowns, bringing a promising playmaking ability to the Dolphins’ receiving corps.
– Quarterback Gavin Hardison’s resilience is notable as he recovers from Tommy John surgery that cut short his final season at UTEP. His talent as a quarterback is eagerly anticipated as he joins the team.
– Cornerback Storm Duck transfers his Second Team All-ACC acclaim from his time at North Carolina to a professional start with the Dolphins, backed by his solid size and skills in pass defense.
– Grayson Murphy, a defensive lineman from UCLA, impresses with his track record of 18 tackles for loss and 10 sacks over two seasons, hinting at a potential for disrupting opposing offenses.
– Isaiah Johnson, from Syracuse, has sparked conversations about his future in the NFL, possibly transitioning to safety, but will start his Dolphins career as a cornerback.
– Matthew Jones brings versatility and size from Ohio State’s offensive line, with significant experience playing guard before transitioning to center for his final collegiate game.
– Leonard Payne Jr., a defensive lineman from Colorado, showcases his defensive prowess with three sacks and a forced fumble last season, hinting at his disruptive capability on the field.
– Hayden Rucci, a tight end known for his blocking from Wisconsin, enters the NFL having proven his ability to protect the quarterback, only allowing two pressures in 180 pass blocking snaps in 2023.
– Jordan Colbert, a safety from Rhode Island, rounds out the Dolphins’ rookie signings, bringing depth and talent to the secondary.
These additions highlight the Dolphins’ commitment to bolstering their roster with fresh talent and potential as they head into the 2024 season.