Day 871, Quasi-Quarantine: As Camp Begins, A Look At The Dolphins' Undrafted Free Agents

The focus for the Dolphins in the undrafted free agent market was both lines of scrimmage, as Miami inked three defensive lineman and three offensive linemen among 14 rookie additions.

The pluses: The standouts in this group are Arizona State offensive tackle Kellen Diesch (No. 137) and Oregon safety Verone McKinley (No. 143), who were both in draft scout Dane Brugler's top 150 eligible players. 

In particular, Diesch as a development swing tackle is an interesting and important pickup for the franchise. At the back end of Brugler's rankings, the Dolphins landed South Carolina running back ZaQuandre White (No. 246), Ole Miss wide receiver Braylon Sanders (No. 249), and Idaho State tight end Tanner Conner (No. 269).  

The minuses: Where are the linebackers? 

Besides the above prospects ranked by Brugler and The Athletic, the 'Fins inked two more offensive linemen (Minnesota's Blaise Andries and Arkansas's Ty Clary, who was waived after failing a physical); three defensive linemen (Illinois's Owen Carney, Nebraska's Ben Stille, and Virginia Tech's Jordan Williams); and two cornerbacks (Louisiana Tech's Elijah Hamilton and Texas A&M-Commerce's Kader Kohou).

Miami signed as many punters (Florida International's Tommy Heatherly) as linebackers (Miami's Deandre Johnson), and I've long thought that the Dolphins are lacking quality 'backers.

The bottom line: It's always a borderline coup to land a project OL on the cheap, and that's what Miami could have in Diesch, who -- at 6-7, 303 pounds -- has good tools to work with. 

A lot could change at the tight end spot in the next year for the 'Fins, giving Conner a chance to stick as a practice squad player, and McKinley brings a nasty attitude that could serve him well on special teams and potentially down the road at the back end of Miami's secondary.

There is undoubtedly a crowded backfield for the Dolphins, but White could be a development prospect who could turn into a contributor if he can be taught patience. Sanders has been an early standout in training camp, lending credence to the idea that he could grab one of the final wide receiver spots on the active roster.

With such a small haul of drafted rookies this year, it's even more important than usual that Miami turn over every stone in its undrafted haul. You can believe that a new coaching staff is working hard to churn the bottom of the roster with newcomers who may be better fits for their new schemes.