A Brief Look at Miami’s UDFAs

Dec 20, 2013; Fargo, ND, USA; North Dakota State Bison quarterback Brock Jensen (16) celebrates during the fourth quarter against the New Hampshire Wildcats at FargoDome. North Dakota State defeated New Hampshire 52-14. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

A Look at the top undrafted free agents signed by the Miami Dolphins:

Brock Jensen: Jensen was the only quarterback the Dolphins added, and he is quite a good one at that. When you look at Jensen, the first thing you have to consider is that he just flat out wins games. In 3 ½ seasons at North Dakota State, Jensen won three straight titles, and won 47 games, giving him the most wins in FCS history. Standing at 6’3, 220 lbs, Jensen finished his career with 72 touchdowns to just 21 interceptions. He is a good runner, and while some believe that he is destined for the practice squad, I believe that he even has a decent chance to supplant Pat Devlin as the #3 QB. He could be a very solid backup down the road.

Derrell Johnson: Johnson is an interesting player, in that he was listed at 264 lbs during the season, but weighed in at a mere 248 lbs at the East-West Shrine Game. Questions about his weight as well as what position would be best for him in the pros (he wash a rush OLB at East Carolina) led to his being undrafted. In the Dolphins’ 4-3, Johnson will see some time at end and some time at strong side LB, but the question is whether he can make it at either spot. The Dolphins are pretty much set at end, with Cameron Wake, Olivier Vernon, Dion Jordan, Derrick Shelby, and 7th round pick Terrance Fede. LB is a different story, however. He will be competing with Jason Trusnik, Jonathan Freeny, Jelani Jenkins, and 5th round pick Jordan Tripp for a backup role at LB.

Tyler Larsen: Pretty much a pure center throughout college, Larsen’s best chance at sticking may be if Mike Pouncey gets suspended, as some expect he may. The biggest knock on Larsen is his short arms, however, his going undrafted was still unexpected. Larsen does have the size to be tried at the guard spots, but he’ll likely end up staying at center. He helped pave the way for Utah St. RB Joey Demartino to gain over 1200 yards on the ground, and was the leader of the Utah St. offensive line.

Anthony Johnson: Save for Jensen, Anthony Johnson just might be the most intriguing player the Dolphins signed after the draft. At one point Johnson looked like a possible 2nd or 3rd round pick during the season. As the season went on, though, Johnson’s stock slipped to the point where he looked more like a 5th rounder by the end of bowl season. Further examination and evaluation led him to look like more of a 6th/7th round prospect by the time the draft rolled around. Even then, it came as a bit of a surprise that nobody took a chance on Johnson in even the seventh round. Johnson’s modest production in college (6 sacks in two years) was at least partially due to the fact that he was playing alongside talented teammate Ego Ferguson. He also comes with injury concerns, having missed time with shoulder and leg injuries. Johnson’s best traits are his first step and initial quickness, but issues with consistency marred them at times. He will likely have to beat out AJ Francis, Isaako Aatui, and fellow undrafted free agent signee Garrison Smith for a spot in the DT rotation behind Earl Mitchell, Jared Odrick, and Randy Starks.