5 Dark Horse Candidates To Make Miami Dolphins' 53-Man Roster

5 Dark Horse Candidates To Make Miami Dolphins' 53-Man Roster

Joe Philbin Miami Dolphins Head Coach
Brad Barr – USA TODAY Sports

The Miami Dolphins are a team that really could use some extra depth, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. The team has a lot of solid, young players who have gone under the radar because they weren’t drafted. These dark horses have a good chance of making the team, and these are the five most likely to make the Dolphins' final roster.

5. TE Jake Stoneburner

Jake Stoneburner Miami Dolphins Tight End
Jeff Hanisch – USA TODAY Sports

5. TE Jake Stoneburner

Jake Stoneburner Miami Dolphins Tight End
Jeff Hanisch – USA TODAY Sports

Jake Stoneburner had a pretty solid career at Ohio State, but he didn’t really get much playing time in his first two NFL seasons. With the Packers, Stoneburner appeared in nine games and didn’t have a catch. Last season, he didn’t even suit up for the Dolphins. Stoneburner still has potential, and if he can improve this offseason, he has a chance to make the team’s roster as the third tight end.

4. DT Ellis McCarthy

Ellis McCarthy Miami Dolphins Defensive Tackle
Geoff Burke – USA TODAY Sports

4. DT Ellis McCarthy

Ellis McCarthy Miami Dolphins Defensive Tackle
Geoff Burke – USA TODAY Sports

When Ellis McCarthy went to UCLA, he was supposed to be a five-star player. McCarthy never lived up to the billing, but he still does have some talent. McCarthy is a massive man at 6-foot-5, 338 pounds, and he should be a good rotational defensive lineman. McCarthy needs to prove that he can get through the line using a bull rush in order to earn a spot in the rotation, but I believe that he can do that thanks to his size.

3. LB Jeff Luc

Jeff Luc Miami Dolphins Linebacker
Mike Dinovo – USA TODAY Sports

3. LB Jeff Luc

Jeff Luc Miami Dolphins Linebacker
Mike Dinovo – USA TODAY Sports

Jeff Luc had a great senior season at Cincinnati, and it was mildly surprising to see him passed on in the draft. Luc notched 6.5 sacks and was highly productive for the team. He doesn’t have elite speed, but Luc has good instincts. If he can further develop those, then he could be an important depth linebacker for the Dolphins, who have a weakness at the position. He’s a hard hitter who should find a role with the team.

2. DE Ray Drew

Ray Drew Miami Dolphins Defensive End
Jason Getz – USA TODAY Sports

2. DE Ray Drew

Ray Drew Miami Dolphins Defensive End
Jason Getz – USA TODAY Sports

Ray Drew (6-foot-5, 284 pounds) was supposed to be much better than he ended up being at Georgia. Drew never really produced much as a defensive end, and he struggled to develop into a pass rusher. He only had one sack in 2014 and didn’t display any pass rushing talent. Still, Drew has a lot of potential, and he is also versatile enough to play any position along the defensive front. This alone gives him a solid shot to make the team.

1. LB Mike Hull

Mike Hull Miami Dolphins Linebacker
Matthew OHaren – USA TODAY Sports

1. LB Mike Hull

Mike Hull Miami Dolphins Linebacker
Matthew OHaren – USA TODAY Sports

There is no doubt that Mike Hull should have been drafted. Hull was the Big Ten linebacker of the year at Penn State last season, and he was a big time effort player. Hull doesn’t really have too many weaknesses, and his great instincts make up for what he lacks in athleticism. He may end up being a starter for Miami if the team likes him enough, and Hull should definitely be able to make the team’s roster.

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