NFL Draft 2020: The Dolphins have found success with UFA’s

Last year, the Dolphins had only two picks in the first four rounds of the NFL Draft. But they struck gold with undrafted free agents.

Preston Williams of Colorado State has the talent to be number one, or, at worst, solid number two receiver in the NFL.

FLASHBACK: These 5 undrafted free agents may make a mark

Cornerback Nik Needham of UTEP proved he belonged on an NFL roster and is worth developing. And guard Shaq Calhoun and defensive back Montre Hartage flashed skills, as well.

Can Miami duplicate the feat in 2020? Well, the undrafted class this year will be smaller, because the Dolphins have added 11 free agents and 11 draft choices.

The Miami Dolphins have now added 11 free agents (inc. Byron Jones, Kyle Van Noy, Shaq Lawson, Ereck Flowers, Emmanuel Ogbah and Jordan Howard) and 11 draft picks (inc. Tua, Austin Jackson, Noah Igbinoghene, Robert Hunt, Raekwon Davis and Brandon Jones). pic.twitter.com/bXn7QIaBLV

— Joe Schad (@schadjoe) April 26, 2020

Among the players who will be joining Miami, according to player and agent social media accounts, local news reports and school announcements, is defensive tackle Benito Jones of Ole Miss.

Miami could use a beefy, run-stuffing defensive tackle to join the group of Christian Wilkins, Davon Godchaux and rookie Raekwon Davis.

Jones, who was ESPN’s 18th-ranked defensive tackle, 219th overall, could fit the bill.

Jones is 6-foot-1, 316 pounds and was a five-star and Top 50 overall national recruit. Last season, Jones was named second-team All-SEC as he posted 10 tackles for loss, including 5.5 sacks.

“When the tape is on, it's impossible not to notice Jones making things tough for SEC offensive linemen,” wrote NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein. “He possesses average power at the point of attack but can really be disruptive when he's actively attacking the gaps.”

Another player worth monitoring will be Ray Lima of Iowa State, who is also a defensive tackle. Lima, 6-foot-3, 303 pounds, was ESPN’s 22nd-ranked tackle, 257th overall.

According to a scouting report posted by The Draft Network, Lima: “Comes out of his stances with consistent leverage, playing underneath the offensive lineman’s pads. Strong base with arch in his back that speaks to his core and lower-body strength. With his hands inside, he’s able to hold and maintain his ground.”

Here is Miami’s undrafted class:

DT Benito Jones, Ole Miss — Run-stuffer.

With the draft over, the rush for undrafted free agents has begun: One for the #Dolphins is Ole Miss DT Benito Jones, the 6-foot-1, 316-pounder.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 25, 2020

DT Ray Lima, Iowa State — Run-stopper.

Iowa State says Ray Lima is signing as an undrafted free agent with the Miami Dolphins, which had former Iowa State cornerback Jomal Wiltz on the roster earlier this season. ESPN analyst Todd McShay said last fall there is still a place in the NFL for defensive tackles like Lima.

— Alex Halsted (@AlexHalsted) April 25, 2020

C/G Donnell Stanley, South Carolina — Started at three positions.

Donell Stanley (C/G, South Carolina) is signing with the Miami Dolphins as a free agent. Talented and versatile lineman who many teams were interested in.

— Brett Tessler (@TesslerSports) April 25, 2020

DE Tyshun Render, Middle Tennessee State — In-person scouted by Bill Belichick.

Middle Tennessee State defensive end Tyshun Render signs undrafted free agent deal with Miami Dolphins https://t.co/hvxJBj2ddP

— Daily News Journal (@dnj_com) April 25, 2020

OT Nick Kaltmayer, Kansas State — Future electrical engineer is 6-foot-8.

Nick Kaltmayer signs deal with Miami Dolphins. #KStatehttps://t.co/jUnKdGeVkB

— GoPowercat.com (@GoPowercat) April 25, 2020

DE Bryce Sterk, Montana State —Moving to tight end, per school release.

Montana State’s Bryce Sterk tells me he has signed with the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent. Here’s the story I wrote about Bryce earlier this week.https://t.co/sP1GjP5cRM

— Colton Pool (@CPoolReporter) April 26, 2020

WR Kirk Merritt, Arkansas State — Oregon transfer is 5-foot-10.

A-State wide receiver Kirk Merritt gets NFL shot with Dolphinshttps://t.co/9IBDX5OwcF

— Kyle Deckelbaum (@KATVKyle) April 26, 2020

WR Matt Cole, Mckendree — 100-yard kickoff return in 2019.

Happy to announce that Bearcat Wide Receiver Matt Cole (@matty_baybee) has signed with the @MiamiDolphins as an Undrafted Free Agent! #BearcatsUnleashed | #Android88 pic.twitter.com/qFmFTjNQKP

— Mckendree Football (@Mckendree_FB) April 26, 2020

@schadjoe

jschad@pbpost.com

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