Dolphins UDFA With Best Chance To Make Roster: Grayson Murphy (NFL)
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Dolphins UDFA With Best Chance To Make Roster: Grayson Murphy

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
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The Miami Dolphins officially announced the additions of 12 undrafted free agents ahead of their rookie minicamp. The standout among the group? Former UCLA defensive end Grayson Murphy. Murphy finds himself in an excellent position to make the Dolphins’ 53-man roster.

Murphy began his career at North Texas before transferring to UCLA (alongside his twin brother Gabriel Murphy) for his final two seasons of college football. Murphy wanted to prove himself as a dominant pass rusher on bigger stages. The Dallas, Texas native achieved his goal by recording 10 sacks, five apiece, across two productive campaigns in the Pac-12.

Murphy was a consistent pass-rushing threat for the Bruins. He topped all draft-eligible pass rushers across the nation in quarterback pressures with 172, according to Pro Football Focus. Ironically enough, his brother Gabriel placed second in the country with 165 pressures, per PFF's charting.

Unlike his brother, Murphy wasn't invited to the NFL Scouting Combine. He responded by taking full advantage of his pro day. Scouts in attendance timed Murphy at a 4.52 40, which would've been the third-best result among all participating defensive ends at the NFL Combine. Murphy also ran a 4.33 shuttle, had a 37-inch vertical, plus a 10-foot-5 broad jump. Both jumps would have tied for fifth-best among all EDGEs. The 6-foot-2, 251-pound Murphy may be considered undersized by most standards, but he displayed terrific play strength via 24 bench-press reps. 

Murphy impressed the Dolphins with a standout appearance at this year’s East-West Shrine Bowl. Murphy showcased a variety of pass-rushing moves that gave attending offensive linemen fits in pass protection drills. The cross-chop is his bread and butter.

Murphy is speedy enough to threaten the edge as well, but he's at his most dangerous when converting speed to power. He was an alignment-versatile talent who moved around UCLA's defensive formations as needed. The Dolphins should see similar capabilities throughout training camp.

The Dolphins posted a third-best 56.0 sacks last season but have undergone changes throughout the offseason. Dominant defensive tackle Christian Wilkins signed with the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency and Andrew Van Ginkel joined the Minnesota Vikings. Wilkins and Van Ginkel combined to record 15 sacks throughout 2023.

Late-season injuries also placed Miami’s upcoming unit in a blender. Bradley Chubb, who led all Dolphins defenders in sacks with 11 last season, suffered a torn ACL injury in Week 17. Jaelan Phillips also suffered a season-ending torn Achilles in Week 12. Both Chubb and Phillips may be less than 100% throughout 2024, possibly leading to more opportunities for players like Murphy.

It's worth acknowledging the Dolphins drafted two pass rushers—Chop Robinson was their first-round pick and Mohamed Kamara was selected in the fifth round. Both Robinson and Kamara will begin training camp ahead of Murphy on the depth chart based on draft capital. Veteran outside linebacker Shaq Barrett was also signed to a one-year contract.

There's no denying that the Dolphins roster a deep group of pass rushers, but injuries threaten to derail their early-season productivity. Chubb and/or Phillips could even begin the season on the PUP list. Murphy possesses enough talent to play himself onto Miami's 53-man roster.



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