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Training Camp Primer: 3 undrafted rookies to watch

It's time again to talk a little bit about what to watch for once training camp gets underway in less than 3 weeks.

Today, let's talk about the young guys.  Specifically, let's discuss which undrafted rookies we should all probably keep a close eye on in camp and in preseason.

Davone Bess, WR, Hawaii
It's been no secret around these parts that I simply love Davone Bess and have high hopes for him.  I've said since the moment we signed him that he would make this Dolphins team, and my opinion remains unchanged.  If anything, I'm even more confident that he'll make the squad.

Many media OTA and mini-camp practice reports claim that Bess has looked good at times.  And Tony Sparano even brought his name up when speaking about young players who have impressed.  He really does remind of a guy who can develop into a great possession receiver.  Sure, he's only 5'10, but he's got terrific hands and knows how to get open.  That's one thing all Hawaii receivers know - how to get open and make plays.

Once camp kicks off, he's going to have to make plays, though, if he wants to stand out and make this team.  The top 3 receivers are all but set in stone - Ginn, Wilford, Hagan.  That means he'll be battling with the likes of David Kircus, Greg Camarillo, and a ton of other undrafted free agents.  But of all those rookies, Bess has the most upside by far.  Of course, there is a chance the Dolphins could look outside the organization for those other 2 receiver roster spots, meaning Bess can't just rely on his potential and his past performances in practice.  He has a lot to prove, but I'm confident he'll show this staff that he's worthy of a roster spot in 2008 and beyond.

Anthony Toribio, DT, Carson-Newman
Toribio is a guy who has a chance to make the team - or at least get stashed away on the practice squad - simply because of a lack of depth at nose tackle.  At 6'1, 300, he's not an ideal size for nose in a 3-4, but he reportedly has room to get bigger.  And his work ethic has been praised multiple times by Tony Sparano and company.

He also produces when on the field.  As a senior at Carson-Newman, Toribio finished the season with 5.5 sacks and 11.5 tackles for a loss.  Sure, it's the South Atlantic Coast Conference, but production is production.

The bottom line here, though, is that I get a feeling that this coaching staff likes what they've seen out of this kid.  And let's be honest.  Beyond Jason Ferguson, depth is lacking at nose tackle.  Randy Starks could potentially get some snaps there, but he seems like a better fit at DE.  And Paul Soliai has been a disappointment early on in his pro career. 

That's why you need to keep an eye on this local kid (went to Miami Central H.S.).  He's a hard worker and he'll have every chance to earn a backup spot on this roster.

Will Billingsley, CB, North Carolina A&T
Billingsley is an interesting guy.  He played 3 years for NC A&T before going undrafted in the 2007 NFL Draft.  He wasn't even invited to an NFL camp in 2007.

But he didn't give up.  He remained in great shape and got the chance to work out for the new regime here in Miami back in April.  He reportedly ran very well (some say he ran a 4.4 40).  This regime also decided to change his position.  He was a safety in college but will be tried out as a cornerback here in Miami.  And he was reportedly one of the standout players from the first rookie mini-camp following the NFL Draft.

But what we know he has is speed - something you can't teach.  So now comes th technique aspect of playing corner in the NFL.  I'm going to be very interested in monitoring his progress to see how this transition is going for him.  The Dolphins lack depth at cornerback and could use a burner like Will.  And even if he doesn't make the 53 man roster, I'd bet that he'll be a candidate for the practice squad, allowing him to practice with the team and continue to develop at a relatively new position.

So there are my 3 UDFAs to watch once camp kicks off.  You'll notice that Jayson Foster, seemingly everyone's favorite undrafted rookie, is absent form my list.  This isn't a knock against him.  I love watching his highlight reels and he seems like he could be a playmaker in the NFL.  But his height - or rather lack of height - worries me.  When was the last time an NFL receiver that was just 5'7 actually made an impact or a team throughout the course of an entire season?  It just doesn't happen.  I'm rooting for the kid, but I don't have my hopes up.

Thoughts on my 3 players?  Have some other undrafted free agents that you're excited to see?  Tell us below...

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DA BESS

i’m going to have to agree with you on the subject of davone bess. if given the chance to play, i think he could break some defenders ankles.

tenacious j

by tenacious j on Jul 9, 2008 1:26 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Bess!!!

Being from Hawaii and watching this kid . . . I may be partial . . . but I hafta agree!!! Go Bess!!! ALL of Hawaii’s with ya!

Now I can cheer for 3 Hawaii bruddahs on Da ‘Fins . . . Satele, Mauia and now (hopefully) Bess!!! At least I hope Mauia, too . . . though it’s gonna be a challenge to stave off Boomer.

by hawaiidolfan on Jul 9, 2008 4:25 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Argree on Foster

I wonder why this regime picked him up? They are so big on size requirements yet bring in Spud Webb.

I love Bess… His body is so muscular that he looks like a RB. Here’s hoping he’s our new Wes Welker. I know his 40 was on the slower side but some guy named Jerry Rice ran a 4.6. It’s all about hard work in the NFL.

On a side note, Jamie Dukes from the NFL network says the Cowboys have the best o-line in the league this year. Here’s to the trifecta creating the Phins o-line as one of the best in the league in the next couple years.

by gophish on Jul 9, 2008 12:33 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'm okay with the Hawaii connection

But I must say that I haven’t been too impressed with Mauia, on or off the field. Love Satele, and think Bess can be very good.

I am one of those Jayson Foster fans Matty mentioned. I understand that he is vertically challenged, but there have been some short WRs, not many but some. I am pretty sure the guys in Houston’s run and shoot offense in the 80s were all pretty short, except Jeffires (givens, duncan, etc?).
Anyway, I will concede that point in order to make another… Barry Sanders was 5’6”.
Before you all flame me about “he’s no Barry Sanders!”, I am not saying that Foster is anything at this point. I am just showing an example of a guy that actually turned his height disability into an asset. I was never a Lions fan, but I used to watch their games just because I was fascinated with Sanders. And I became convinced that, in addition to great moves, great balance, and great vision, Barry had the advantage of getting “lost” to the defense behind other players in the field.
Sanders was a rare athlete. Foster is a HUGE longshot, I agree. But, when I watch his highlights, that one guy that he reminds me of is Sanders. If he can bring those moves, balance, and vision to the NFL level with success, he has a place on the team, whether it is WR, RB, KR/PR, or all three.
A playmaker is a playmaker. Welker was overlooked for years because of his height and lack of speed. But now people overlook his height and lack of speed. I am going to be watching Foster with interest to see if he can be a playmaker at this level.
IMO.

-LCFF

by LeftCoastFinFan on Jul 9, 2008 12:42 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Foster

I love Fosters moves too. Barry was 5’8” 203 lbs. I saw him and Emmitt walking side by side at the Pro Bowl. Both had monster legs and upper bodies. Foster just wouldn’t sustain the punishment of the NFL. Foster is 5’7” 169.

by gophish on Jul 9, 2008 7:44 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

PS

I’d love for Jayson to prove me wrong :)

Wes Welker looks small but is 5’9” 185. Lo Booker is 5’10” 190

Simple physics. 200 lbs+ hitting 169 lbs in a 16+ game schedule = injury

by gophish on Jul 9, 2008 8:23 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I hear ya. He would probably need to bulk up a bit if he were to avoid injury

The team currently lists him at 175.

However, the reason Welker survives is that he avoids a lot of direct hits. Some guys have a knack for that. Like I said, he is a HUGE long shot. But they DID sign him. So I guess we will have to wait and see what happens.

-LCFF

by LeftCoastFinFan on Jul 9, 2008 8:51 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

yep 5'8" my mistake

knew it didn’t type it. :)

-LCFF

by LeftCoastFinFan on Jul 9, 2008 8:46 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Bess

I wouldnt doubt it if Bess makes the team.
He’s not a big WR but he makes the most out of hwat he’s got, he could be a solid slot WR.

by Patssuck456 on Jul 10, 2008 11:08 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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