The Miami Dolphins announced last night the continuance of their acorn search for the 2012 season. The team signed Chandler Burden last night, a two-year starter at left tackle for the Kentucky Wildcats. In order to make space for Burden on the 90-man training camp roster, the team waived guard Dustin Waldron.
Both players were undrafted in this past April's NFL Draft.
Burden was originally signed by the Tennessee Titans after the draft, but was waived by the team on July 25. He now joins a Dolphins team looking to solidify their offensive line play after a dismal 2011 performance. The Dolphins allowed a team record 53-sacks last season.
Burden originally played defensive end for the Wildcats, appearing in six games as a true freshman, then all 13 games, including three starts, for the team in his sophomore season. He moved to left tackle for Kentucky in his junior season, where he started 11 games (appearing in 12), but missed the team's bowl game due to a shoulder injury. In his senior season, Burden started all 12 games for the team.
At his Pro Day in March, Burden measure 6' 4", 315 pounds, with a 79-3/4" wing span. He ran a 5.07 second 40-yard dash, with 35 repitions on the 225-pound bench press and a 7.62 second on the three-cone drill.
In comparison, Miami second round pick Jonathan Martin measures at 6' 5-3/8", 307 pounds, with a 5.35 40-yard dash, 20 benchpress reps, and 7.69 seconds on the three-cone drill. Martin's wingspan was measures as 82-3/4".
The addition of Burden could simply be a move to add a body during training camp, but with his size and ability to move, Burden could also be a solid depth addition to an offensive line transforming to a zone blocking scheme.