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The Miami Dolphins had a practice squad spot open up this week when the Carolina Panthers signed wide receiver Marvin McNutt to their active roster. It did not take long for Miami to fill the spot, signing former New York Jets wide receiver Ryan Spadola to the practice squad. Spadola had spent the season on the Jets' 53-man roster, but was released with the intent to add him to the practice squad this week.
Instead, Spadola chose to head south to Miami and join the Dolphins. But, to get a better idea of what Spadola brings to the team, I turned to the people who know the Jets the best, John B and Scott Salmon from SB Nation's Gang Green Nation. Here are their write ups on Spadola:
John B: He's got all of the undrafted small school underdoggyness of Wayne Chrebet without any of the actual accomplishments at this point. He flashes some decent slot receiver skills, and he's got a big frame so he's worth trying to develop. Like any developmental player, you'd never bet the ranch on him becoming an NFL contributor, but it's worth a shot.
I wouldn't expect dividends in 2013. I'll put it this way. He was cut at a time where both starting wide receivers were injured for the Jets.
Salmon: Ryan Spadola initially made the team based on his performance in the preseason. He was one of the few receivers at the time actually playing well and showing they deserved a spot. As a [FCS] player from New Jersey, he quickly became a fan favorite with his similarity to Wayne Chrebet. Spadola is a decent route runner, and a big-bodied receiver that has excellent hands. Although he had one drop on his one target during the regular season, he's demonstrated that he, for the most part, has glue for hands. The New York Jets released him with the intention of bringing him back to the practice squad, however he chose the Miami Dolphins' offer for unknown reasons.
A big thanks to both Scott and John for taking the time to give us a look at Spadola. Obviously for us, as Dolphins fans, we probably won't see anything from Spadola this year as the team does try to develop him on the practice squad. He could be an interesting player to watch in training camp next year if the Dolphins bring him back.
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