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We are currently making our way through the Miami Dolphins' 90-man offseason roster, breaking down last season for each player, as well as what could happen this year. Today, we continue today with a look at defensive end Tristan Okpalaugo.
Previous Roster Breakdowns: Chad Bumphis Marcus Thigpen Aaron Corp Jelani Jenkins Jonathan Martin
2012 Review:
Okpalaugo took advantage of playing for coach Tim DeRuyter and defensive coordinator Nick Toth in 2012. DeRuyter moved to Fresno State after serving as Texas A&M's defensive coordinator, with Toth as his linebackers coach, where together they made Von Miller into a top pass rushing threat. Okpalaugo took their instruction, and upped his 8.5 sacks and 31 tackles as a junior to 11.5 sacks and 52 tackles as a senior.
Okpalaugo was signed by the Dolphins as an undrafted free agent immediately following the Draft back in April.
Draft Measureables:
Ht: 6'5"
Wt: 245 pounds
40-yard dash: 4.74 seconds
225-pound bench: 14 reps
Vertical: 32"
Broad jump: 9' 3"
Hands: 10.38"
Arm length: 36.62" (3rd longest in 2012 Draft)
Why he could improve in 2013:
Okpalaugo has a great motor, and uses his arm length well. He's a tweener, being listed as a defensive end by the Dolphins. At best he will be buried on the depth chart this year, but that could be exactly what Okpalaugo needs to succeed in the future.
Interestingly, Okpalaugo was compared in some scouting reports to Dion Jordan - who the Dolphins selected with the third overall pick. He's not Jordan right now, but he has the potential to develop into something similar.
Why he could regress in 2013:
He signed as an undrafted free agent at a deep position. He has to add muscle. If he can develop, Okpalaugo could have a good career. But, that's a big if.
Odds he will make the 53-man roster:
Okpalaugo is actually an undrafted free agent that could have a chance of sticking around the team. He's a freak, body wise, and, if he can develop into that body, he could be something special. He has an outside shot at the 53-man roster, but is most likely a practice squad player at this point.