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Free agency is slowing down, with teams beginning to look more toward the rookies coming in the NFL Draft than the veterans still unsigned. Prior to the Draft, teams are allowed to have 30 prospects visit them, getting an extended opportunity to sit down with the player, as well as get a private workout. While the Miami Dolphins did land some big free agents this offseason, headlined by the addition of defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, the team is also expecting some of their younger players to step into bigger roles with the team. That could also include the rookies getting an opportunity to step in and start from day one.
One area still with questions for the Dolphins is the linebacker position. Will the team leave Koa Misi at middle linebacker, while allowing Chris McCain and Dion Jordan to potentially battle for the strong side linebacker position (assuming Jordan is considered for the move to linebacker rather than leaving him as a defensive end)? Will they move Misi back outside and add a new inside linebacker?
According to a report from ESPN's James Walker, Miami could be considering the latter, as they will host Michigan inside linebacker Jake Ryan on a prospect visit. Projected as a mid-round pick, Ryan could be brought in with the goal of being a depth player, but, if Miami is looking to move Misi back outside, Ryan could be in position to challenge for a starting job.
Ryan's a player who always seemed to be around the ball during his time at Michigan, recording 267 tackles for the Wolverines, with 45 tackles for a loss. He has demonstrated an ability to shed blocks and is a solid tackler. He does have injury history, having missed most of the 2013 season with an ACL tear, and there is nothing about his game that jumps out as stellar. He is a solid linebacker, with good instincts, which could be exactly what the Dolphins need in the middle of the defense.
A visit, of course, means nothing when it actually comes to the Draft, because 31 other teams all have plans as well, and they could grab Ryan before the Dolphins. Miami could also decide they are not as interested if the visit does not go well. All that we really seem to know is that the Dolphins will host Ryan next week, giving them a closer look at a linebacker prospect.