2017 Dolphins training camp bubble watch: Deon Lacey looking to make CFL jump

The Miami Dolphins are several weeks away from the start of their 2017 NFL training camp, but there are already players who need to come into camp making an impression if they hope to make the regular-season, 53-man roster. The Dolphins have some deep position groups where it is going to be tough to make the roster.

At the linebacker position, Miami will enter training camp with Kiko Alonso and Lawrence Timmons manning two of the three starting positions, while Raekwon McMillan, Neville Hewitt, and Mike Hull appear to be battling for the third spot on the starting lineup. Add in Koa Misi, who will join that competition once he receives medical clearance after last year’s neck injury, and the linebacker position gets very crowded very quickly.

Which leaves a player like Deon Lacey on the roster bubble.

Lacey comes to the Dolphins after three seasons with the Edmonton Eskimos of the Canadian Football League. Like fellow CFL alumnus, Dolphins defensive end Cameron Wake, Lacey is looking to prove he can make it in the NFL. He played in 54 games in the CFL, recording 144 tackles, seven sacks, three interceptions, four forced fumbles, and a touchdown. He also added 68 special teams tackles. During the Dolphins’ offseason training programs, including Organized Team Activities and minicamps, Lacey never seemed to jump out, so he could get lost in the mix if he does not make an impression early in training camp.

The Dolphins likely will keep six linebackers on the roster, though they did carry seven at times last season and, if Lacey can make a special teams impact, could force them into the same situation this year. It is probably an up-hill battle for Lacey, but his roster position cannot be ruled out either. He is also a potential practice squad player.

Lacey is on the (very) early roster bubble heading into training camp.