The journey to Super Bowl LX has begun!
On Monday, the league announced that the Miami Dolphins and cornerback Jason Maitre agreed to a new two-year deal to keep the 24-year-old rookie in Miami for the foreseeable future. Twenty-four hours later, the Dolphins announced the complete 12-man reserve/futures list, and I have to be honest, there are quite a few players that fans can get hyped about (I know, I’m a sicko).
Here’s a look at the twelve players the Miami Dolphins signed to reserve future contracts:
Wide Receiver | Tarik Black
A great throw and catch from Tyler Huntley to Tarik Black against rookie cornerback Kyu Kelly.
: @Ravens YouTube pic.twitter.com/nDpJVoHgWm
— Kyle Phoenix (@KylePBarber) July 29, 2023
Linebacker | William Bradley-King
New #GoFins practice squad addition William Bradley-King has some juice off the EDGE
via @MathBomb pic.twitter.com/nOnUlGSMBc
— The List – Dolphins Podcast (@TheListFinsPod) August 30, 2024
Safety | Jordan Colbert
UDFA safety Jordan Colbert strips ball and Patrick McMorris falls on recovery pic.twitter.com/oGMdJJGlps
— Jason Sarney (@Jason_Sarney) August 18, 2024
Defensive Tackle | Neil Farrell
Watching a few snaps of Neil Farrell and I’m mystified the Chiefs couldn’t find a few snaps for him throughout the season.
Lots of good stuff on this snap (writing about Tranquill now) but look at the functional strength Farrell has (92) to stand up and discard the center. pic.twitter.com/a8MzzDDCNU
— Seth Keysor (@RealMNchiefsfan) February 2, 2024
Offensive Tackle | Ryan Hayes
Ryan Hayes didn’t see too much preseason action with the Miami Dolphins, but he was effective in limited time. He allowed zero pressures in 23 pass blocking snaps (per PFF) primarily playing left tackle.
Some clips: pic.twitter.com/mzGdZ8KeD9
— Zach Hicks (@ZachHicks2) August 30, 2023
Offensive Lineman | Chasen HInes
Chasen Hines is facing an uphill battle after New England drafted three lineman. But, he’s a good athlete and a strong fit in their run scheme. Has also had some impressive moments in pass protection. pic.twitter.com/0MzRoY4uRj
— Brian Hines (@iambrianhines) August 25, 2023
Linebacker | Dequan Jackson
Dequan Jackson is a LB prospect in the 2023 draft class. He scored a 6.94 #RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 813 out of 2652 LB from 1987 to 2023. https://t.co/XjL2GlnZEJ #Jaguars pic.twitter.com/spPT3Qt8RG
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) April 30, 2023
Cornerback | Isaiah Johnson
Isaiah Johnson in the coverage. Dolphins young DBs showing up pic.twitter.com/2XVqbZB6wI
— Jason Sarney (@Jason_Sarney) August 10, 2024
Cornerback | Jason Maitre
Dolphins undrafted rookie CB Jason Maitre gets practice started with a backflip. pic.twitter.com/qJcjj7A4Nw
— David Furones (@DavidFurones_) July 30, 2024
Offensive Tackle | Bayron Matos
The Dolphins are signing former college basketball player Bayron Matos, who has never played in a football game. Matos will try to be an OT in the NFL and has the measurables at 6’7” 313lbs. He also ran a 4.88 40yd dash at his pro day pic.twitter.com/1GFZ2WUqjX
— King of Phinland (@KingOfPhinland) April 27, 2024
Linebacker | Derrick McLendon
Another Sack! This time Derrick McLendon pic.twitter.com/2YSv0jXLlX
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) August 9, 2024
Tight End | Hayden Rucci
mike white is now unemployed after this skylar TD pass to hayden rucci pic.twitter.com/RRAKpFyaNM
— josh houtz (@houtz) August 24, 2024
Now, I know what you’re probably thinking. Which of these players could have an impact in the coming years? Well, I’m glad you asked. If I had to hypothesize, I’d imagine guys like Rucci, Johnson, Farrell, and maybe, just maybe, Hayes can become solid depth or rotational pieces. Hines showed some solid stuff, too.
We’ve already seen what Rucci can do in the run game — the passing game, too. And Isaiah Johnson looked like he had potential throughout camp. Farrell is a veteran who can fill a void at a position Miami could be honing in on early in this April’s draft or even in free agency if Calais Campbell doesn’t return. And even if he does, they won’t turn down added depth. And that’s not to say some other players won’t impress throughout camp or have a chance to see their number called.
Because for as #bad as Mike McDaniel can be as a coach or leader of this football team, one thing they’ve always been open and transparent about is that the best players will play. And guys who seize the moment throughout the week will have the chance to show the world on gameday.
Which of the Miami Dolphins’ 12 futures players do you believe could have an impact in 2025 and beyond? Is there a player on this list that you wish Miami would NOT have brought back? Can Hayden Rucci push for a 53-man roster spot in 2025? What about Isaiah Johnson? Let us know in the comments section below!