FCS-level QB Kyle Lauletta could be on Dolphins’ radar
Richmond player is likely to be picked in the early rounds.
Finding a quality quarterback in the NFL draft probably will require the Dolphins to do some digging. It’s unlikely an obvious talent will still be around when they pick at No. 11 overall, leaving them to scour the next tiers of prospects for a hidden gem.
Kyle Lauletta could be their guy.
He’s got the accuracy and mobility that every team covets. The asterisk that many have placed on him, however, is that he played in the FCS for Richmond. That’s not the best competition, obviously, which makes it more difficult for NFL teams to judge how well he’ll adapt to facing pro defensive lines and pass coverages.
Lauletta is used to people doubting him, though. He got minimal attention from major college programs when he was a high school player and he’s already proven them wrong with an impressive run at Richmond.
“Big chip on my shoulder,” he said. “I thought I was good enough to play at that level. I got recruited by a lot of those schools. They just, for whatever reason, didn’t pull the trigger on scholarship offers.
“I’ve always felt I played my best games in the biggest moments, so I don’t shy away from the big stage. That’s when I feel I’m at my best.”
There have been others who emerged from small programs to become NFL starters, including Philadelphia’s Carson Wentz and Jimmy Garoppolo of the 49ers. Wyoming product Josh Allen is among those being touted as a top-five pick this year.
Lauletta has propelled himself into the mix as a midround quarterback in this year’s draft. The Dolphins are likely to find themselves in that market now that the four best quarterback prospects are expected to go in the first five picks. ESPN analyst Mel Kiper sees him as a second- or third-round talent.
Miami picks 42nd and 73rd in the second and third rounds, respectively. It also has two fourth-round picks. The team probably can’t wait longer than that if it wants Lauletta because it doesn’t have a selection in the fifth round.
The Dolphins are locked in to Ryan Tannehill as their starter this year and have David Fales and Brock Osweiler competing for the backup job. Coach Adam Gase said he’s willing to keep three quarterbacks on the 53-man roster if the team drafts one this year.
Dolphins add big lineman: It’s never a bad idea to bring in gigantic offensive linemen, even on a trial basis, and the Dolphins picked one up last week in Roubbens Joseph.
Joseph is a 23-year-old project who was with the Ravens last offseason but failed to make their roster. He originally signed as an undrafted free agent out of the University at Buffalo and stuck with Baltimore through training camp.
He actually played against the Dolphins in a preseason game at Hard Rock Stadium last August.
Joseph, now 6-foot-4, 312 pounds, started every game for the Bulls at left tackle as a senior.
He joins an offensive line that has left tackle Laremy Tunsil and right tackle Ja’Wuan James as clear starters. The Dolphins also have versatile lineman Jesse Davis available to play either tackle spot if needed, though he is expected to compete for the starting right guard spot.
The Dolphins begin the first phase of their offseason program Monday, with Organized Team Activities opening May 22.