Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Excuse rookies for OTA nerves
Dolphins rookies have been inundated with “dream come true moments” since the end of their college seasons.
For example, there was the moment they heard their name called during the draft, and then the moment they got the phone call from the Dolphins confirming the draft selection, or, for undrafted rookies, the moment they got the call inviting them to join Miami.
The rookies are having one of their biggest dream come true moments now.
Dolphins rookies began on-field work with veterans last week during Phase Two of organized team activities. The work continues this week.
It’s one type of dream come true moment to chat with wide receiver Tyreek Hill, a future Hall of Famer, or multi-Pro Bowl selections such as offensive tackle Terron Armstead and cornerbacks Jalen Ramsey and Xavien Howard.
It’s another type of dream come true moment to be on the field with those guys even without pads, such as in OTAs.
“It’s a little intimidating,” said Isaiah Wynn, the Dolphins’ newly-signed offensive tackle, recalling his first time practicing with veterans as a rookie 2018 first-round pick by New England.
“But it’s also very exciting because (these guys are) starting a new chapter, and that’s what rookies are doing, they’re writing their own story.”
Rookies were thrilled a couple of weeks ago during rookie minicamp. For some, it was tough to concentrate on football during those first few days.
Quarterback James Blackman, the undrafted rookie from Arkansas State, Florida State and Glades Central High School, was asked what he’d consider a good rookie season.
“For me, a good rookie season?” he asked rhetorically. “It’s already started good just to be able to talk to you guys, have this jersey on.
“Man, I come from nothing and just to be here and get this feeling that’s all I could ask for. I’m very thankful.”
Wide receiver Daewood Davis, who is from Western Kentucky and Deerfield Beach High, said he was “excited” to be invited to join his hometown team.
“I’m holding it all in,” he said, “(but) it’s a bone in my body like, in a couple of weeks it’s about to get real.”
This is that time.
The top draftees, cornerback Cam Smith, the second-round pick from South Carolina, and running back De’Von Achane, the third-round pick from Texas A&M, will get roster spots.
As for other two draftees, the Dolphins need help at tight end and offensive tackle, spots where Elijah Higgins and Ryan Hayes were selected in the sixth and seventh rounds, respectively.
Higgins, who attended Stanford and is attempting to convert from wide receiver, and Hayes, who attended Michigan, have an opportunity to turn heads.
Beyond that, the Dolphins could award roster spots to undrafted rookies at almost any position.
Last season cornerback Kader Kohou, safety Verone McKinley III and tight end Tanner Conner were examples of undrafted rookies who earned roster spots. In previous years players such as guard Robert Jones and cornerback Nik Needham have earned roster spots as undrafted rookies.
But OTAs are merely the start of the required work. Earning a roster spot is an ongoing process.
Last year, for example, wide receiver Erik Ezukanma, a
2022 fourth-round pick, was a training camp standout but was only active for two games because he had trouble grasping the offense.
It’s a long process that’s in its early stages.
During rookie minicamp the rookies didn’t really know the veterans yet.
“A couple have been around,” Hayes said at the time, “but we haven’t really had time to talk to anyone. It’s mostly been the other rookies.”
At that point, the NFL was mostly theory and hearsay. Higgins talked about watching videos of San Francisco tight end George Kittle. Asked how close he was to being as good as Kittle, Higgins laughed.
“Far from it,” he said. “I haven’t even had my first practice yet. So far from it.”
Dolphins rookies are continuing their first practices with the veterans now. The NFL gets more real each day.
The encouraging thing is, the early reviews from the vets have been good.
“You will see a little intimidation because obviously they’ve never done this before and they’ve never been around a bunch of vets,” said defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah. “But I would say they’re willing to listen.
“They’re asking questions. They’re staying after. We’re going through different drills with them. They just want to learn.”