The Miami Dolphins secured their latest addition to the linebacker’s room – and this latest pickup features an athlete similar to the man he will replace in the Dolphins’ locker room in 2020. Miami agreed with former Atlanta Falcons and Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Duke Riley, who will take over from Kamu Grugier-Hill as a critical contributor to special teams and a deep presence in the Dolphins linebacker room in 2020.
Dolphins signed a one-year contract with former Eagles / Falcons LB Duke Riley, the source said. @mike_e_kaye 1st
Another addition of depth on the front-7 – adding competition to the defense and special teams.
– Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) March 19, 2021
Riley is a fast linebacker who will follow Grugier-Hill in more ways than one: Grugier-Hill served on special teams / cover linebacker role with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2019 before signing with the Dolphins on a 1-year contract last season . Your replacement in Philadelphia? Duke Riley. The replacement of Grugier-Hill in Miami? Also Duke Riley.
So this is a fun little layer for this Dolphins signature, which added Benardrick McKinney via swap earlier this season before adding Riley to help the Dolphins completely overhaul the linebackers’ room.
Riley is, as an athlete, a dynamic linebacker. He went through the 2017 NFL Draft process as a 232 linebacker and with a 4.5 yard 40 yard run to his credit: he can definitely run. And with McKinney serving as a heavy batter between tackles, the Dolphins would always need another slim linebacker to pair up with Jerome Baker in obvious passing situations. Riley should have a chance to compete for that role; but given the short-term status of their contract, it would be wise to avoid assuming that the Dolphins would end up hiring a coverage linebacker in next month’s NFL Draft to help strengthen the group and add more than one long-term solution to the mix.
There are several impressive coverage linebacker prospects available, including Ohio State Baron Browning and LSU’s Jabrill Cox. Both should expect to hear their name called in the 2nd or 3rd round, where Miami has three combined choices (No. 36 overall, 50 overall and 81 overall).