This is the first part of a six-part countdown, ending on the first day that Miami Dolphins rookies report to camp and with the player the Aqua & Coral Report feels has the best chance of making the team. We went back and reviewed as much film as we could find of the 16 undrafted rookie free agents the Dolphins signed and ranked them all by the chance we think they have of sticking around.
Of those 16, we picked six we think have the requisite skills – and likely an opportunity at their position – to make the roster. We start today with the sixth-ranked player and will work each day down to No. 1.
UDFA NO. 6 – IOL ADDISON WEST, WESTERN MICHIGAN
Rookies report to training camp next Tuesday, July 15, as the newest Dolphins draftees and undrafted rookies begin their National Football League journey. Most people consider UDFAs a long-shot and rightfully so, but the truth is they have as much chance to make an impact in the NFL as most late round selections.
Coming in at number six, the lone offensive lineman to make our top six picks – IOL Addison West of Western Michigan.
ALL THE ACCOLADES; CRICKETS ON DRAFT WEEKEND
Despite the fact he wasn’t drafted, West is among the most decorated of all Dolphins newcomers as a collegian. He was selected as a first team consensus All-American in his senior year (2024).
That means that the Associated Press determined that West gathered enough viable first team selections from respected media outlets to be considered a “consensus” pick, a tremendous honor and the first such one for a Western Michigan football player.
Of the five linemen named to the consensus team, only one other – Ohio State center Seth McGlaughlin – went undrafted. The other three? Will Campbell, LSU (selected 4th overall), Kelvin Banks, Texas (9th overall) and West Virginia’s Wyatt Milum (3rd round).
DRAFT NOTES – ADDISON WEST
In an effort to make each one of these features brief, we are going to just list the Aqua & Coral Report draft notes, as they were taken, to describe each player’s play as it relates to their chances as a pro.
– Has interior position versatility as he’s played all 3 spots (both guards and center)
– A lot of experience, starting every game since 2022
– Has a good square-ish guard size but is more of a fit in a scheme he has to move versus anchor with power
– Not sure if he is this crafty but — when he misses a blocker (usually on a stunt), he reaches and often times holds but is apparently subtle enough to get away with it. If it’s intentional, this is a skill and one he’ll likely still get away with as a pro playing inside. If its experience/craftsmanship, it could be the reason he has a shot to make the team. If he’s not crafty, he got lucky in college.
– He does get his hands a little wide on pass rushers at times. Good strength and technique would have them inside more.
– Struggles getting vertical in run game which could be a sign of play strength issues. Not sure.
– His movement skills are good, including the ability to flip his hips to seal blocks
WHERE DOES WEST LAND?
Miami definitely has some opportunities on the offensive line. It added what it assumes to be starting guards through free agency and the draft in James Daniels and Jonah Savaiinaea, respectively, are set at center for this year, and seem to be set at both tackles (though this is Patrick Paul’s first real test, after getting the benefit of mostly sitting and learning last year).
West’s best opportunity lies in trying to wrestle a backup guard spot away from Jackson Carman. If head coach Mike McDaniel and line coach Butch Barry see him more as a center, he will be looking to do the same from second-year player Andrew Meyer, who was able to make the team last year as a UDFA out of UTEP. Meyer showed good understanding of outside zone and moved well last preseason, his only action as a member of the Dolphins.
Depth is certainly an issue on the Dolphins offensive line, so if West can show in the pros some of what those who voted on All-America teams apparently saw in him last year, his chances of making the 53 are decent.
At ACR, we see him as a practice squad guarantee with a slight shot at the active roster.
Aqua & Coral Report 