The Miami Dolphins may have struck gold with an overlooked rookie who’s quickly earning his place
One of the newest members of the Miami Dolphins’ 53-man roster has everything he needs to be an uncovered gem.
You know the drill. The Miami Dolphins‘ 2026 campaign is all about the prospect of building for the future. The team is playing a truly mind-boggling number of rookies, which provides invaluable learning experiences on the job.
The other half of this season’s outlook is to find additional building blocks for the roster. That is often associated with starters, but it can also include role players and depth pieces for the future. Miami has seen several players emerge — but a new under the radar name seems to be giving hope for a bonus hit. Undrafted rookie defensive lineman Rodney McGraw was recently added to the 53-man roster. And his early flashes as a practice squad elevation make it clear that he’s got the goods.
Rodney McGraw emerges as the Miami Dolphins’ next potential roster gem
“I think the thing, one, (McGraw is) a big man. You see him on the field, he’s a big person. And he embraces being a big person and some guys don’t do it. He plays the game physically. He knows what he’s good at and continues to lean into that and grow in that aspect. You see he’s heavy-handed, sets edges in the run game and continuing to develop his rush. He’s just done a nice job. I can’t say enough good things about how he’s worked and his just desire to get better and better.”
— Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Sean Duggan
McGraw has, between special teams and defense, played over 50 snaps over the last two games combined. It was enough to sell the Dolphins on investing a 53-man roster spot on him. He was, once upon a time, a 3-star recruit who enrolled at Penn State before transferring to Louisville (2023) and Western Michigan (2024-2025). At his 2026 Pro Day, McGraw ran in the low 4.7-second range in the 40 yard dash as a 264 pound defensive end.
I won’t tell you McGraw is destined to be an NFL starter. But when you watch him on tape, his ability to play physically stands out. Miami’s hunt for depth on the edge has turned to names like Clelin Ferrrell and Malik Herring, plus Robert Beal Jr. Beal Jr. is currently injured, with McGraw playing in his place.
Don’t expect McGraw to give the snaps back. I wouldn’t expect him to give back a 53-man roster spot, either. The ceiling? We need to find out. The floor? Worthy of a 53-man spot. The Dolphins finding that in an undrafted rookie is a big picture win.
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