This offseason, the Miami Dolphins brought in several rookie free agents after the conclusion of the 2026 NFL Draft, but when they announced their initial 53-man roster, the only two to make the cut were defensive lineman Keith Cooper Jr. and fullback DJ Herman.
Some who didn't make the roster out of camp found new homes, while others joined Miami's practice squad. Among those that stayed with the Dolphins was defensive end Rodney McGraw, who played collegiately at Penn State (2021-22), Louisville (2023) and Western Michigan (2024-25).
Due to injuries at the position and the release of Clelin Ferrell, the Dolphins elevated McGraw from the practice squad twice in the first five weeks. He played 53 total snaps (26 on defense and 27 on special teams) and recorded five tackles and a quarterback hit.
Earlier this week, the Dolphins signed McGraw off their own practice squad to the 53-man roster. On Thursday, Dolphins defensive coordinator Sean Duggan explained why the team promoted McGraw.
"First off with Rodney, just his work ethic and the way he's gone about everything he's done since he's gotten here," Duggan said. "To be an undrafted guy and come in and just put your head down and work and learn and just embrace the way we're going to play defense. So really a ton of credit goes to him. But just the right mindset, which is huge for us, the desire to play the game a certain way...
"As far as him as a player, I think the thing is, one, he's 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 is 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."
While Duggan has liked what he's seen from McGraw, the 24-year-old is far from a finished product.
"I think anytime you get a big body guy, you can have flexibility with him," Duggan said. "There's certain things technique-wise he needs to continue to get better at, and we're going to ask him to do different things and grow in that aspect of the game. Being a flexible piece along the line as a big body, but size is good. I know I heard Austin had a good line in here about size a couple of weeks ago when he was here. So he's done a nice job, but there's definitely room to improve too."
With Robert Beal Jr. doubtful to play on Sunday against the New York Jets, McGraw will likely have another chance to prove himself, but this time as an actual member of the 53-man roster. If he does well, he may continue to earn more opportunities in a thin room that needs someone to step up.
This article originally appeared on Dolphins Wire: Dolphins DC explains why team signed DE from their own practice squad