UCLA Football: 5 Bruins to Make Immediate Impacts in the NFL

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September 5, 2015; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins wide receiver Thomas Duarte (18) runs in to score a touch down against the Virginia Cavaliers during the first half at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

Thomas Duarte TE – Miami Dolphins 7th round

Depth Chart

Starter Cameron Jordan hasn’t quite been the receiving threat that he flashed in Cleveland. He’s been banged up and because of that he hasn’t developed chemistry with quarterback Ryan Tannehill the way the organization would like.

He is also owed $7.5 million in 2016 so this could be a make or break year for him. He’s backed up by both Jake Stoneburner and Dion Sims. Stoneburner is more of a receiving threat but still only had five catches last year while Sims is more of what I would call a number two tight end; a guy who is called upon to block and occasionally make a catch.

Why he can make an immediate impact…

The Dolphins haven’t been the same since they lost tight end Charles Clay to the Buffalo Bills. Clay wasn’t built like a traditional TE and neither is Duarte. Both are around 6’3 with tons of athletic ability and although not dominating inline blocking TE’s, they find ways to spring ball carriers and shield off defenders.

Most importantly, they both have very good hands. That’s something that will help get the former Bruin on the field early and often.

Next: Browns get a new weapon