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UCLA Football: Wrapping up NFL Debuts for Former UCLA Players

By Michael Chavez

Jun 14, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau talks with line backer Aaron Wallace (52) as they stretch during mini-camp at St. Thomas Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: George Walker IV/ The Tennessean via USA TODAY NETWORK
Jun 14, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau talks with line backer Aaron Wallace (52) as they stretch during mini-camp at St. Thomas Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: George Walker IV/ The Tennessean via USA TODAY NETWORK /
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Nov 21, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; UCLA Bruins wide receiver Thomas Duarte (18) cannot make the catch between Utah Utes defensive backs Evan Eggiman (31) and Marcus Williams (20) during the second half at Rice-Eccles Stadium. UCLA won 17-9. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; UCLA Bruins wide receiver Thomas Duarte (18) cannot make the catch between Utah Utes defensive backs Evan Eggiman (31) and Marcus Williams (20) during the second half at Rice-Eccles Stadium. UCLA won 17-9. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /

TE Thomas Duarte

The Miami Dolphins‘ 7th round pick Thomas Duarte initially saw time on special teams but started the second half of the game against the New York Giants. He is clearly much bigger than he was at UCLA and was being used as both an inline blocking tight end and an H-back.

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His blocking is still a work in progress but he reminded me a lot of former Colt TE Dallas Clark who was also not a traditional tight end. Clark got by in the league by walling defenders off instead of punishing them into the ground and that’s what Duarte will have to do.

Duarte was targeted twice and ended the night with one catch for a 16 yard touchdown. Clearly he’s a much deadlier receiving option than a blocker but showed he’s working hard to be as versatile as possible. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him factor into a larger part of the Dolphins’ game plan going forward.

Next: Perkins gets some touches