The Miami Dolphins have signed undrafted rookie DJ Herman out of San Diego State, the team announced Monday—a move that could quietly pay dividends down the road.
Herman was one of 10 tryout players at the Dolphins' rookie minicamp over the weekend and secured the final open spot on Miami's 91-man roster. Listed as a fullback in the team's press release, Herman brings a versatile college résumé: he primarily contributed on special teams and also played linebacker. At the rookie camp, he was listed among the linebackers.
This signing carries extra intrigue given the Dolphins' current roster situation. After Alec Ingold departed for the Los Angeles Chargers in free agency, Herman is now the only pure fullback on Miami's depth chart. The team also has rookie tight end Will Kacmarek as a potential option for fullback or H-back duties. When head coach Jeff Hafley spoke at the NFL annual meeting in March, he expressed openness to adding a fullback after the position was left vacant following the first wave of free agency.
Herman's path to a roster spot runs through special teams. In 49 career games with the Aztecs, he made two starts at linebacker, recording 56 tackles and two passes defensed. But his real value came as a core special teams contributor—a skill set that could earn him a role under new special teams coordinator Chris Tabor during offseason workouts and training camp.
Interestingly, Herman was a college teammate of Dolphins first-round pick Chris Johnson at San Diego State, giving him an existing connection in the locker room.
The Dolphins currently have 91 roster spots, one more than the typical offseason limit, due to a player on the league's international program—tight end Seydou Traore from London. Herman edged out other tryout hopefuls, including Miami native Romello Brinson and former Florida State quarterback Tommy Castellanos, both of whom worked out as wide receivers.
For a team looking to rebuild its physical identity, Herman's signing represents a low-risk, high-upside addition that could solidify a key role in the offense and special teams unit.