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Undrafted Free Agent Focus: Miami Dolphins WR Rashawn Scott

By Mark Morales-Smith

Nov 27, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Miami Hurricanes wide receiver Rashawn Scott (11) runs after a catch against Pittsburgh Panthers defensive back Avonte Maddox (14) during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. Miami won 29-24. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Miami Hurricanes wide receiver Rashawn Scott (11) runs after a catch against Pittsburgh Panthers defensive back Avonte Maddox (14) during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. Miami won 29-24. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Every year there are a few rookies that fall through the cracks, go undrafted and ended up being stars in the league. I mean superstar players like Chris Harris, Cameron Wake and Arian Foster.

We’ve seen pass-catchers like Antonio Gates, Drew Pearson and Wes Welker get overlooked as well. For one reason or another, it happens.

Related Story: 2016 NFL Draft: Artie Burns an Underrated Prospect

In this article we will be focusing on Rashawn Scott. A University of Miami wide receiver that went undrafted in the 2016 NFL Draft. This comes on the heels of another former undrafted Miami Hurricane earning himself a big pay day.

Hurns signed a four-year, $40 million extension with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The deal includes $20 million guaranteed and a potential to earn an additional $4 million in incentives. This comes after the 24 year old’s breakout sophomore campaign.

We have continued to see star players coming out of “The U” being overlooked and developing into stars on the next level. Guys like Travis Benjamin and Lamar Miller dropping to the fifth round in the NFL Draft and Hurns falling completely out of the draft altogether. The next player we will be adding to this list is Scott.

After going undrafted in the 2016 NFL Draft, Scott has signed with the Miami Dolphins. The 24 year old stands 6’2″, 203 pounds and was Miami’s best receiver last year, although, he did deal with injuries which almost certainly impacted his draft stock. He finished 2015 with 52 receptions for 695 yards and five TDs. When fully healthy he caught 34 passes in his first six games and finished strong catching 12 in his final two games.

As I mentioned before, injuries are the worry here. Scott missed all of 2011 and 2014. Once he got a bit banged up in 2015, scouts shied away from the talented Hurricane. When healthy he has the size and speed to be an impact player in the NFL. He’s a former track star with great explosion and is a strong route runner. His ability to make smooth cuts at full speed is uncanny.

Physicality is no issue for him. He’ll get the best of physical cornerbacks off the line or downfield. Because of all the times he’s spent on the sidelines with injury, his upside and potential is immense.

Dec 26, 2015; El Paso, TX, USA; Miami Hurricanes wide receiver Rashawn Scott (11) makes a catch against the Washington State Cougars during the second half at Sun Bowl Stadium. The Cougars won 20-14. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 26, 2015; El Paso, TX, USA; Miami Hurricanes wide receiver Rashawn Scott (11) makes a catch against the Washington State Cougars during the second half at Sun Bowl Stadium. The Cougars won 20-14. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

He’s obviously not a perfect prospect even when healthy though. Scott has had some issues with drops and is still very raw. You can chalk a lot of that up to all the time he’s spent sidelined with injuries. Nonetheless, it wouldn’t shock me at all if within a few year’s he develops into a legitimate NFL receiver.

As great of a story it would be for Scott to make his mark with the Dolphins, it would take a lot for him to make the 53-man roster this season. The practice squad is a real possibility though. Miami has a surplus of talented young wideouts. Of their top four WRs, Jarvis Landry, DeVante Parker, Kenny Stills and Leonte Carroo, Stills is the oldest at 24. Rookie Jakeem Grant looks locked into a roster spot because of his ability on returns too.

must read: NFL: Breakout Player of the Year Candidates

Scott has his work cut out for him this summer. Even if he doesn’t make the Dolphins squad, he’ll get a shot somewhere and he should not be overlooked. He’s a talented kid with a ton of potential and bright future. Be sure to keep your eye on him because like so many Hurricanes before, he’s here to leave his mark on the NFL.

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