The team signed yet another of its draft picks to a deal on Thursday. DT Paul Soliai signed a four-year contract. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. He is the sixth draft pick signed by Miami, leaving only four picks left to sign. Soliai will probably be gradually worked into the defensive line rotation, subbing in as one of Keith Traylor's backups (in addition to Fred Evans) before eventually taking over for him full time in the future.
Negotiations with sixth-round draft pick G Drew Mormino are currently ongoing.
Here is my post-draft write-up of Paul Soliai:
Round 4 (108) - DT Paul Soliai, Utah
Weighing in at 345 pounds, Soliai is one big dude. I really think that Miami got great value at this spot. He's not going to record a bunch of sacks, but he has a great chance of becoming a fine NT in the mold of Keith Traylor. He has the ability to clog running lanes and he can easily take on two blockers. He's not a pass-rushing threat, but he wasn't brought in to be one. He clogs up the middle of the field, pure and simple.
Expectations: This was one of my favorite picks in the draft. Miami got such great value here in the fourth round. As a rookie, Soliai will most likely be part of a rotation as he polishes his skills, but with Traylor's injury history and age, it's very likely that he will be pressed into action later in the season. After Traylor is gone, look for Soliai to step right in and fill the NT position more than adequately.
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Other news of note:
* The team is expected to release Daunte Culpepper before today's minicamp unless they can find a trade partner overnight.
* WR Ted Ginn practiced at the Dolphins facility on Thursday, and he is now allowed to participate in all Dolphins-related activities since Ohio State has concluded its final exams. It's uncertain to what degree he will participate in this weekend's minicamps due to his foot injury.
* Director of Pro Personnel George Paton left the Dolphins to take a similar position with the Vikings.
* Check out this article over at the Bleacher Report. It's a look at the Trent Green situation with some ironic humor thrown in.
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