The Miami Dolphins added 24 rookies to their roster this offseason either through the draft or through free agency after it, which is part of the drastic changes their making under their new regime.
While a few of these rookies will likely make an impact in their first season in the NFL, ESPN’s Jordan Reid has identified linebacker Kyle Louis as an underrated rookie who could make some waves this year.
“A versatile option on defense, Louis is the exact type of player that teams should seek to add when establishing a new culture,” Reid wrote. “Under new coach Jeff Hafley, he’ll be an interchangeable second- and third-level threat who can generate turnovers. Louis had 10 sacks and six INTs over his final two collegiate seasons.”
Louis was a three-star recruit out of East Orange Campus High School in East Orange, New Jersey, before committing to the University of Pittsburgh.
In four seasons with the Panthers, Louis recorded 201 tackles, 10 sacks, six interceptions, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries in 37 games. He also earned All-ACC honors twice (2024 and 2025) and All-American honors once (2025).
The 22-year-old has the ability to play both linebacker and safety in the NFL, and Miami has indicated that he’ll prepare for the year as a linebacker, but he could move around if needed.
The Dolphins already have a deep linebacker room, so if Louis plays there alone, he may have some trouble getting snaps early on, but at safety, Miami could use the help.
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This article originally appeared on Dolphins Wire: Versatile Dolphins defender identified as an underrated rookie in 2026
Reporting by Mike Masala, Dolphins Wire / Dolphins Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
