Duke

Riley

Riley is a role-player on defense and a notable contributor on special teams for the Dolphins. He only logged one sack and a pair of TFLs on defense but took the field for 73 percent of the Dolphins’ special teams snaps. His two-way utility was more than enough to earn him a multi-year deal.

Riley, a seven-year veteran, will return for a second season with the Dolphins. In 2021, he served as a depth linebacker and a special teams player. He should maintain that role for Miami in 2022.

“The Dolphins likely would offer each a modest deal,” the Herald said. Johnson came on late for the Dolphins and clearly outplayed Myles Gaskin. This backfield likely still has some real flux in it, with Raheem Mostert a rumored target who Mike McDaniel is familiar with, but Johnson could be a real part of the rotation in 2022.

Riley made eight starts for the Eagles last year, posting 55 tackles, an interception, and two TFLs. He’ll replace Kamu Grugier-Hill as a depth presence and special teams contributor. The Dolphins also added ex-Texans OLB Brennan Scarlet this week.

Riley was a third-round pick in 2017, going 75th overall out of LSU. In college, Riley didn’t start until his final season but blew up the Senior Bowl and Combine with his athleticism -- 4.58 forty and 6.89 three-cone times -- to put himself in the Day 2 conversation. Riley, however, couldn’t crack the Falcons’ defense this year and will get a fresh start as an upside flyer for the Eagles.

Signed in August, Cyprien played a mere 15 snaps for the Eagles Weeks 1-4. With the Falcons losing SS Keanu Neal to a torn Achilles’ last week, they went with Kemal Ishmael next to FS Ricardo Allen in the loss to the Titans Sunday. Cyprien offers them a box safety presence with minimal coverage skills. He’s known more for his physicality. Riley was a former third-round pick who just couldn’t crack the rotation in Atlanta.

Riley (6’1/232) played special teams his first three seasons in Baton Rouge before taking over as a starter in 2016, tallying a team-high 90 tackles including 9.0 for a loss. He made the Tigers’ defensive calls next to thumper Kendell Beckwith. Just a one-year starter, Riley shined at January’s Senior Bowl, then posted top-three SPARQ results among off-ball linebackers at the Combine with a 4.58 forty and impressive three-cone time (6.89). Much as he did at LSU, Riley could open his career covering kicks before pushing for snaps at Will or Sam. He is rangy and a good enough tackler to eventually win a starting job. He joins another speedy LSU linebacker Deion Jones in LSU.

A one-year starter at LSU, Riley goosed his draft stock with an excellent Combine and Senior Bowl. He’ll begin his career as a special teamer, but has the skills and athletic profile to eventually make an impact on defense.

The No. 75 overall pick of the draft, Riley went down in Sunday night’s loss to the Patriots. He’s played 189 snaps this season, but has not been effective.

Riley has made five starts in six games, playing 189 snaps as a part-time player in coach Dan Quinn’s defense. It’s unclear how much damage Riley has to his meniscus, but he’s likely to miss at a minimum of four weeks.