Dolphins waive two, add AFL receiver

A day into training camp, the Dolphins signed one of their two unsigned draft picks, added an Arena league receiver and waived two players. Second-round defensive end Phillip Merling signed a four-year contract with the team today while Dallas Desperados receiver Anthony Armstrong was inked as well. To make room for the two, wideout Justin Wynn and offensive tackle Dan Gore (both undrafted rookies) were waived.

The 25-year-old Armstrong (5-11, 175) played college football at West Texas A&M. He went undrafted in 2005 and played for the Odessa Roughnecks of the Intense Football League (an indoor league) in 2006. He spent the past two seasons with the Dallas Desperados of the Arena Football League.

At West Texas A&M, Armstrong earned All-Lone Star Conference his junior and senior seasons and finished his collegiate career with 45 receptions for 1,768 yards. He had a pre-draft workout with the Dallas Cowboys in 2005 (most obscure connection ever?) but went undrafted and unsigned.

In 2006, Armstrong joined the Odessa Roughnecks of the Texas-based Intense Football League. That season, he caught 55 passes for 760 yards and 18 touchdowns, rushed four times for 39 yards and three touchdowns, and returned seven kickoffs for 166 yards and a touchdown.

The following year, Armstrong began the Arena league season on the practice squad of the Dallas Desperados before being promoted to the active roster. He finished the year with 10 catches for 126 yards and two touchdowns while adding another touchdown on his only kick return of the season. He experienced a breakout season with the Desperados in 2008, catching 85 passes for 1,162 yards and 18 touchdowns.

Analysis

The Dolphins really just swapped one long-shot receiver for another. Armstrong wasn't a stud in college and clearly hasn't been thought of as much of an NFL prospect. He faces competition from a handful of other players, including Davone Bess, Jayson Foster, Selwyn Lymon and John Dunlap. He isn't a good bet to make the team.

As for the other release, the departure of Dan Gore gives the Dolphins only five tackles on the roster. It wouldn't be surprising to see the Dolphins make an addition in this area soon, as they recently worked out undrafted free agent Pedro Sosa - a potential second- or third-rounder from Rutgers who went undrafted due to a knee injury his senior season.