good thing I didn't actually put money on it, because my pick has already decided to call it a career before his career even began.The Palm Beach Post reported today that Robertson has retired.
Robertson is the second player in as many years to leave the Dolphins not long after signing as an undrafted free agent. In 2007, Clemson offensive tackle Marion Dukes called it quits in August after signing with the team following the draft. It is not a completely uncommon occurrence at this time of year, as undrafted rookies face very tough uphill battles to sustain a career in the pros.
While the loss of Robertson is hardly detrimental, it does make the Dolphins' depth nose tackle even thinner than it was before. Jason Ferguson is a lock to start, but second-year man Paul Soliai was a disappointment as a rookie and is far from a lock to make the team. Undrafted rookie Anthony Toribio of Carson-Newman is the only other nose tackle on the roster at this point. As you'll recall, the Dolphins recently waived Steve Fifita, who was ahead of Soliai on the depth chart during the 2007 season.
My sources tell me agent acquisition Randy Starks is getting some reps at the nose tackle spot, as one would expect with Miami's depth there. While Starks is probably a better fit at end in the 3-4 and is working primarily from there so far, he would likely be a better replacement for Ferguson than any of Miami's other current options. Starks will probably open the season starting at end, but should Ferguson go down don't be surprised if Starks slides over.
Former Dolphin update
Because I enjoy following the league as a whole, and tend to be the guy to answer other Dolphins fans' questions of "Whatever happened to that guy?", I like to keep you guys up to date on the movements of former Dolphins.Cornerback Will Poole, originally drafted by the Dolphins out of USC in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL Draft, has re-signed with the Kansas City Chiefs. Poole appeared in 15 games for the Dolphins as a rookie in '04, recording 31 tackles and five pass deflections. He was a first-round talent who likely would have developed into a starter for the Dolphins had he stayed healthy, but his career has been derailed by knee injuries and he has yet to really bounce back.
Poole spent 2005 and 2006 on injured reserve and was subsequently let go by the Dolphins. He was picked up by the Chiefs in July of 2007, but failed to make the team's final roster. He spent less than a week on the Toronto Argonauts' practice squad in October before being a released.
