The Dolphins have begun to sign their draft picks.
The club struck deals with outside linebacker Jelani Jenkins, placekicker Caleb Sturgis and cornerback Don Jones on Tuesday.
Sturgis, a fifth-round selection from Florida, probably has the best chance of the trio to make a major contribution as a rookie. The first kicker selected in the NFL Draft, Sturgis will compete with incumbent Dan Carpenter, and Sturgis would seem to have a real shot at giving Carpenter a tough battle.
Jenkins, a fourth-round pick from Florida, is expected to be “a core special teams player,” Dolphins GM Jeff Ireland said after the draft, according to the club. He’s likely to provide depth at linebacker. Jones, a seventh-round selection from Arkansas State, will vie for a roster spot. Solid special teams play would not hurt his cause.